All 911 calls are received by PSRs who are trained and dedicated to screening calls quickly and efficiently. They have to get information quickly in order to get police units en route to the location.
1. Dial 911. (On a pay phone it is not necessary to deposit money). When calling to report a non-emergency incident, dial the operator and ask for a non-emergency police line. This also does not require money when calling from a pay phone.
2. Tell the 911 operator what you need; ambulance, fire truck or the police.
3. Be calm. When a caller is upset, it is hard to understand what they are saying or to get vital information quickly.
4. Stay on the phone. Do not hang up!
5. Give your name and address. If your address is different from the location of the crime, be sure to let the operator know. Emergency operators will verify your address and telephone to ensure that the telephone company address that is sent with the call is current and accurate. People living in mobile home parks, condominiums or on private roads, often have addresses that differ from the telephone company street address. If you fall in one of these categories contact City Engineering to find out what your legal street address is.
6. If possible give the operator suspect description, weapons, if any, and vehicle description and license.
Please note: It is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code Section 148.3 for any person to willfully use the 911 system for any purpose other than reporting an emergency. It is a felony if someone is injured or dies as a result of emergency service response to a false call.
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