Sometimes when people call the police, they are not always calling the correct number. We all know about 9-1-1, but do we REALLY know about 9-1-1? Most calls made to 9-1-1 are NOT actually classified as an emergency, and therefore an immediate response is not required. If the Communications officer on the line has established your call as not an emergency, they will direct you to the non-emergency number.
9-1-1 is for emergencies only. An emergency is when lives are in danger, a crime is in progress or the Police/EMS/Fire Department are needed immediately. Examples of 9-1-1 calls:
- any crime that is in progress and/or where a person’s life or property is being threatened/damaged
- any incident where immediate medical attention is required
- any incident where the fire department is immediately required
The Regina Police non-emergency line, 306-777-6500, is for any situation other than an emergency. For example:
- A crime that has been committed, but there are no suspects at the scene and no immediate danger to people or property (vehicle or property break-in discovered after-the-fact, a fraud).
- An on-going or chronic criminal activity where suspects are not currently at the scene (vandalism, drug deals).
- A suspicious circumstance that may be an indication of criminal activity (neighbours might have a residential grow operation).
- A noise complaint or nuisance issue (noisy party, barking dog)
Whether you call 9-1-1 or the non-emergency number, please stay calm, have as much detail as possible about the incident and answer every question clearly. This will help speed up dispatching police officers to the crime scene. When you call in, the first thing the Communications Centre employee will ask you is “WHERE is your emergency?”.
Please call in emergencies in progress to 9-1-1 and events that have happened already to 306-777-6500. Do not send @reginapolice a message on Twitter or Facebook if you witness a crime or have something to report. Our social media accounts are not monitored 24/7 (and rarely on weekends) and they are not directly linked with the communications centre and cannot dispatch a patrol car to help you.