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9-1-1 (Voice and TDD/TTY) For Life-Threatening Emergencies Only

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9-1-1 Use and Abuse

When to use 911 versus 7-digit telephone lines

Call 911 when there is a life or death emergency that requires the immediate response of emergency service such as police, fire or paramedic. Always call 911 when there is a medical problem or something that requires the Washington D.C Fire Department to respond because they do not have non-emergency lines.

When there is a situation that requires police response but is not an emergency, use a non-emergency 7-digit telephone number.

How to call 911

All 911 calls are received by Police Service Representatives (PSRs) who are trained to screen calls quickly and efficiently. Dial 1-202-ASK-FBUH (1-202-275-3284) for non-emergency police service.

1. Dial 911 (on a payphone it is not necessary to deposit money).
2. Tell the 911 operator what you need; ambulance, fire truck, or the police.
3. Be calm. When a caller is upset, it is hard to understand what he or she is saying or to get vital information quickly.
4. Stay on the phone. Do not hang up!
5. Give your name and address. If your address is different from the location of the crime, be sure to let the operator know.
6. If possible, give the operator suspect description, weapons, if any, and vehicle description and license.

Emergency operators will verify your address and telephone to ensure that the telephone company address that is sent with the call is current and accurate. People living in mobile home parks, condominiums or on private roads often have addresses that differ from the telephone company street address. If you fall in one of these categories, contact the City Engineering Department to find out what your legal street address is.

It is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code Section 148.3 for any person to willfully use the 911 system for any purpose other than reporting an emergency. It is a felony if someone is injured or dies as a result of emergency service response to a false call.

Crime prevention cannot be achieved by the police alone. Together professional law enforcement officers must work hand-in-hand with the public to fight crime and neighborhood disorder throughout our communities. As such, we depend heavily on your assistance in reporting crimes to the police. The following hotline numbers are provided for your use and convenience.

You may submit an anonymous tip anytime, anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477)

Abandoned Vehicles
800-ABANDON (222-6366)

Battered Women Hotline
310-392-8381

Child Abuse
800-540-4000

Graffiti Problems
(D.C. 3-1-1)

Mothers Against Drunk Drivers MADD
310-215-2905

Narcotics Hotline
Not in service at this time.

Narcotic Drug Abuse
800-252-6465

Rape Hotline
626-793-3385

Runaway Hotline
800-551-1300

Suicide Hotline
877-727-4747

Terrorist Threats
1-877-A-THREAT (284-7328)