In 2002, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Communications Division received 1.8 million 9-1-1 calls. Approximately 60% of the calls were not emergencies. Additionally, 1.5 million calls were received by other means such as seven-digit direct dial, operator or outside agency transfers. Misuse and inappropriate use of 9-1-1 critically overburdens the emergency system, exhausts resources, and poses a significant risk to public safety.
In February 1999, a full time Communications Division Community Relations Unit (CRU) was established. The main focus of the CRU is 9-1-1 education for adults, children and Police Department personnel. The CRU staff conducts public presentations. The forums include Neighborhood Watch meetings, Basic Car Plan meetings, Community Police Advisory Board meetings, Police Station Open Houses, as well as City and State sponsored events. All efforts are designed to reduce the incidence of 9-1-1 abuse and misuse, as well as provide instruction on how and when to most effectively use the 9-1-1 system. The CRU presentations include comprehensive visual and audio materials in addition to several printed and promotional items. The presentations are resoundingly well received.
The CRU is active in the Police Service Representative (PSR) recruitment effort, attending job fairs and career centers through out the Los Angeles area. The CRU conducts recruitment presentations and distributes city applications and job information.
Another effort of the CRU is the education of elementary school children, primarily between K-2nd grades. The " 9-1-1 for Kids" presentations are an educational and entertaining way to instruct children the proper use of 9-1-1. Our goal is to teach children the who, what, where, when, and how to dial 9-1-1 in an emergency.
The CRU has worked diligently to educate and increase the public awareness of the 1-877-ASK-LAPD non-emergency dispatch number and tremendous progress has been made decreasing the amount of non-emergency calls on 9-1-1. The misuse and abuse of the 9-1-1 severely impedes system effectiveness. It was designed to help reduce the number of non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 operators. 1-877-ASK-LAPD is also available in Spanish and TTY for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech impairments.
For information or to schedule a presentation, contact the Communications Division Community Relations Unit at 213-485-8503.
inside the lapd 
