911 calls archived?

[byter]

Are 911 calls saved? Can the public access them?

[friedo]

All 911 calls are recorded. The laws regarding how long they’re saved and who has access to them and when vary by state, and probably by community.

[St.Urho]

Like friedo said, all 911 calls are recorded. EMS, Fire, and Law Enforecment agencies can and do access recordings for various reasons.

Here is the relevant Minnesota statute

13.82 Comprehensive Law Enforcement Data
Subd. 4. Audio recording of 911 call. The audio
recording of a call placed to a 911 system for the purpose of
requesting service from a law enforcement, fire, or medical
agency is private data on individuals with respect to the
individual making the call, except that a written transcript of
the audio recording is public, unless it reveals the identity of
an individual otherwise protected under subdivision 17. A
transcript shall be prepared upon request. The person
requesting the transcript shall pay the actual cost of
transcribing the call, in addition to any other applicable costs
provided under section 13.03, subdivision 3. The audio
recording may be disseminated to law enforcement agencies for
investigative purposes. The audio recording may be used for
public safety and emergency medical services training purposes.