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1. Can the center communicate with the speech/hearing-impaired?

Yes.  The Emergency Communications Center is equipped with Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) enabling communications with the speech/hearing-impaired callers.

If a caller uses a TTY/TDD, the caller should:

• Stay calm, place the phone receiver in the TTY, dial 9-1-1.
• After the call is answered, press the TTY keys several times. This may help shorten the time necessary to respond to the call.
• Give the call taker time to connect their TTY. If necessary, press the TTY keys again. The 9-1-1 call taker should answer and type “GA” for Go Ahead.
• Tell what is needed-police, fire department, or ambulance. Give your name, phone number and the address where help is needed
• Stay on the telephone if it is safe. Answer the call taker’s questions.

If a deaf or hearing/speech impaired caller does not have a TTY/TDD, the caller should call 9-1-1 and do not hang up.  Not hanging up leaves the line open.  With most 9-1-1 calls, the caller’s address is displayed on the call taker’s screen and help will be sent.

2. Why does dispatch ask so many questions?

Dispatchers ask for pertinent information first – address, type of call, name of caller or those involved, and your call back number.  Once the initial information is obtained, additional questions may be asked depending on the type of call.  The questioning will not slow down the dispatching of the appropriate assistance.  In emergency cases, this information is relayed immediately to field units so they may begin responding to the incident, while the dispatcher remains on the phone to obtain further details that are also relayed to the responding units as it is gathered, in real time.  The dispatcher will further assist callers by giving instructions to callers on how to administer life saving techniques, such as CPR, during medical emergencies; to take steps to promote the personal safety of the caller, the victim and responding Police, Fire, or EMS personnel, and to engage in those actions that preserve evidence to aid in the apprehension of suspects.

3. What do I say when I call 9-1-1?

When reporting an emergency:

• Remain calm
• Speak clearly
• Listen to instructions
• Answer all questions
• DO NOT hang up until instructed to do so by the call taker

The person answering 9-1-1 is a trained dispatcher.  They have been trained as to what questions to ask.  Be prepared to follow the dispatcher’s line of questioning (e.g. WHEN did the incident occur, WHAT is happening, WHERE the situation is occurring, WHO is involved, is a WEAPON involved, what INJURIES have been sustained, etc.).

4. What do I do if I call 9-1-1 by accident?

If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, DO NOT HANG UP.  Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that everything is all right.  If a caller to 911 hangs up without stating the problem, the caller must be contacted in order to ensure that no actual emergency exits.  This may involve the dispatching of a law enforcement officer to your home or place of business in order to ensure that a problem does not exist.  One common misconception that citizens have about dialing 911 by mistake is they will somehow get into trouble.  This is not true!

5. When should I call 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is only to be used in emergencies.  An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire, or rescue.  9-1-1 is for emergencies, potential emergencies, or when an emergency is imminent.

Ask yourself:

• Is there a danger to life or property?
• Is there a serious medical emergency (chest pains, seizures, bleeding, etc?)
• Is there any type of fire (building, vehicle, brush, etc?)
• Is there any crime in-progress (robbery, burglary, prowler, fights, etc?)
• Are there any other life threatening situations (traffic accident with injuries, stuck in high water, etc?)
• Is the caller or someone else the victim of a crime?
• If you are ever in doubt of whether a situation is an emergency, you should call 9-1-1.  It is better to be safe and let the 9-1-1 call taker determine if you need emergency assistance.

Please, do not call 9-1-1 to report that electricity or other utilities are off; to notify authorities of traffic jams; to inquire about government services; or to learn general information.

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1. Can I come look at the dogs?

Yes, you may visit Animal control Monday-Friday from 7am-4pm.

2. Who do we call after hours?

You call the Police Department. The non emergency number is 870-236-7621.

3. Do you pick up cats or kittens?

No, The City of Paragould does not currently have any ordinances on cats.

4. Do you offer spay or neuter assistance?

No, we do not.

5. Are you allowed to keep livestock and poultry in the city limits?

Yes, I f you live in areas zoned agriculture. If you live in an area that is not zoned agriculture, you will be required to obtain a permit from the Code Enforcement Office at the cost of $5.00.  You can view the Livestock and Poultry ordinance here.

6. Do you accept owner surrenders?

We accept surrenders by court order, and in special cases. You must live in the City Limits of Paragould.

7. Do you loan out traps?

Yes, we have a limited number of traps available on loan for a fully refundable $40 deposit.

8. Do I have to register my dog?

No, you currently do not have to register your dog in Paragould.

9. Can I volunteer?

Yes, you must fill out the volunteer aplication. You can find a copy of the application on our web page. The application must be filled out in person.

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1. Does the Paragould Fire Department install smoke alarms?

Yes, the Paragould Fire Department installs smoke alarms at no charge.  Please call 870-239-7525 to request assistance or fill out the Smoke Alarm Request Form.

2. Does the Paragould Fire Department provide smoke alarms?

Yes, the Paragould Fire Department provides smoke alarms at no charge.  A fire department representative will make an assessment of the property and provide the required amount of smoke alarms.  To request a smoke alarm go to the Smoke Alarm Request.

3. My smoke alarm is chirping. What is wrong?

A smoke alarm that emits a random chirp indicates one of two things.  The alarms battery may need to be replaced with a new battery or the alarm may have an internal problem and need to be replaced.

4. How often should I test my smoke alarm?

Smoke alarms should be tested once a month.  Press the test button and hold it until you hear a beep.  If you do not hear a beep try changing the battery.  If the smoke alarm is still not functioning properly replace the smoke alarm with a new one or contact the fire department.

5. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke alarm?

Smoke alarm batteries should be changed with new batteries at least once a year.  However, twice a year is recommended.  An easy way to remember this is during time change in the Spring and Fall.

6. Do I still need to worry about testing or changing the battery if I have hardwired smoke alarms in my home?

Absolutely, hardwired interconnected smoke alarms still require the same monthly testing and yearly battery changes as their stand alone counterparts.  

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1. When am I required to have a Contractor's License?

Typically anything with a cost of more than $2000.00 requires a Contractor's license. Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board

2. Do you have an online Floodplain Map?

FEMA Floodplain Map

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1. Where do I go to pay a fine or a traffic citation?

Paragould District Court

Greene County Courthouse

320 W. Court St., 2nd floor

870-239-7508

2. Can I pay my fines online?

You can pay your fines online, however, there is a service fee for the use of this service.  You may visit the website by clicking here, or you may call them directly at 877-591-8768. 

3. When and where can I take my driver's license test?

The Arkansas State Police Driver's License Examiner currently conducts driver's license testing at the Greene County Sheriff's Department.  A current schedule, along with a link to schedule skills testing, can be found at the Arkansas State Police Troop C Driver License Testing webpage.

4. Where can I obtain a study manual for the Arkansas State Police Driver's License Exam?

The Arkansas State Police supplies an online option for the driver's license study guide.  The study manuals for non-commercial, commercial, and motorcycle licenses may be obtained on the ASP Driver Examination page.  For paper copies, we recommend contacting Arkansas Troop C Headquarters to check availability.  They can be reached at 870-935-7302.

5. Where is the Paragould Police Department located?

The Paragould Police Department is located at 101 N. 3 1/2 St, at the corner of N. 3 1/2 St. and W. Court St.  We are located directly across the street from the historic Greene County Courthouse.

6. Where is the jail located?

The Greene County Detention Center is located at 1809 N. Rockingchair Rd. here in Paragould.  They can be reached by calling 870-239-6334.

7. When paying for a report or fingerprints, may I use cash or a personal check?

No.  The only payments accepted by the Paragould Police Department for such items are money orders or cashier's checks.

8. Where do I go to report a city ordinance violation?

You can report city ordinance violations here.