In an emergency, every second counts, and a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s a helpful FAQ on what you need to know when you call 911 in Seattle, what operators will ask, and how you can make the process smoother for everyone involved.
What are the most important pieces of information to give 911 operators?
911 operators begin by asking you about the location of the emergency and will then transition to the nature of the call. If it’s a call requiring medical assistance, they will transfer you to the Seattle Fire Department dispatch center so they can begin rolling medics to the scene. Knowing your location—whether it’s the exact address, closest cross street, or a nearby landmark—will help dispatchers get first responders to your location.
What questions should callers expect from a 911 operator?
After asking about your location, operators will ask for a description of the incident, when it occurred, a description of any suspect, or whether anyone is injured. Operators will then ask whether anyone involved in the incident has access to weapons, like a gun or knife, or whether anyone appears intoxicated.
Finally, operators will ask for your name and a phone number where you can be reached.
Don’t hang up until an operator tells you it’s okay to disconnect—they may have follow-up questions.
When should someone call 911 versus the non-emergency line (206-625-5011)?
Call 911 for any in-progress emergency or crime. An emergency is something that could impact someone’s safety, whether it be an assault, medical emergency, fire, or a gas leak.
What are examples of non-emergency situations?
Situations that are not in progress or do not pose an immediate risk to people or property. Incidents like a car prowl that occurred overnight, noise complaints, a request for officers to stand by at a location, missing persons (unless there’s may be an imminent risk to their well-being), property damage or graffiti which is not in-progress,
Can someone report anonymously to 911?
You are not obligated to provide your name to an operator and can request non-disclosure of your identity when reporting a crime or providing information related to mental health services. The City of Seattle will honor such requests to the extent permitted by law.
Are 911 calls subject to public records laws?
911 calls are subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act (PRA). Some information within a call may be redacted where a recognized exemption to the PRA is determined to apply.
Can people text 911? How does it work?
Yes, you can. Simply start as text thread with 911 just as you would begin a text with anyone else. A call-taker will respond to your message accordingly.
What languages are supported when calling or texting 911?
The voice language line utilized by 911 operators can provide translation in over 250 languages. Our phone system is now also able to translate text-to-911 automatically in 76 languages, with more being added.
Are there services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing callers?
Yes, we utilize TTY services and ASL interpreting services.
How does the online reporting system work?
In some cases, callers will be transferred to the Seattle Police Department’s Telephone Reporting Unit, which takes reports on TKTKTK
When should someone use online reporting instead of calling 911?
You should file a report online if it involves one of the following crimes: Property Crimes, Property Destruction, Graffiti, Car Break-Ins, Theft, Theft of Auto Accessories, Shoplifting, Burglary (as long as it’s not in-progress), Harassing Phone Calls, Credit Card Fraud, Wage Theft, Identity Theft, and Lost Property.
How can someone follow up on a case after calling 911?
A responding officer should provide you with a business card with a case number and, potentially, a way to contact them. Other information can be obtained through the Public Disclosure process [link to pdr site]
How long might someone wait on hold during busy times?
The majority (around 90%) of 911 calls are answered within 15 seconds. Callers may still have a wait ahead of them if they’re seeking a police response, depending on the nature of their call and availability of police resources.
How are 911 calls prioritized?
911 calls are prioritized by how much risk an incident poses to the public. Shootings, robberies, assaults, and other violent crimes are classified as Priority 1 calls. Shoplifts, property damage, and general disturbances would be classified as priority 2. Priorities 3 and four involve low-level incidents, which may be stressful, but are not a risk to life-safety, like noise and parking complaints.
Here’s a breakdown of the classifications of calls at CARE:
– Priority 1: Critical incidents which pose an immediate threat to human life or involve significant bodily harm
Priority 2: Active incidents which could escalate; crimes where apprehension/enforcement is still possible; and most service requests from other agencies.
Priority 3: Incidents that do not meet criteria of Priority 1 or 2, but may require investigation or action by an officer.
Priority 4: Non-critical service requests (e.g., found property, parking complaints).
Why might emergency response be delayed?
Emergency responses can be impacted by the availability of police resources. In some cases, such as a busy Friday or Saturday night, police will be diverted to more emergent priority one calls as needed.
What are common misconceptions about what 911 can do?
911 can notify officers of an existing call, but operators’ ability to dispatch is ultimately tied to the availability of police resources.
Every day, Seattle’s 911 operators hear from thousands of callers, each needing help in a different way. Knowing how the system works, and when to use other tools like the non-emergency line or online reporting, helps everyone get the right response to the right place as quickly as possible.