I have tried not to reply on this one, but I just have to give my side.
As far as 911 hangups, every department has a different policy on how to handle them. Our's is as follows: Dispatch receives a 911 hangup, they send a primary and a backup unit to the address that shows up on the screen or the general area to BOLO if the call was made from a cell phone, they then call the number the hangup came from, they then tell the units if contact was made or if there is static on the line or if they get an answering machine, if contact is made they inform the responding units that the person advised it was accidental or child playing on the phone or if the person sounded suspicious during the conversation or some other situation (fight, medical problem, etc.), at which point both units continue to the address to make contact with the occupants to check thier welfare. The units then report if there is a disturbance or if if was accidental, etc.
To answer the question of how do the LEO'S respond to these kind of calls, I can only tell you how I handle them.
When I arrive I shine every window or door on the front of the house where a threat could present itself. I then knock on the door and step off the porch or at least out of the line of sight of the door or any windows. When someone comes to the door, I state my name and department name and tell them that we have received a 911 hangup from thier address. If they say everything is fine I ask to see ALL adults in the house, after which if they also say everything is fine, I appoligize for disturbing them and I get in my car and leave. Unless I see obviouse signs of a disturbance or the person is hostile or evasive when I make contact. At which point I will investigate further, that could involve one-on-one interviews with every adult or even entering the home if I have PROBABLE CAUSE to do so.
For the people that just hate police and think we have no business any where near your home, here is a little senario for you to think on.
Let's say your sitting there posting away at your computer about how prepared you are to fight of any threat to you or your family. You have just ordered a pizza that should be here any minute, or you have a friend coming over to watch the game with you. You hear a knock at the door, and I know this would never REALLY happen to anyone as prepared as you, but you go to the door without your arsenal at the ready. As soon as you open the door three men in ski masks with guns over power you and tie you up. Your wife, hearing the comotion, opens the kitchen door, screams when she sees what is happening and runs to the phone. She manages to dial 911 before one of the robbers can grad her and hang up the phone. At which point she is also tied up. So know you are both sitting the tied up with duct tape over you mouth. When suddenly there is a knock at the door. The robbers take off there masks, two of them sit on the couch while the third answers the door. He talks to the officer, tells him everything is fine in the house, it had to be a mistake for him to have to come out here to waste his time. Ever though the man is noticably nervice and sweating when the house is cool, the officer leaves. Now you are screwed, I mean you saw there faces right? Do you like the way this is going to end or would you have rather had the officer investigate a little further?
Guys and gals, we as officers are not out here to infrindge on you rights or take everything you have away as many of you believe. We are after all, people too. We go with what we see and feel, much like the rest of the human race. If I come to you house on a call and you tell me I cannot come in when ther are signs that someone in the house is in need of help, I am going to do what I have to do AT THAT TIME and worry about civil lawsuites later. If I enter a home without a warrant to help a woman who was just beaten by her husband and I save her, I would welcome the lawsuite.
This is the most I have ever posted, my hands hurt, I am going to bed.
Hug a COP