When to call the Police?


You should remember one simple rule: "If you see a situation or are in a situation and it doesn’t feel right to you, it’s a very good indication that something is not right!." Many crimes have been prevented because alert citizens have reported suspicious activity. If your intuition tells you something isn’t right, call and report your suspicions. It’s better to discover that nothing is wrong than to let a crime be committed. If you see something suspicious call the police without delay. 

Remember, better be safe than sorry! If you see a crime occurring...

Be as observant as possible and make mental notes of the following:

-What is actually happening.
-Is anyone being injured or has anyone been injured?
-Are there any weapons involved?
-The location where the crime is occurring.
-What is the address or the name of the cross-streets
-Has the person(s) who committed the crime left the scene?
-Was the person(s) on foot or in a vehicle?
-What direction did the person(s) leave?
-What is a description of the vehicle(s)? Try to remember CYMBAL: Color, Year, Make, Body Style and License number.
-Who is involved.
-The number of people involved.
-Their names if you know them.
-Any relevant clothing descriptions.
-Any distinctive physical characteristics such as height, weight, race,beards, scars etc.

Call the police

Your call will be answered as soon as possible...do not hang up.

Briefly state the nature of the call. Example: "this is an emergency; I want to report a ... (fire, heart attack, shooting, accident, robbery etc.)"

Let the police operator control the conversation. The operator will determine how to best help you from the information you give. Be ready to tell the operator:

The address where the emergency is occurring. Be sure to include the street name, building number, and any directional information (ie; northwest, south etc.) The name of the nearest cross street is helpful. Your name, address, and the phone number from which you are calling. If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential, tell the operator. However, you should give a phone number where you can be contacted later.

Do not hang up until directed. Stay on the telephone until the operator tells you to hang up.

If there is a long delay in response, the operator will attempt to call you back.

Call and cancel your request if you no longer need help.


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