Knowing When to Call 911

Heidi Chain is the Precinct Council President of the 112 Precinct Community Council.

I have become aware that there are people who are letting their neighbors, other parents at a school and their friends know when they have become a victim of a crime, but  have not let the police know at the time that they are a victim of a crime. 

There have been a few incidents where people have indicated that they do not know who to call when something has happened, or is in the process of being committed. IF you are a victim of a crime, please report it to the police. Once the police take the report they are able to establish if there is a pattern of this crime in our community.

They may be able to arrest the criminal. If they do not have the report, and they do not know that there is a crime, the criminal will not be caught. 

Therefore, to help everyone understand when to call, here is  a list of examples of the appropriate number to call. If you are  a member of the community and  you see someone doing something that looks suspicious –CALL 911. 

Tell the operator what you see and why you feel it is suspicious behavior. The police will respond. If you are correct, your call and concern may prevent a crime from occurring. You can benefit the entire community.  If a person has just been a victim of a crime – CALL 911 .

DO not wait until the next day to let the police know. It can help the police catch the person – if you let them know as soon as possible.Also be aware that if you call 311and the operator thinks it is serious they will forward the call to 911. If a car alarm is ringing – call 311 to report this. Here are other possible situations Someone is trespassing on your property. This is a crime in progress CALL 911  

Someone “ who does not belong” is walking in the alley behind homes CALL 911 Someone in a car in front of people’s home.

CALL 911  

If Cars are speeding down the block- drag racing CALL 911 

If you want to report that Cars were speeding in this past – Call 311 

Car Blocking driveway  CALL 311 

Someone by your neighbor’s yard CALL 911 

Kids in the park at night after 9 CALL 311

someone  doing drugs on a corner CALL 911

a group of kids hanging out in front of a store -blocking the sidewalk CALL 311

someone painting graffiti –CALL 911 you notice that graffiti has been painted and want to help clean it up – call 1 718 520 9321 

A man/woman acting up and screaming (Possible threat to others) CALL 911

A man/woman sleeping on the street or in the park CALL 311

A man/woman sleeping in the vestibule of a store CALL 311 

A man/woman being offensive to everyone in the park, if threatening others CALL 911

A house alarm going off CALL 911 

A tree has fallen or branches have fallen and it blocks the street CALL 311 

There is a loose dog in the neighborhood: CALL 311 or North Shore rescue at 516 883 1690  or American Foundation of Animal Rescue at 1 718 205 5860  or 911 if emergency 

There is a sick dog or cat in the neighborhood: CALL 311

There is a tractor trailer parked on your block  CALL 311