How to Contact the Police without Calling 911
When moments of crisis strike, there’s a need to speak with law enforcement as expeditiously as possible without having to call 911. Whether you simply want to report a suspect’s location, provide tip-offs to crime, or deal with minor disputes, accessing police assistance doesn’t has to involve calling the triple-digit emergency number (). This article highlights alternative techniques for getting in touch with law enforcement.
Understanding WHEN to Use Alternative Methods (Not 911)
911 should only be treated as a top-priority call in instances where danger to human life is being faced. The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) has defined these scenarios as:
• Immediate threat to injury or loss of life: Active shots fired, life-threatening wounds, imminent drowning, falling, or exposure to extremely hazardous situations.
• "Crimes in progress :": Attempted burglaries, rapes, kidnappings, terrorist attacks, and other such dangerous criminal actions.
For Non-Emergency Situations
The moment you opt to seek law enforcement when not experiencing life-threatening calamities, an alternative mechanism must be sought. Since most communities don’t issue non-emergency phone extension numbers for dispatchers that you can simply call a number with this specific inquiry:
*Direct Dial or Department Numbers and Contacts Many cities offer their police chief, administration office, auxiliary unit, and/or various sub-agencies. Google or the website of municipal or regional agencies will get you in touch with pertinent department-specific telephone numbers.
Table 1 — Contact Methods:
*Alternative Phone Numbers: Find Them by
* Method Explanation municipal/city departments website Direct listings and directories Look-up in
| Other resources | Other reliable links, etc.)
For instances that do go through emergency or non-dispatcher agencies, take heed:
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In What Happeny Should a Call End
the Case of Delayed 911 Calls"
It may also happen situations occur as the connection with an authority fails:
- If that occurs, simply retry ( .
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In Conclusion
911 calls are appropriate in severe life risk circumstances and non-mergency incidents
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