9-1-1

Dial 9-1-1 For Emergencies ONLY

An emergency is any life-threatening situation (persons with weapons, fights, crime in progress, etc.), any serious medical problem, any type of fire, or any crime "in progress" (in which the suspect is still at location) whether life threatening or not.

HOW TO TEXT 9-1-1 IN AN EMERGENCY

• Only use Text-to-911 in an emergency and if you are unable to make a voice call.
• Enter the numbers 911 in the "To" field.
• Know your location; Text your exact location.
• Text what you need; Text what emergency help is needed.
• Push the "Send" button.
• Be clear. Send a short text message without abbreviations or slang.
• Stay calm. Answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.

Do NOT Dial 9-1-1 For Non-Emergencies

If your call is not an emergency, please call the University Police Department business telephone number at (310) 243-3639. Examples of non-emergencies would be general information, property damage only traffic collisions, theft from a vehicle or office where the suspect was not seen and is gone, and vandalism where no suspect was seen and is now gone.

If You Dial 9-1-1 By Mistake, Do NOT Hang-Up

Please stay on the line and let the dispatcher know that you dialed 9-1-1 by mistake. If you do not, then the dispatcher will attempt a call back and an officer will be dispatched to your location. This will take away resources that could have been handling other calls for service.

Be Prepared To Describe The Incident You Are Reporting

When a 9-1-1 call is placed, the telephone number and location of the call is shown on a display at dispatch. However, dispatch still needs to confirm the information and may need you to give a more specific location of where you, any victims, and/or suspects may be located. (Note: If calling on a cell phone, the telephone number and location will not be displayed.) The dispatcher will ask for a description of the persons involved in the incident (race, sex, age, height, weight, color of hair, description of clothing, wearing a hat, glasses, any facial hair, etc.). They will also need a description of any vehicles involved (color, make, model, and type: sedan, pickup, sport utility, 4-door, 2-door, etc.). If the vehicle or suspects are leaving the area, the dispatcher will need to know in which direction.

Listen And Answer The Dispatcher's Questions

It is important to answer the dispatcher's questions with brief, clear responses. This will help to determine the type of incident and get the appropriate resources to your location quickly. Try and remain calm and speak clearly. If you are unable to give answers because the suspect is nearby, stay on the phone and the dispatcher will ask you yes and no questions.

Do NOT Hang-Up Until Told To Do So By The Dispatcher

Listen to and follow any instructions the dispatcher may give you, such as where to meet the officers, help you may provide any person with a medical problem, etc.