Call 9-1-1- for:

1.        All medical emergencies
2.        Reporting a fire
3.        Reporting a Police emergency such as:

·         Any crime in progress that you are aware of or are observing.
·         A crime that has just been committed against you or one that you just witnessed. For example, you have just had your purse snatched and the suspect and/or vehicle description may help the police make an apprehension.

The 9-1-1 number can be dialed from any land based (permanent) telephone and will go directly to the Santa Monica Police Department’s Communication Center. The telephone and address from the location you are calling from is automatically displayed on a computer screen when your call is answered.  You can call 9-1-1 from any coin operated telephone without depositing money.

In order for the police to respond quickly to an emergency, let the dispatcher take command of the conversation. He or she will ask you a series of questions to learn exactly what is taking place. Depending on the type of call, the dispatcher will ask:

·          What happened?
·          Where did it happen?
·          Your name, phone number and location.
·          Suspect(s) description.
·          Weapon, if any.
·          Vehicle, if any, and the direction of travel.
·          Identifiable features of house or building.
·          Pet(s) on premises, if any.
·          Injuries, if any.

Speak as clearly and as calmly as you can. In an emergency, another dispatcher will broadcast the information by radio while you are still on the line. Each question that you are asked is designed to add a piece to the “picture” so that arriving officers can take precautions for what may be a dangerous situation. The more complete the picture, the quicker and safer the outcome for all concerned.

It is important to know that if you dial 9-1-1 from a cell phone you will be connected with the California Highway Patrol. The CHP will then need to determine which agency your call should be transferred to for assistance.  If you are most often in Santa Monica City limits, you cam preprogram the Santa Monica Dispatch number into your cell phone. 

REPORTING A NON-EMERGENCY (458-8491)

REPORTING A NON-EMERGENCY(310-458-8491)

Most calls received by the Police Department are for non-emergencies. For example, if you discover that a crime has occurred such as a burglary or theft and you did not witness the incident and don’t know when it happened, you should call the non-emergency line at 310-458-8491. This line is available 24-hours a day.

You can assist the Santa Monica Police Department in deterring crime by reporting potential criminal activity BEFORE it has been committed or completed. Following are examples of suspicious activity that you should report to the police:

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS

• Someone going door-to-door in a residential area. Burglars often case an area by simply knocking on doors to see if anyone is home. If a stranger knocks on your door, take the time to acknowledge them. If you don’t, you may unwittingly be sending a burglar on to continue their search for an easy target.
• Non-residents entering a yard. Be wary of strangers you see entering a neighbor’s property. Try calling your neighbor and then call the police if you are still unsure.
• Waiting in front of a house. If you see a stranger loitering near a home you know to be unoccupied, they may be acting as a lookout for a burglary.
• Forcing entrance to a home or vehicle. Some burglars are so brazen that a casual observer may assume that someone has simply locked themselves out. Be alert!

SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES

• Slow moving vehicles. Burglars sometimes look for their target by driving aimlessly about passing the same location repeatedly.
• Parked, occupied vehicles. Burglars also will park their car and strike the home of someone they see leaving.
• Vans and trucks. Be wary of a large vehicle you’ve never seen before parked next to a home or in a driveway. Verify with the homeowner/resident that it belongs there.

Remember, trust your instincts. If you observe something that just doesn’t seem right, follow through. Don’t say to yourself, “It’s probably nothing and besides, the police are probably too busy to check it out.” Actually, police officers would much rather respond to your call and have it result in a false alarm than to miss an opportunity to prevent a crime or apprehend a criminal.

Blank suspect description sheets are available to keep near your phone. Fill out one of these forms to obtain an accurate description whenever you witness suspicious or criminal activity. Call the Santa Monica Police Department Community Relations Unit at 310-458-8474 for further information.

This page was last modified on 01/26/2008