Police
How
to report a crime.
Dial 9-1-1 for all police emergencies.
A police emergency is when IMMEDIATE POLICE RESPONSE IS NECESSARY
to protect life and/or property. If a crime is actually occurring
it is important that you TELL the 9-1-1 call-taker that the
crime is IN PROGRESS. Stay calm and answer any questions that
the call-taker may ask. STAY ON THE LINE. The 9-1-1 call-taker
does not have to hang up in order to dispatch the police, fire,
or EMS. Continue to update the situation and provide current
information.
- Do EXACTLY as the 9-1-1 call-taker instructs
during the call. Provide any information or assistance that
you can.
- Tell 9-1-1 as factually as possible what
persons, things and events have or are occurring. Briefly
state the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHO, and WHY of the situation.
- If WEAPONS are involved, i.e. handguns,
rifles, shotguns, knives, broken bottles, etc. ADVISE 9-1-1
IMMEDIATELY and provide information regarding whom and how
many people have the weapons.
- Give the best possible description that
you can. The suspect's name, sex, age, height, weight, race,
hair, eyes, clothing and scars, marks and tattoos.
- If a vehicle is involved get the make, model,
color, year and LICENSE PLATE NUMBER if possible.
- STAY CALM AND STAY ON THE LINE and
continue to answer any questions that 9-1-1 may ask. 9-1-1
call-takers are responsible for the safety of the responding
officers as well as the public and will attempt to gather
as much information about the situation as possible. We
have been trained to ask if any weapons are involved, if
any alcohol or drugs are involved, exactly who and how
many people are involved and will always ask if anyone
is injured and may need medical attention. The information
that you, the caller, provide is crucial in determining
whether the suspects will be apprehended.
YOU
DO NOT HAVE TO GIVE YOUR NAME TO REPORT A CRIME. We have been
trained to ask for your name and we will. A concerned and helpful
citizen will assist the police in their investigation in any
way possible and the information that you provide may well make
the difference and PREVENT another similar situation from occurring.
NEVER LIE to 9-1-1 and falsely
tell us a situation is more serious than it actually is just
to get emergency help there quicker. Such a misrepresentation
could result in the death or injury to another person who really
needed the help before you did. Also, it is a criminal offense
to intentionally and knowingly give false information to the
police or emergency services. NEVER DO IT! Remember that someday
you could be in need of help and require the help of others.
Be willing to work with others during an emergency. Be a part
of the TEAM. Help PREVENT CRIME and SAVE LIVES!
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