When to Call the Police
Emergencies
Call 9-1-1 in emergency situations like:
- My house is on fire
- I think I’m having a heart attack
- There’s been a traffic accident. People are hurt
- Someone with a gun is robbing a store
- I see someone trying to break into my neighbor’s house
- I hear someone trying to break into my house
- Someone is trying to hurt me
- I hear my neighbors screaming. I think they are fighting
- There is a rabid dog on the loose trying to bite people
Non-Emergencies
Call 361-573-3221 in non-emergency situations like:
- My car was stolen last night
- My house was broken into while I was at work
- My neighbors are playing loud music
- Someone stole my bicycle
- There is someone dumping trash in my dumpster
- My neighbors’ dog is barking
Making the Call
Things to Remember
- Stay calm
- Speak slowly and clearly
- Wait for the dispatcher to ask questions, then answer
- If you reach a recording, listen to what it says
- Let the dispatcher guide the conversation
- Follow all directions
- Stay alert
- Do not hang up the call until directed to do so by the dispatcher
What Do I Need to Tell Them When I Call
- Where are you?
- Event Description:
- What happened
- When did it happen
- Where did it happen (Be specific; street address or general area.)
- Who did it happen to
- Who did It
Suspect Description
- How many suspects are there
- What do the suspects look like
- Sex
- Race or ethnicity
- Height
- Weight
- Clothing (color and style)
- Hair color and length
- Facial hair
- Tattoo’s
- Any other identifying marks/traits
How Did the Suspects Leave the Scene
- On foot
- Or in a vehicle
- Which way did they go when they left
Vehicle Description
- Color
- Make and model
- Year (approximate)
- License plate number (partial is better than nothing)