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Calling 911
When to Call 911
You should call 911 any time you observe a situation requiring an immediate response from law enforcement, the fire department, or an ambulance to save a life, prevent a serious injury, prevent serious property damage, stop/prevent a crime that is happening or about to happen, or respond to a crime that has just happened. Under a valid emergency situation, time is of the essence and an immediate response can make the difference between life and death. In any emergency, immediately call 911. If you need to report circumstances to the police that do not constitute an emergency, use your jurisdiction’s non-emergency number. (In Wood County that number is 304-485-8501.) However, when in doubt, call 911.
Do the Following When Calling 911
We recommend that all Neighborhood Watchers identify themselves to the dispatcher as members of Neighborhood Watch when placing any call to 911 or any emergency service agency. By doing so you will let the dispatcher know that you are a trained observer in a semi-official position; this will provide you with enhanced credibility in the mind of the dispatcher. It is recommended that your call should start something like this:
- Dispatcher: “911 — what is your emergency?”
- You: “My name is John Smith. I’m a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain (or Member) and I want to report a possible burglary in progress.”
- Provide the dispatcher with as much of the following information as you can:
- Specify the nature of the emergency, i.e. police, fire, or medical.
- The location of the emergency. Be as specific as possible and provide the address and nearest cross street when possible.
- What emergency or crime has happened, is happening, or is about to happen, e.g. robbery in progress, house on fire, person unconscious, etc.
- If weapons are involved, advise the type of weapon being used, e.g. knife, hand gun, rifle, shot gun.
- Number of persons involved (both perpetrators and victims) in the emergency or crime. Are minors involved?
- When asked, provide the best possible description you can of the perpetrator(s).
- Provide the dispatcher with your call-back phone number if asked. This is so the dispatcher can call you back in the event the call gets interrupted before responders arrive.
- The dispatcher will probably ask you to stay on the line until the emergency responders arrive. Be ready to tell the dispatcher what is happening, or if any conditions change.
- If you are outside in the vicinity of the emergency situation, the dispatcher will likely ask for your description and the description of your vehicle (if any) so responders will be able to recognize you upon their arrival and distinguish you from the perpetrator(s).
Do exactly as the police or dispatcher tells you during the course of the call and the emergency situation. Give them all the information or other assistance they desire under the circumstances. Remember, your assistance could mean the difference between, life, death, or serious injury.
Cooperating With Law Enforcement
Preventing crime in your community is a cooperative effort between you and your local police or sheriff’s department. As has been pointed out, you must do your part by acting as your police department’s eyes and ears. When communication or working with your police department, follow this checklist:
- Tell the police or dispatcher only what you really know or have actually observed. If you are only estimating or generalizing, be sure to say so.
- Do not exaggerate your experience or observations; keep them as factual as possible.
- Make yourself available for interviews, attend police line-ups if requested and don’t be afraid to identify the suspect, but be sure of that identification.
- If, after you have been interviewed by the police, you remember or think of something about the crime or suspect that you did not tell them, immediately write it down and call the police. Remember, the information you give the police may be one of the few things they will have to work with.
- Testify in court if requested. Fully cooperate with your district or prosecuting attorney. Your testimony is vital in many cases for the conviction of criminals.
Stay Involved
Do keep actively involved in your Neighborhood Watch Program. Remember to apply what you have learned in your Neighborhood Watch training and from this website. By doing this you will make your community a better and safer place to live!