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1. How do I know when to call 911 and when to call the non-emergency line at 863-7820?

911 emergencies include
Crimes in progress
Injury
Accidents
Medical Emergencies
Fires
Electrical lines down
Gas/Toxic Leaks
An immediate situation where someone can or could be hurt

Non-emergencies include:
Crimes not in progress
Non-injury Accidents
Scheduled Events (funeral escorts, sports, parades, etc.)
Weather Conditions
Dog Barking
Loud Music
Illegal Parking

2. What information should I give to the dispatcher?

1. The location of the emergency. Be as exact as possible, a house address or street intersection.

2. A description of the emergency or event.

3. Names and descriptions of persons involved.

4. Descriptions of vehicles involved.

5. Any injuries to yourself or other individuals along with the type of injury if known.

6. Were any weapons involved, and if so, how many and what type.

3. Do dispatchers wait until your call is completed before sending out emergency units?

No. While it's very important for the dispatcher to listen to all the facts in order to send out the right type of emergency personnel (ambulance, patrol, special units, etc.), they do not wait until your call is completed to send out help. As you are providing details of the emergency, dispatchers key-in the information to a computer-aided system which is immediately broadcast to police patrol units. This is why, for example, a police unit may be the first to arrive to a fire emergency.

4. Can I dial 911 from my cell phone?

Yes.