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To obtain the best possible police response, you should be prepared to efficiently report all crime and suspicious activity to the police. Some situations warrant using the 9-1-1 emergency phone line while others should be phoned in to the 24-hour non-emergency line (503) 390-2000. The following guidelines are provided to assist you in determining which number to use:
Call 9-1-1- for:
- All medical emergencies
- Reporting a fire
- Reporting a Police emergency such as:
- Any crime in progress that you are aware of, or are observing.
- A crime that has just been committed against you or one that you just witnessed.
For example, you have just had your purse snatched and the suspect and/or vehicle description may help the police make an apprehension.
The 9-1-1 number can be dialed from any land based (permanent) telephone and will go directly to the Keizer Police Department’s Communication Center. The telephone and address from the location you are calling from is automatically displayed on a computer screen when your call is answered. You can call 9-1-1 from any coin operated telephone without depositing money.
In order for the police to respond quickly to an emergency, let the dispatcher
take command of the conversation. He or she will ask you a series of questions to learn exactly what is taking place. Depending on the type of call, the dispatcher will ask:
- What happened?
- Where did it happen?
- Your name, phone number and location.
- Suspect(s) description.
- Weapon, if any.
- Vehicle, if any, and the direction of travel.
- Identifiable features of house or building.
- Pet(s) on premises, if any.
- Injuries, if any.
Speak as clearly and as calmly as you can. In an emergency, another dispatcher will broadcast the information by radio while you are still on the line. Each question that you are asked is designed to add a piece to the “picture” so that arriving officers can take precautions for what may be a dangerous situation. The more complete the picture, the quicker and safer the outcome for all concerned.
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