A Users Guide to 911 for Emergencies

What is an Emergency?

• To Save a Life - Any serious medical problem (chest pain, seizure, bleeding)
• To Report a Fire - Any type of fire (business, car, building)
• To Stop a Crime - Any life-threatening situations (fights, people with weapons, etc.)

What information will the operator need?

• The location where assistance is needed
• The nature of the emergency
• Your name and phone number
• Descriptions of suspects, or additional information
• DESCRIPTIVE INFORMATION
• PEOPLE
• Sex
• Race
• Height
• Weight
• Age
• Clothing
• Any distinguishing features (glasses, facial hair, scars)
• VEHICLES
• Color
• Make
• Model
• Body Style (2 door, station wagon, etc.)
• License number
• Which way did the suspect leave?
• Were they running, or in a vehicle?
• Were they going north, south, east, or west?

Helpful Hints:

Always listen to the dispatcher for guidance.  The questions  they ask are for the safety of the public and the officers.  Just because they are questioning you, does not mean help is not on the way. Information is entered into a computer and dispatched by another operator. The officers may arrive while you are still talking to the operator.  Remain on the line until told to hang up. The operator may need more information or to give you further instructions.  Be familiar with your area. We can't help if you don't know where you are.

NEVER intervene with a crime in progress.