Ready for anything

Call 911 any time there is a life-threatening emergency — situations where someone's life, safety, or property is in immediate danger and a rapid response is needed. This includes:

• Medical emergencies – unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms, or seizures
• Fire or explosion – in a home, vehicle, or public space
• Crime in progress – robbery, assault, break-in, or any violent situation
• Serious accidents – car crashes with injuries, falls from height, or industrial accidents
• Missing person in danger – especially a child or vulnerable adult

If something doesn't look or feel right, don't ignore it — reporting suspicious activity early can help prevent crime and keep your community safe.

For immediate threats or danger, call 911 right away.

For non-emergency suspicious activity, contact your local police department's non-emergency line. You can also report through:

• FBI Tips at tips.fbi.gov for suspected terrorism or federal crimes
• Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) to report anonymously
• Local fire marshal or fire department for fire-related suspicious activity, such as arson or hazardous materials

A police report may be needed for insurance claims, legal proceedings, or personal records. Here's how to get one:

Step 1: Identify the right agency Contact the law enforcement agency that responded to or took the original report — this could be your local police department, county sheriff's office, or state highway patrol, depending on where the incident occurred.

Step 2: Request the report You can typically obtain a copy through one of these methods:

• In person – Visit the records division of the relevant police department
• Online – Many departments offer report requests through their official website
• By mail – Submit a written request with incident details to the records division
• Third-party services – Some jurisdictions use platforms like LexisNexis or Coplogic for report access

Can Officers Visit My School or Neighborhood?

Yes — law enforcement officers regularly visit schools and neighborhoods as part of their commitment to community safety, education, and outreach.

In Schools: Many police departments have dedicated programs that bring officers into schools, including:

• School Resource Officers (SROs) — trained officers assigned full-time to a school to maintain safety, build relationships with students, and respond to incidents
• D.A.R.E. and prevention programs — educational initiatives focused on drug awareness, violence prevention, and making smart choices
• Career day and classroom visits — officers may speak to students about law enforcement, civic responsibility, and personal safety

Schools coordinate directly with local departments, so visit frequency and program availability vary by district.

In Neighborhoods: Officers also engage with communities outside of emergency response through:

• Community policing patrols — officers assigned to specific neighborhoods to build familiarity and trust with residents
• Neighborhood Watch support — law enforcement may help organize or participate in local watch programs
• Town halls and community meetings — many departments hold regular forums where residents can raise concerns and ask questions
• National Night Out — an annual event held the first Tuesday of August where officers engage with neighborhoods across the country