Report a Crime

WHEN TO CALL THE POLICE

The police should be called anytime and every time activities are considered suspicious. If a behavior that is witnessed is a dangerous situation that could lead to a threat of the public's safety, then this too would constitute a phone call to the police. Don't hesitate to call the police, the life or property in danger could be at stake.

IT'S OKAY TO BE WRONG:

The police department knows and understands that citizen's can't always be right about what they think is suspicious or wrongful activity. All the department expects is that their community takes the initiative to look out for it's own best interests.

If an individual calls the department and the incident reported turned out to be a legitimate situation, the police will most certainly not hold the caller at fault for the call. It is the police department's responsibility to respond to concerns of the community that may jeopardize the safety of the public.

HOW TO REPORT A EMERGENCY:

IMMEDIATELY DIAL-911

The following are directions on how to report a crime to the police department.

	Immediately Dial 911
	Specify the type of emergency: Police, Fire or Medical.
	Indicate – You’re name, your location, what is happening, who is doing it, & when it was done.
	Is the emergency about to happen, happening now, or has just occurred?
	Indicate if weapons are involved.
	Give the most accurate description possible of suspects or vehicles involved and any additional information that may be useful.
	Examples of Personal Descriptors: Clothing, approximate age, hair length & color, facial hair, height and weight.
	Examples of Vehicle Descriptors: License plate, make, model, color of vehicle, and number of occupants.
	Do exactly as the 911 operator says if instructions are given during an emergency.

Please Remain Calm! Please remember that 911 Dispatch is to be used for emergencies only.

HOW TO REPORT NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

	You may contact the non-emergency complaint line: 617-387-1212 or 617-387-1215.
	Indicate – Your name, your location, what has happened, who is involved, & when the incident occurred.
	The 911 operator will then direct you on the best course of action.