Latest news with #NCSO
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
Makkah's 911 is truly a friend in need
MINA: Whether you have lost your way, misplaced a valuable item, or faced a moment of danger in the Makkah region, you can simply call 911, and the first thing you will hear is, 'How can I help you?' However, behind that simple question stands an army of skilled operators and a vast, sophisticated system — the Unified Security Operations Center 911 in the Makkah region, a key division of the National Center for Security Operations under the Saudi Ministry of Interior. The center is a vital yet often unseen component of public safety, responsible for coordinating emergency responses. Its role becomes especially crucial during major events like the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Normally, the center includes representatives from around 15 security and service agencies, but this number can increase to as many as 30 during Hajj to ensure the effective management of large crowds and potential emergencies. Located just a few kilometers from the holy sites, the facility is divided into three core sections: the call-taking hall, the dispatch hall, and the surveillance hall, which oversees the city's extensive network of security cameras. Speaking to Arab News, Capt. Abdulaziz bin Zuhair Al-Ghamdi, spokesperson for the NCSO, said the center receives around 40,000 calls each day, noting that 80 percent are resolved directly by call takers without the need for further escalation. 'Most of the calls we get are from people asking questions about some of the rules we have like how and when to enter Makkah, or who is allowed to enter Makkah,' Al-Ghamdi said. During peak periods such as Hajj, the volume of calls increases. On Thursday, June 5 alone, the center handled 46,079 calls. Many of these came from pilgrims seeking assistance with finding their tents or requesting medical help. Capt. Al-Ghamdi emphasized that only 20 percent of the calls require formal reports and are forwarded to specialized entities for further action. 'As you can see, the center is equipped with the most advanced technology. We answer calls in less than two seconds,' he said. In addition to speed, the center also ensures accessibility, and male and female call takers are trained to respond in multiple languages, including English, French, and Urdu, to assist the diverse population of pilgrims and residents seeking help. The spokesperson noted that once a call is received, the caller's phone number, name, and location are immediately displayed on the center's advanced monitoring screens. 'If there is a serious case, we fill out a form and submit it to the specialized department in less than 45 seconds,' he added. The NCSO oversees similar unified security operations centers in Riyadh, Madinah, and the Eastern Province. It is tasked with monitoring security developments across the Kingdom, analyzing threats, managing large-scale crises, and coordinating response efforts among various agencies. Beyond reactive operations, the center proactively monitors daily developments, issues alerts to secure key installations and diplomatic missions, and coordinates security plans for national events. In a city as densely populated and spiritually significant as Makkah, the responsibility is immense. But thanks to the unseen dedication of teams working around the clock, both residents and pilgrims benefit from a rapid and reassuring response when they need it most. Behind every emergency call answered, there is a quiet promise of safety, delivered by professional men and women committed to protecting lives.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Nevada County Sheriff's Office K9 helps seize narcotics and a firearm in Grass Valley
( —A K9 search led to an arrest and seizure of narcotics and a firearm on Tuesday afternoon. According to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office, with the help of the Grass Valley Police Department, two individuals were arrested for multiple serious drug offenses at around 4:30 p.m. following an investigative stop in the parking lot of a business on Hughes Road. NCSO stated that the suspects have been identified as Kalen Turner, 34, of Nevada City, and Katriena Mulligan, 24, of Grass Valley. NCSO Deputy Ramos and her K9 partner Riggs were on patrol going down East Main Street in Grass Valley, where she saw a suspicious vehicle backing into a car wash but not utilizing the facility. The deputy recognized the vehicle from a prior criminal investigation of drug and property crimes in Nevada County, according to officials. Deputy Ramos conducted a visual surveillance of the vehicle at the business and contacted GVPD since it was within their jurisdiction. Rep. Josh Harder announces legislation to stop invasion of 'stinky' golden mussels NCSO stated that GVPD officers and investigators arrived in the area and assisted Deputy Ramos with observation of the vehicle, which was a 2013 gray Ford Focus. After 20 minutes, the NCSO deputy and GVPD officers saw Mulligan arrive driving a 2007 white Scion and contact Turner, the driver of the Ford Focus, according to NCSO. Both of them drove to a convenience store on Hughes Road, where they parked together behind the businesses and away from the view of the road. NCSO said, 'Detectives were able to position themselves to continue to watch Turner and Mulligan, who then proceeded to complete a 'hand-to-hand' transaction witnessed by the officers.' NCSO Deputy Ramos and GVPD officers conducted a stop on the suspects' vehicles in the parking lot, where narcotics and drug paraphernalia were seen in plain view, according to authorities. At this time, both of the vehicles were searched, yielding the discovery and seizure of fentanyl and paraphernalia from each of the cars and in addition to indicia commonly used in illicit drug sales. This also included a scale and packaging materials in Turner's car, according to NCSO. K9 Riggs is trained and POST certified in narcotics detection and was deployed to search the vehicles, where he detected narcotics in both of the vehicles, NCSO stated. Riggs also alerted to the engine compartment of Turner's vehicle, where crews found 90 rounds of ammunition and a handgun under the hood. Both of the drivers, Mulligan and Turner, were booked into the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility on multiple drug charges, NCSO stated. Authorities said that Turner is being charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of a controlled substance with two or more prior convictions. At this time, there was no mention of what Mulligan is being charged with. 'We want to extend our gratitude to the Grass Valley Police Department for their partnership in this investigation,' NCSO said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
15-year-old killed in Newton County hit-and-run
Officials in Newton County are looking to identify a driver who allegedly drove away after hitting and killing a teenager Monday night. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Newton County deputies said they were called to a hit-and-run around 10:30 p.m. on Highway 36, just south of Hummingbird Lane. When deputies arrived, they found a person dead on the road. The victim was later identified as a 15-year-old boy from Covington. Officials did not release his name. TRENDING STORIES: Chase in DeKalb ends in serious crash, blocks traffic on Peachtree Ind Blvd by I-285 ramp GA parents accused of waiting to report 6-month-old's death while possessing cocaine Man sentenced for kidnapping, raping woman in DeKalb nearly 40 years ago The NCSO said evidence indicates the suspect's vehicle is pearl white. Anyone with information is urged to call Sgt. Jack Redlinger 678-300-7877 or via email. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kiwanis Club honors Deputy Miller for saving abused puppies
JOPLIN, Mo. — A local civic organization recognizes the heroics of another local first responder. The Kiwanis Club of Joplin honored Newton County deputy Morgan Miller with this month's First Responder of the Month Award. The ceremony took place during this afternoon's meeting at the Joplin Elk's Lodge. Miller was responsible for rescuing several puppies and their mother after responding to a report of animal abuse in March. Those puppies had zip ties around their only did she rescue them—she contacted local shelters and raised funds to care for them. 'It's a little heartbreaking when you see puppies like that, especially when they can't voice, you know, how they're feeling. So, it's a little heartbreaking when you see somebody trying to kill dogs like that. I'm grateful that I was the one that responded and take care of those puppies,' Dep. Morgan Miller, NCSO. 'Hey, we're very proud of Morgan today. She went well above and beyond the expectations of anybody. We have high expectations of our deputies at the sheriff's department, and she went above that,' Joe Moore, NCSO Chief Deputy. Most of Miller's work following the incident happened while she was off duty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Kentucky groups work to collect storm response resources: Where to bring supplies, donations
LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Communities and public officials across Kentucky came together on Saturday to help those affected by deadly storms. The East Bernstadt Fire Department announced that members are collecting donations and gathering items for those about to begin the long road to recovery. Fire officials asked nearby residents to drop off tarps, totes, rakes, nails, hammers, and wood – any items that can help secure property or help clean. 3 taken to hospital after Somerset highway crash Kentucky groups work to collect storm response resources: Where to bring supplies, donations Laurel County fire major killed in line of duty during storms Community members can drop off donations at the fire department. The Menifee County Sheriff's Office posted on Facebook that, in partnership with the Menifee County Coroner's Office, staff will also be taking donations of water, cleaning supplies, and non-perishable food items. Supply donations in Menifee County can be dropped off on Back Street at the sheriff's office, deputies wrote. Menifee County law enforcement officials said donations will be accepted at the sheriff's office from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Just after 8 p.m. on Saturday, the Nelson County Sheriff's Office announced that deputies would be collecting enough donations to fill two box trailers before embarking for Laurel County to donate the supplies to storm victims. Starting on Monday morning, the NCSO wrote that staff will be collecting: Paper Towels Tarps Totes Diapers Baby Formula Clothes Shoes Hygiene Products Water Non-perishable Food Cleaning Supplies Medical Supplies Batteries Flashlights Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
