Calling for Assistance - How do I call for police assistance? (1/1/2005) You want to report a crime or talk to a police officer about a problem on your block. But with all the phone numbers to choose from, which is the right one to use? The 911 emergency number is overused. Although people may know it is not an emergency call, they often use it anyway because it is an easier number to remember. Here is a guide to help you decide the quickest and most efficient number to use. WHEN YOU SHOULD CALL 911 Any fire emergency Any medical emergency Any police emergency/any crime in progress (or any combination of the above). Listed below are some examples: An automobile accident A burglary in progress (i.e. seeing someone climbing in or out of a window, hearing someone in the house) A robbery (i.e. being "held-up" or a having a purse snatched) Seeing someone tamper with or take a motor vehicle A fight in progress Hearing gunshots/ seeing a shooting Hearing a burglar alarm Hearing or seeing a domestic argument Being involved in a domestic argument Someone threatening you with violence WHEN YOU SHOULD USE THE POLICE NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER: 946-6316 This number should be used for any problem that is not life threatening or does not need immediate police attention. It should be noted that you also can use this number for police emergencies. If it is possible, program this number into your phone, therefore saving valuable time by not having to look up the number. If not, keep the number next to all of your phones. Here are some examples of non-emergency police calls: Discovering a break-in to your home or motor vehicle Discovering that your motor vehicle has been stolen (the report will be taken over the phone) A suspicious person walking or driving slowly on the street. Parking violations Harassing/obscene phone calls A drug complaint A theft from your home or yard Barking dogs Damage/vandalism to your property Loud music/party An abandoned auto on your street Public drinking Your motor vehicle plate stolen Motorcycle noise WHEN YOU SHOULD CALL THE SUBSTATION OR DISTRICT MANAGER The community substations are not staffed 24 hours a day. If you need to make a complaint about a crime or need an officer to respond, do not call the substation. Use 911 or the non-emergency number. You should call the substation or district manager to: Discuss any on-going problems (i.e. constant noise from one location, people constantly "hanging" on the street, narcotics being sold on the street) Reserve the community /meeting room WHEN YOU SHOULD USE THE PAGERS FOR THE DISTRICT MANAGER, SUPERVISORS, AND POLICE OFFICERS Some people are given the pager numbers of the officers in their policing district and like to talk to them directly about problems on their street. This works only if that particular officer is on duty and is free to return your call. If you need to report an incident, it is best if you first use either 911 or the non-emergency number (depending on the type of call) then page the officer. You should use the pager to: Discuss any on-going problem. Give them additional information about a reoccurring problem. Alert them to a new problem. Invite them to a block watch meeting.