POLICE RESPONSE TO 911 CALLS

POLICE RESPONSE TO 911 CALLS

What happens when you call 911?

Our 911 Call Taker enters the information you give into a computer.
Our computer-aided dispatch system assigns a priority to the call based on the type of call (burglary, shooting, etc.). Additional information you give can affect the priority.
A Dispatcher radios the information to a Police Officer in the field.
Additional information from you is sent to officers either by radio or computer. Details are vital, so remain calm and speak clearly.

Why prioritize calls?

We answer hundreds of calls each day – everything from found property to attempted murder. Obviously, we must respond more quickly when a life is in danger than when only property is threatened. We have limited resources and must work numerous calls simultaneously; prioritization helps us effectively and efficiently use those resources. We make every effort to provide the highest level of police service at every call.

How are common calls prioritized?

The factors below are not rigid categories but guidelines used when determining the priority of 911 calls. Some of the most common calls are listed as examples.

Classification	Factors	Dispatch Method	Examples
EMERGENCY Immediate, emergency police response (lights and sirens)	◊ Immediate threat to life. ◊ Violent criminal act in progress. ◊ Violent incident just occurred and there is a likelihood of suspect apprehension.	Units sent immediately	◊ Armed robbery ◊ Stabbing ◊ Sexual assault in progress ◊ Shooting
PRIORITY 1 Immediate police response	◊ Criminal offense just occurred ◊ Suspects are still in the area or just left the scene ◊ Potential violence or imminent danger ◊ Non-violent criminal offense in progress with suspects still on scene (example: someone vandalizing property, kids throwing rocks at cars) ◊ Citizen’s arrest with suspect resisting (ex: shoplifter in custody causing problems)	Units sent immediately, if available. If no units are available in that beat, the dispatcher determines the closest available unit and sends that unit to the call.	◊ Domestic disturbance ◊ Physical altercation ◊ Accident with injuries ◊ Gunshots fired ◊ Report of sexual assault (suspect fled) ◊ Hold-up or panic alarm ◊ Robbery (suspects fled or no weapon used)
PRIORITY 2 Reasonable police field response	◊ No offense is in progress ◊A delay in police response is not likely to result in a criminal offense ◊ A delay is not likely to result in further injury, loss of property, or adversely affect investigation ◊ No reason to believe suspect is on scene or in area ◊ Citizen’s arrest with suspect not resisting.	The goal is to send the beat officer so he/she is aware of crimes in his/her area. If beat officer is not available, dispatcher may hold the call for up to 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, dispatcher will send an officer from another beat.	◊911 hang ups* ◊ Shoplifter in custody/not resisting ◊ Commercial or residential alarm ◊ Runaway or missing person report ◊ Suspicious person
PRIORITY 3 AS AVAILABLE As-available basis by the beat officer	A delay is not likely to adversely affect investigation No change in physical evidence expected Suspect description unknown¨ Suspect not near Complainant is requesting contact	The goal is to send the beat officer. Dispatcher may hold the call for up to one hour, but will dispatch an officer from another beat if the beat officer is still unavailable after one hour.	Residential or commercial burglary report (suspect fled) Other reports where suspect is not on scene
PRIORITY 3 WHEN AVAILABLE Beat officer on a when- available basis	◊ No complainant is waiting ◊ Delayed investigation or report ◊ Follow-up incident	The goal is to send the beat officer. Dispatcher may hold the call for up to two hours, but will dispatch an officer from another beat if the beat officer is still unavailable after two hours.	◊ Found or abandoned property ◊ Lost property

*About 911 hang-ups: Our policy is to respond to ALL 911 hang up calls. If you change your mind about needing assistance, stay on the line and explain that to the 911 Call Taker. Otherwise, an officer will be dispatched to your location to ensure that you are safe. Calling 911 when you do not need an officer puts those who need emergency assistance in danger and puts you in danger of being prosecuted for making a false report. For more information about 911 calls, click here.

** These reports can be taken over the telephone using Teleserve. Click here for more information.