BE CAREFUL IF YOU PROGRAM YOUR PHONE TO AUTO DIAL 911
Programming the number invites accidental dialing of 911, but makes it easier for children, elderly or handicapped. Also, please don't dial 911 to "test" your phone. This needlessly burdens the dispatchers and the system with non-emergency calls.
DIAL 911 ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY
An emergency is a serious medical problem, any type of fire, or any life threatening situation like a fight, person with a weapon, etc. 911 is also for any crime in progress.
IF YOU SHOULD HAPPEN TO DIAL 911 IN ERROR, DO NOT HANG UP
Please stay on the line and explain to the dispatcher that it was a mistake. If you hang up, they will have to call you back and have the operator break into your line if you are on another call. If the Dispatcher cannot get through to you to verify the call was in error, Officers will have to be sent to your home to check if you are OK. (Please dial carefully when making long distance calls out of the country; The code 0911 is often misdialed and ends up as a 911 emergency call.)
WHEN REPORTING AN EMERGENCY, STICK TO THE FACTS, LET THE DISPATCHER ASK FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS
Say for example "I want to report a fire." Then stay on the line and let the Dispatcher ask questions. They have been trained to ask the type of questions that will set a priority and allow them to speed the appropriate type of emergency response. Keep in mind that if you are reporting an emergency, its is likely that a response is being made while you are still on the line with the Dispatcher.
BE PREPARED TO DESCRIBE YOUR LOCATION AND THE LOCATION OF THE EMERGENCY
The 911 display which shows the location of the person calling is always verified to ensure the correct address is received on our telephone computer system. If possible, we need an address, a hundred block, (1400 block of Park St.), or an intersection.
BE PREPARED TO GIVE DESCRIPTIONS OF SUSPECTS OR VEHICLES
If we have a description of the suspects and/or vehicle, the Police can search for them even if they leave the scene prior to our arrival.
