Making the Call

Knowing when to call and what to expect when you call 9-1-1 can help reduce fear and feelings of helplessness in an emergency. Critical elements to keep in mind are as follows:

  • Know where you are. Could you tell 9-1-1 exactly where to find you?
  • Provide the call taker with landmarks, such as cross streets and mileposts so they can locate you more easily.
  • The call taker may not automatically know your location or may ask you to confirm it.
  • Whenever possible, use a landline to call 9-1-1. Cell phone calls are not always routed to the closest call center.
  • Always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Lock your keypad when you are not using your phone so 9-1-1 is not dialed by mistake.
  • Do not give your old phones to children as toys. A wireless phone with no active service can still call 9-1-1.
  • It is appropriate to call 9-1-1 when you need to save a life, stop a crime, or report a fire. 9-1-1 is for emergency use only.
  • If you accidentally call 9-1-1, stay on the line and tell the receiver you do not have an emergency.
  • If you dial 9-1-1 for a non-emergency matter, you are tying up resources needed for a real emergency.
  • Stay calm and ready to listen. 9-1-1 is there to help you until additional assistance arrives.
  • Call 9-1-1 when you observe the incident, do not wait several hours. 

Describing A Suspect

Identifiers

To capture a criminal in these highly mobile times, it is of utmost importance for the police to promptly obtain an accurate description. Following are some of the most important identifiers the police need to apprehend criminal suspects. Keep this information in mind so you can give the police an accurate description of any criminal or criminal incident you may observe.

Location

  • Observe your surroundings and the time at which the crime occurred.
  • Try to remember if the suspect carried a weapon and in which direction the suspect left.
  • If the suspect leaves in a vehicle try to see any distinguishing or marks. Pay attention to the make, model, color, and license plate, if possible.

General Description

  • Try to notice basic physical details such as race, sex, age, height, weight, and build.
  • Facial information such as hair color, complexion, possible facial hair and eye color, and facial features such as nose and chin shape, forehead shape, and ears.
  • Notice if the suspect has any visible tattoos or birthmarks.
  • Notice clothing and appearance such as if the suspect had a hat on or the color of the shirt or jacket, or if clothes were oversized or small.
  • Pay attention to smaller details such as jewelry they might have on.

Sounds

  • Pay attention to the suspect's voice and speech. Notice if they use slang or have an accent and overall tone.
  • Listen for sounds and clues hinting at multiple suspects.


You will never be able to remember all these details. Remembering as many as possible can be particularly helpful to the Police and to your community.