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Western
Kentucky University
Police Department Communications Division Frequently Asked Questions |
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What
is 911?
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911
is the number set aside by telephone companies
throughout the United States to put in touch with emergency aid authorities. The concept was established in 1937 in Great Britian. 911 was chosen as the universal emergency number in the US because it is easily remembered by most persons, and most telephone company equipment could be modified to accept the number. No coins are needed when 911 is called from a pay phone. |
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How
to be a good
reporting party OR Why do they ask so many questions? Just get someone out here. |
When
you call 911, you can expect to answer questions
which will help the dispatcher determine what is happening, what type of response is necessary, how many or much to send and other information which is deemed pertinent to the call. All callers are normally asked to answer a standard set of questions which will help to type and prioritize the call, and provide responding officers with all amplifying information prior to their arrival. |
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Location
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What is
the address: What are the cross streets? Is it a house, apartment, or
business? Is there an apartment number? The dispatcher need to confirm
the WHERE of a call. Be sure to give your phone number is case further
information is needed.
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Nature
of the problem
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Emergency
or non-emergency? What is occurring?
Please provide a brief description of what is happening. This answers the WHAT. |
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Time
Element
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When did
the situation you're reporting occur? Was it
within the last 5-10 minutes? This helps the dispatcher determine the priority of any response. Did it just occur or is it a "cold" situation? This answers the WHEN. |
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Suspect
Description
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If pertinent,
try to tell the dispatcher what the
suspect(s) look like. Male/female, race, age, height, weight, hair, eyes, scars/marks/tattoo's. Clothing also starts top to bottom, hat, shirt, coat, pants, shoes. Were they carrying anything? etc... |
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Weapons
or Drugs/Alcohol Involved
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Was there
a knife, gun, bat, club? Was the person
under the influence of any drug or alcohol? How were they acting? |
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Vehicle
Description
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If a vehicle
is involved, try to provide the dispatcher |