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Dispatch Non-Emergency 325.657.4315

Press Release #092415(22)-Urgent Message from San Angelo Police

The San Angelo Police Department has an urgent message for the community.  The Department is dealing with an ongoing issue with citizens who are dialing the wrong number when they are in need of non-9-1-1 police response. 

 

The issue stems from citizens attempting to search the internet for the Department's Non-emergency phone number.  Most search engines populate alphabetically, and the Police Department's Community Services Division phone number is often the first to appear; however, that number is not to the Dispatch/Communications center and we are concerned that people who are in need of timely police response are not getting the help they need. 

 

We are asking the Citizens of San Angelo to pre-program the Non-Emergency Dispatch phone number to your cell phone and home phone's contact list and/or write it down for future reference.  The Non-Emergency Dispatch line, 325-657-4315, is the ONLY number you should dial in the event you need police response that is not a life or death/critical emergency incident.  9-1-1 is to be used ONLY in emergencies that require immediate assistance from the police, fire department, or ambulance.

 

When seconds matter, being knowledgeable and prepared can make all the difference but many people question what incidents to consider true 9-1-1 emergencies.  Here is what you need to know:

 

Know WHEN to call 9-1-1.  9-1-1 is for emergencies only.  You should only be dialing 9-1-1 if someone is hurt or in danger, or if you are in immediate need of police, fire, or medical assistance.   If you aren?t sure if your situation is an emergency, you should err on the side of safety and call 9-1-1 and let the expert who answers your call make the decision whether to send help or not.  Here are some examples of when to call 9-1-1: Heart attack or stroke, structure fire, domestic violence, or, anything else that seems like an emergency.

 

Know WHEN NOT to call 9-1-1.  Don?t call 9-1-1 for information, driving directions, when the power is out, to report a broken fire hydrant, to report past thefts or burglaries, when your water pipes burst, to get a ride for a doctor's appointment, for paying tickets, to report animals crossing the street, or as a prank. 

 

So remember, if you are in need of non-life-threatening Police response and get an Officer's direct voicemail after dialing a number you located in an internet search, hang up.  Do not leave a message.  Chances are the Officer will not hear your message until the next business day. 

 

Please share this message with family, friends, and co-workers.  We want our Citizens to be informed and get the help they need when they need it.  Navigating the internet while under stress is never a good idea.  So please, program 325-657-4315 in your contact list today.   

 

***SAPD***