Belpre City Police Department

WHEN SHOULD I CALL 9-1-1?

9-1-1 is for emergencies, potential emergencies, or when an emergency is imminent.

Ask yourself, "What is the level of urgency?"
Is there a danger to life or property?
Is the caller or someone else the victim of a crime?
Do you have a police emergency?
Does the caller or someone else have a medical emergency?
Does the caller need the fire department?

If the public safety situation seems urgent and has the potential of escalating by not making the telephone call, call 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 professional will determine whether the call should be processed via 9-1-1, or whether the caller should be referred to another number or agency as appropriate.
If you call 9-1-1 by accident, do not hang up. Stay on the line and tell the dispatcher that everything is all right. If you don't, the dispatcher may think that something is wrong and send a police officer.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I CALL 9-1-1? WHAT WILL THE DISPATCHER WANT TO KNOW?

The person answering 9-1-1 is a trained dispatcher. They have been trained as to what questions to ask (e.g. WHAT is happening, WHERE the situation is occurring, WHEN did the incident occur, WHO is involved, WEAPON involvement, INJURIES, etc.) Once initial information is obtained additional questions may be asked depending on the type of call. Be prepared to state the nature of the emergency. This information is to assist the dispatcher to more quickly identify the most appropriate assistance.

Be prepared to follow the dispatchers line of questioning (e.g. WHAT is happening, WHERE the situation is occurring, WHEN did the incident occur, WHO is involved, WEAPON involvement, INJURIES, etc.).

WHAT IF I NEED HELP BUT IT'S NOT AN EMERGENCY?

Use these seven digit numbers for Police, Fire, and Ambulance services

Police (740) 423-7631
Fire (740) 423-9681

Emergency services are provided by a full-time police department and volunteer fire department.