Dial 911 For Emergencies Only!
Emergencies are:
- Serious medical problems (i.e. chest pain, seizures, bleeding)
- Any type of fire
- Life threatening situations
- Any crimes in progress
All other situations are considered a non-emergency. Dial the agency's listed telephone number (784-5050) for non-emergencies. Non-emergency incidents include those not in progress; break-ins to vehicles, property theft or vandalism. The non-emergency number should also be used for non-injury auto accidents.
Do Not Program 911 into your Speed Dial
Programming the number invites accidental dialing. This needlessly burdens the dispatchers with non-emergency calls.
If 911 is dialed in error, do not hang up!
Stay on the telephone and explain to the dispatcher that you dialed in error and there is no emergency. This allows the dispatcher and officers to downgrade the call priority. Expect an officer to respond to verify that there is no problem. Please meet them at the door or wherever you made the call from, to answer any questions they will have.
In case of an emergency, be brief and specific
"I'm reporting an car fire" or "I'm reporting a shoplifter" are examples of brief and specific explanations. Stay on the phone with the dispatcher until you are instructed to hang up. The dispatcher may keep you on the line until emergency personnel arrives to obtain further information or ask additional questions.
Let the dispatcher ask questions
Dispatchers have been trained to ask pertinent questions that will prioritize the incident, locate the area, and send out the appropriate assistance. If you are in a position that does not allow you to explain the situation with full answers (suspect is nearby), stay on the phone and the dispatcher will ask questions that can be answered with a yes or no. If the situation requires you to leave the phone, put it down but do not disconnect the call.
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