Police Emergencies

A police emergency is any situation that requires immediate police response to protect life and/or property. These may include but are not limited to:

  • Assaults
  • Burglaries
  • Damage to property
  • Domestics
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Suicides

Remain Calm & Remain on the Line

Try to remain calm while talking to the Dispatcher and stay on the line until they tell you it is ok to hang up. You may have to remain on the line until responding Law Enforcement arrives on the scene. Depending on the situation, the Dispatcher will be asking questions that will help ensure officer safety, public safety and your safety.

Safety Concerns

While obtaining information about the situation you will be asked if you and/or other people involved are safe. If the answer is no, they will try to help you to get yourself and others to a safer location.

Additional Questions

As well as the questions that are asked for all emergencies, you may be asked the following questions depending on the situation:

  • Who is involved in the situation?
  • Is it in progress or when did it occur?
  • Are there any weapons involved (i.e., guns, knives, sticks etc)?
  • Has anyone been drinking or using drugs?
  • Is anyone injured?
  • Do you have a description of the suspect or other subjects involved?
  • Do you have a description or license plate number of any vehicles involved?
  • Is anyone in danger?
  • Do you know where the suspect or other subjects involved are at this time?

There may be other questions that arise due to the answers to any of the above questions.

Things to Remember

  • You do not have to give your name to report a crime, but it does help the Police to know in case they need further information that only you may be able to provide.
  • It is a crime to falsely report a crime; so make sure you are giving factual information when reporting a crime or emergency. Not doing so may delay response to an actual emergency causing injury or death to another person.
  • If you come across a Police Emergency, do not place yourself in harms way before giving assistance.