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1. When do I call for help?

The following are examples of when to call 911:

• When someone's life may be in immediate danger
• When someone's property may be in immediate danger
• When you see a crime being committed
• When rescue or emergency medical assistance is needed

When you are not sure, call and let us decide.

2. Who do I call if I don't call 911?

Are you in West Chester Borough or East Bradford Township?

Unless you need an immediate response to a fire or a medical or police emergency, call the West Chester Police Department at 610-696-2700.

For any other location in Chester County you should call 610-692-5100. Using the non-emergency number keeps 911 available for true emergencies.

Some examples of times in which you should call a non-emergency number are:

• Your house or car was broken into yesterday or at unknown time
• Your runaway or missing child has returned home
• You need to add additional information to a previously reported incident
• Someone stole your bicycle while you were away
• There is a illegally parked or abandoned vehicle on your street

3. What will the dispatcher ask you?

All callers are asked a standard set of questions which will help the dispatcher prioritize your call, and will provide the responding personnel with information before their arrival. The following are just some of the questions we may ask you:

• Where are you and where did the incident happen?
• What is the nature of the problem?
• When did this occur?
• What is the description of the person or persons involved?
• What is the description of the vehicle involved (if there was one)?

Please take note that, when giving information, it is strongly advised that you do not exaggerate or "fill in the blanks". It is very important that quick, simple facts be provided so that the information can be provided to the responding services without delay.

4. What if I dial 911 by mistake?

First and foremost, do not hang up! Before you hang up the phone, be sure to tell the dispatcher that you have dialed 911 by mistake and that you do not need emergency help. This is very important because a police officer will be sent to your location if you simply hang up.

5. What are the hours of the Dispatch Center?

Our police dispatch center is in operation 24/hours a day, 7 days a week. The main lobby door on the first floor is always open and you can contact our dispatch at any time as well as by phone at 610-696-2700.