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COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION
Frequently Asked Questions about Police
Dispatch
Q:
I don't have an emergency, but I need some information. What number
should I use to contact the police department?
A:
We ask that you call our non-emergency number, 817-626-1991.
Q:
Why do the 911 operators ask so many questions when I call 9-1-1 for police
assistance?
A:
911 operators need to get accurate information to allow officers to determine how best
to approach a situation. Callers may be asked how long
ago the incident happened, to describe the
suspect(s), the direction the suspect(s) took and what type of
transportation, including vehicle(s). Questions about weapons, drinking, or drug use are for the
safety of the citizen and officer alike. This information is relayed to
the officers while they are enroute to the call.
Q:
Why, when I call because my spouse and I are arguing, am I always asked if anyone has been hit or
pushed?
A:
This is a standard question on most disturbance type calls to determine if any medical assistance is needed.
Because of the repetitive nature of domestic disturbances, which often includes increased levels of violence,
it is imperative that an officer respond to check the welfare of the
people involved. The River Oaks Police Department is required by current Texas law to respond to any reports of
domestic violence.
Q:
Why wouldn't the police make the convenience store clerk give me my correct change?
A:
This would be considered a business dispute, or a civil matter. A police officer would be
there to keep the peace, not to take sides in an issue such as this. The primary responsibility of police
is to handle crimes. An intent to commit a crime must be present for the action to be considered a crime,
which was not in this example.
Q:
When I called the police about a drunk driver, the operator asked me to describe the driver, even after
I had given the license plate number and the type of car. Why is that?
A:
Once an alleged drunk driver can no longer be seen, it is possible for that person to deny he or
she was driving the car. If our caller is willing to identify the person
who was behind the wheel and driving erratically, then the court case is much stronger in case of an arrest.
Q:
I was teaching my 3 year old how to dial 9-1-1. Although I had hung up before anyone answered, the next
thing I knew, two officers were knocking on my door. How did that happen?
A:
When we receive 9-1-1 hangup calls or open line calls, we assume an emergency exists and
officers are dispatched. These calls are handled quickly and carefully
as the officers do not know what to expect when arriving at the address from which the number was dialed.
It is important that our citizens understand that 9-1-1 calls are
a serious matter. If citizens call 9-1-1, whether programming
their phone, incorrectly dialing their phone, or teaching their children, they should stay on the
line long enough to advise the call taker that no emergency exists and explain how they reached 9-1-1 in error.
It is also extremely important for "pranksters" who intentionally abuse the 9-1-1
system, and for citizens calling 9-1-1 without an actual emergency, to understand that their actions may
constitute a violation of Penal Code Sec 42.061 which is punishable by a fine not to exceed $2,000 and
confinement in jail up to 180 days, or both.
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