activity not in progress.10.
Depending on where you live, the dispatcher that answers your 911 call will probably handle any request for the police.
Fire and EMS dispatchers are specially trained to give instructions for medical emergencies and these instructions should be strictly followed without argument. Typically, these calls are dealt with quickly, either by providing the requested information or by giving the caller a non-emergency phone number, such as the local fire station, police station or hospital, where any questions can be addressed. Welfare checks, unless there are extenuating circumstances.15. If there is the slightest doubt, make the call to 911. It may not be feasible or safe for you to remain on the phone in certain instances. An experienced, well-trained dispatcher is able to gather a lot of high quality, vitally important information that can help first responders form an early understanding of what they will be facing upon arrival at the emergency scene. Physical descriptions are not essential unless there is something distinguishing such as very tall or short, very overweight, or if the suspect has some other very unusual characteristic such as walking with a limp, or an amputated arm. Knowing when and when not to call 911 will keep the emergency lines open to people with true emergencies.Police, fire, and EMS all have non-emergency numbers that are typically listed in the front of the phone book (or on your local city government website). Not every call for emergency services, however, necessitates a call to 911.
The also applies if you live in a gated community with a keypad code.If the emergency is in a location that you do not have the address for, you must be able to provide the exact location to the dispatcher. If you need the fire department or EMS (Emergency Medical Services), the person answering the call may help you or you may be transferred to a fire and EMS dispatcher.
They cannot and will not provide it under any circumstance.
They need your complete address including the apartment letter or number, if there is one. Do not call the police for legal advice that should be provided by a lawyer.
Do your part to keep the 911 lines available to those who really need it.Many departments have civilian employees who take reports for certain minor crimes over the telephone. Information on traffic or parking citations or court appearances.16.
The dispatcher is required to log all calls, recording all of the pertinent details. Questions concerning laws, statutes, or ordinances. Calling the police is frequently another matter as the police department gets all manner of requests. Be prepared to give the dispatcher any additional information needed to get to your door.
You should typically not call the police asking when they will arrive unless the situation escalates or you’re convinced they have forgotten you. Just be conscious of the fact that in many instances you will get the proper response by calling the non-emergency number and allow someone in urgent need of assistance to get a quicker response.Want to start taking action on the content you read on AoM?At some point in our lives, most of us will have occasion to call for the police, fire department, or an ambulance.
Here is what you should expect when you need to do so.
Don’t try to carry on a conversation with someone else in the room while you’re on the phone with the police. Depending on where you live, the dispatcher that answers your 911 call will probably handle any request for the police.
Strict adherence to the dispatcher’s instructions is imperative for all concerned.There are a few things to keep in mind when calling 911.
The dispatcher is very concerned with the safety of the officers who are responding to your emergency and he will be very adamant about getting the information he needs.
This article will primarily address 911 calls that require a police response because that is where my experience lies.
Non-emergency calls for information such as road conditions also might be redirected from other lines. Do not call EMS for medical advice.
When resources are overstretched, the 911 dispatcher must decide which emergency gets immediate attention. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
When a member of the public dials 911, it usually is because of a serious crisis. You may need to leave the location or lock yourself in a room. Don’t ask the dispatcher why he is asking you certain questions. Dispatchers have to keep track of the location and status of all units in the area as well, with regular updates as conditions change.The dispatcher often might be required to prioritize calls. (These calls should typically go to the appropriate city department and not the police, when possible.
Some emergencies are more time sensitive than others, though, and the dispatcher might decide to respond to the more pressing issues first.Dispatchers also will receive several non-emergency calls over the course of a day.