The mission of the Communications Division of the Bates County Sheriff's Office is to ensure the safety and welfare of the citizens and officers we serve. We are the point of contact for emergency services (law enforcement, fire and ambulance) in the unincorporated areas of Bates County and the city of Rich Hill. We receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service and relay them to the appropriate officer or agency so they can quickly and safely serve the needs of the public.

The Bates County Sheriff's Office Communications Division has a staff of 6 FT and 1 PT Communications Officers. The call center operates 24/7/365, with two Communications Officers on duty most days/evenings. In addition to receiving and dispatching calls for service, Communications Officers are also responsible for: maintaining records, entering warrants, missing persons, protection orders and stolen property into state and national law enforcement computer systems. Communications Officers operate the security and surveillance systems of the Bates County Sheriff's Office and monitor potentially hazardous weather conditions. Communications Officers also greet and check in all visitors to the Bates County Sheriff's Office.