SDSU Police Department

How to Report an Emergency or Crime

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an emergency?
2. How do I report an emergency?
3. What do I tell the dispatcher?
4. What is a non-emergency?

Q1: What is an emergency?

A: An emergency, or a crime in progress, is defined as any situation in which there is an immediate threat to life or property and immediate action or assistance is needed.

Examples of emergencies:

1. Someone is unconscious, not breathing, having a heart attack, or severly injured
2. Someone is breaking into your room, apartment, or home
3. You witness someone breaking into a vehicle or stealing a vehicle
4. There is a fire in a building
5. There are people physically fighting.

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Q2: How do I report an emergency?

A: To report an emergency:

1. Dial 9-1-1 from any on-campus phone or pay phone
2. Dial 619-594-1991 from a cell phone
3. Tell the dispatcher that this is an emergency
4. Press the emergency button on any campus duress phone, then tell the dispatcher that this is an emergency
   

Please remember if you accidentally dial 9-1-1, or activate a duress phone, tell the dispatcher it was accidental. Do not hang up, as the call will be considered an emergency, and emergency personnel will respond to the location the call originated from.

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Q3: What do I tell the dispatcher?

A: Immediately state the problem or emergency and the location where the situation is occurring. Listen to the dispatcher carefully and answer their questions. This does not slow down the response time of emergency personnel; they will have already been dispatched to your location. Dispatchers are trained professionals. They need your assistance in order to dispatch the required emergency personnel needed to assist you. Be prepared to provide the following information:

1. What is occurring
2. Where is the incident occurring
3. When did it happen or if it is still "in-progress"
4. Are there any injuries
5. Are there any weapons involved or mentioned; if weapons are involved or mentioned, give a description of what type of weapon, color, size, etc.
6. Describe the suspect, focusing from head to toe; i.e. sex, ethnicity, height, weight, hair color, eye color, skin complexion, facial hair, glasses, tattoos, marks/scars, clothing and clothing color
7. Describe the vehicles associated with the incident
8. What is the last known direction of travel of the person(s)/vehicle(s)
   

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Q4: What is a non-emergency?

A: Some circumstances may require the services of the police department, but do not require immediate action to protect life or property. In these cases, the San Diego State University Police Department Communications Center can be reached at 619-594-1991. Advise the dispatcher that you do not have an emergency.

The public can also visit the police department, front lobby Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Examples of non-emergencies:

1. You parked your vehicle for the day and when you return the window has been smashed with items taken, or the vehicle has been damaged
2. You are receiving harassing phone calls or e-mail messages
3. You noticed your property has been stolen, but the theft may have occurred several days ago
4. You are locked out of your office or classroom
5. You cannot find your vehicle
6. You notice suspicious persons, vehicles, or activities
7. Noise complaints
   
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This page last updated May 29, 2008
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