All emergency calls to 911 are recorded, but the length of time the recordings are kept varies by jurisdiction, while the accompanying dispatch logs are often retained much longer.
What is recorded when you dial 911?
When a call reaches a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), the system creates several pieces of data:
- Audio recording of the conversation between caller and dispatcher.
- Dispatch log generated by Computer‑Aided Dispatch (CAD) software, including timestamps, caller ID, location and incident type.
- Radio traffic between dispatchers and responding units, when applicable.
- Any digital data such as text‑to‑911 messages, photos or video, if the PSAP supports it.
How long are audio recordings kept?
There is no single federal rule for audio retention. Each state, county or city sets its own schedule. Common practices include:
- 30‑ to 60‑day retention for routine calls that are not part of an investigation.
- Up to 180 days in many jurisdictions for non‑critical calls.
- One year or longer for calls involving serious injury, death, or ongoing criminal cases.
If a law enforcement agency issues a legal hold, the audio is preserved beyond the normal window.
What happens to the dispatch logs?
CAD logs are text‑based and far less storage‑intensive than raw audio. Most agencies keep these records for several years because they are useful for statistical analysis, legal review and internal audits. The exact period again depends on local policy, but it is typically longer than the audio retention period.
Can the public obtain 911 recordings?
Access is governed by state public‑records laws and privacy protections. Agencies will release logs and recordings unless they contain sensitive personal information or are part of an active investigation. Requests often require a fee and a waiting period while the agency reviews the material for redactions.
What triggers extended storage?
When a call becomes evidence in a criminal trial, civil lawsuit, or insurance claim, a subpoena or preservation order forces the PSAP to retain the audio and related data until the matter is resolved. This overrides the standard deletion schedule.