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__________________________________________________________________

POLICE DEPARTMENT
Mark Gifford, Police Chief
(518) 736-4021

email: jpd@cityofjohnstown.ny.gov

9-1-1 EMERGENCIES

WHEN SHOULD I CALL "9-1-1" ?
When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention.

BELOW ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF CRIME EMERGENCIES THAT SHOULD BE REPORTED BY CALLING "9-1-1"

  • Fights, sexual assaults, etc.
  • Homicides
  • Burglaries and robberies
  • Flashlight beam in a business or home, especially if the business is closed or the residents are away
  • Domestic violence
  • Child and elder abuse
  • Sounds of gunshots, screaming, barking dogs, breaking glass, explosions, alarms, etc.
  • Hit and run accidents with possible injuries
  • Vehicles containing weapons or property not normally kept in vehicles
  • Ongoing dumping of fuel or other hazardous substances
  • Road hazards that require immediate attention to prevent personal injuries and property damage
  • Graffiti and other acts of vandalism in progress
  • Runaway juvenile or missing person who needs special care -- be sure to tell the operator if the person needs medication and has a special problem, e.g., Alzheimer's disease

CALL "9-1-1" FOR PERSONS WHO ARE:

  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Entering a neighbor's home when the neighbor is away
  • Forcing an entry of a home, business, or vehicle
  • Exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms that poses a threat to him/herself or others
  • Removing property from a business, home, or vehicle, especially if the business is closed or the residents are away
  • Carrying or wearing bloody clothing
  • Struggling with a resisting child
  • Trying to or actually using a vehicle to pick up a person by force, especially a child or female

DO I HAVE TO GIVE MY NAME WHEN I CALL "9-1-1" ?
 If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SEE A CRIME OCCURRING ?

  • Call 9-1-1 immediately.
  • Be observant and make mental notes.
  • Are there any weapons involved?
  • What is the address?
  • Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
  • Any clothing description?
  • How many people involved?
  • Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

HOW DO I TEACH MY CHILDREN TO USE "9-1-1" ?

  • Never say "nine eleven." There is no eleven on a telephone keypad or dial. Always say "nine-one-one."
  • Always call from a safe place. If there is a fire in the house, get out first and then call.
  • Post your address near the phone.
  • Never call 9-1-1 as a prank or joke. You can get into trouble and keep someone who really needs help from getting it in time.
  • 9-1-1 is not for animal emergencies. Leave the number for the vet next to the phone. If you need to reach the City's Animal Control Officer call (518) 736-4021.
  • Call 9-1-1 if you think you have an emergency and explain the situation to the dispatcher. If you call 9-1-1 by mistake, don't hang up. Explain the mistake to the dispatcher and say there is NO EMERGENCY.