When to Call 911

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE IS NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS WEBSITE.

In an emergency, dial 911 immediately.


An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. Examples include:

  • A fire
  •  A crime, especially if in progress
  • A car crash, especially if someone is injured
  • A medical emergency, especially for symptoms that require immediate medical attention

When you call 911, be prepared to answer the call taker's questions, which may include:

  • The location of the emergency, including the street address
  • The phone number you are calling from
  • The nature of the emergency
  • Details about the emergency, such as a physical description of a person who may have committed a crime, a description of any fire that may be burning, or a description of injuries or symptoms being experienced by a person having a medical emergency

Remember, the call taker's questions are important to get the right kind of help to you quickly. Be prepared to follow any instructions the call taker gives you. Our call takers can tell you exactly what to do until help arrives, such as providing step-by-step instructions to aid someone who is choking or needs first aid or CPR. Do not hang up until the call taker instructs you to do so.

What if I need police, but it's NOT an emergency?

If I need the police but it's not an emergency, please call our non-emergency line (505) 865-9130. Examples of calls which should be placed to the non-emergency line include:

  • Traffic accidents that do not include injuries
  • Loud music or barking dogs
  • To report a crime that is no longer in process and does not require an immediate response
  • To report missing property
  • Requests for information
  • To report the malfunctioning of traffic signals