CALLING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

All calls that are LIFE-THREATENING or CRIMES IN PROGRESS are considered emergencies, and you can call 9-1-1. For non-emergency calls, call (760) 839-4722.

All calls received into Police Dispatch are input into the computer and prioritized dependent on the nature of the call.

It is extremely important that you give the dispatcher as much information as you possibly can. Examples of what you may need to tell the dispatcher are:

Crimes in Progress: Location, type of crime, description/number of suspects, suspect vehicle information (including the license plate number if you can get it), last known direction of travel

Accidents/Injuries: Location, number of injured, type of injuries, medical treatment being given

Disturbances: Location, type of disturbance (verbal, loud party, barking dog).

Prowler: Location, what heard

Report of a Cold Crime (crime already committed): Location, type of crime, suspect information (if known)

The calls are then prioritized by the dispatcher and a police officer or community service officer is dispatched to your location to assist you. Examples of the priority designations are:

Priority 1: Officer needs assistance, all lifesaving calls
(DISPATCHED IMMEDIATELY)

Priority 2: Crimes in progress or just occurred, robbery or silent alarms, incomplete calls for help, lost children (of tender years), threats involving weapons or violence, prowler (suspect seen), domestic violence
(DISPATCHED WITHIN 2 MINUTES)

Priority 3: Disturbances, non-injury accidents blocking traffic, prowler (heard only), child abuse (not in progress), lost children, checks for suspicious persons or vehicles, audible alarms
(DISPATCHED WITHIN 20 MINUTES)

Priority 4: Cold crime reports, blocked driveways, loud music, barking dogs, loud vehicles, abandoned vehicles
(THESE CAN TAKE UP TO 2 HOURS TO BE DISPATCHED DEPENDING ON THE LEVEL OR ACTIVITY)