called 911.

[Pax Jordana]

When seconds count the police are only two and a half years away.

Police came, but they "didn't do anything". There is a difference, though not very significant.

Neither did the home inspector, for that matter, attempt to enter the house.

I wonder how much the 911 dispatcher's time is wasted by people calling in stuff that doesn't really fall under the umbrella of emergencies demanding police or ambulances.. not that I know who to call in a case like that, it sure as heck wasn't 911 worthy (what's 311?)

 

[Bones11b]

311 is new york city's government information and non-emergency services number. I agree the fact that they did show up is relevant. Yet it's disconcerting to myself that if someone immobilized me in my home and the neighbors called 911 the BG would just be able to sit still and quiet till they went away. For two and a half years

 

[ShowMeState1977]

The 911 dispatcher was just probably excited to talk to a sane person that was a good witness. If you can give him/her the where, the what, the when, the why, and the who in a calm fashion...you are golden. The where is the most important. If you can't give them the where...you're screwed. I would believe that a big part of situational awareness is knowing where you were. Even if you're from a different area; know what street and intersection you are closest to. Didnt mean to hijack the thread.

 

[bogie]

Only times I've called the cops in the past five years has been while driving...

"Uh yeah - is this Acmeville PD?"

"Yes - are you calling to report a crime?"

"Actually, I think I've got a DWI for you at approximately the 38 mile marker on Highway 33 going south. He's in a white Ford pickup, license 555-WWW."

"You say you're where, doing what?"

"Yup. This fellow seems determined to use as much of the road as he can. I'm hanging back a bit, but some folks are trying to time him to pass. Better see if you can get someone on this. We're at the 39 mile marker coming up, and it looks like he might take the exit here. Yup he did, but I can't tell you which direction he'll pick."

"Uh... Okay..."

 

[kd7nqb]

I have called the cops a number of times and always gotten quick response. However they have always been from work and if I am there it means that is an area that needs 24hr security coverage and is more than likely listed as one of the "Enhanced patrol zones" where police are more common than 7-11.

 

[ZeSpectre]

Read my "event" from a while back... Good guys One, Mugger ZERO

Here's me on the phone, giving a steady stream of directions to the police, and it took them 17 minutes to show up and we were only 4 blocks away from the scene of the crime!

That particular aspect was more than a little distressing... but at least we got the monster.

Living in Arlington, VA the police response time was always amazing when called (we had a "troublesome" apartment complex next door) but even then I'd have hated to be "bunkered down" hoping that I could hold out until they got there.

 

[MAURICE]

I think we are all (on this board) smarter than to make 911 calls like I am about to mention, but you would not believe the calls that come in on the 911 lines here. Your police departments dispatch center has non-emergency lines along with 911. Some folks- a lot of folks- don't seem to understand this.

Non emergencies:
Barking dogs-all the friggin time
Traffic signal not working properly
Neighbors kids outside playing (get off my lawn type lady, but they were in their own yard)
Loud music
Car in handicapped spot
Shoplifters

Emergencies:
Injury accidents
Armed robbery
Shootings/stabbings
Physical/domestic disturbances
Idiots driving their cars into other cars/buildings/people

Hate to vent, but most of the time the people that complain about a slow response time are the same people that cause it by calling 911 for non emergencies. But like I said, I'm pretty much speaking to the choir here.