Crime & Safety
Ask a Campbell Cop: Can I Text 9-1-1?
Tell us what you want to know about public safety in Campbell and we'll get the answer for you!
Is there anything you have ever wanted to know from Campbell Police Department? Well, this is your chance to ask.
Patch has always strived to bring its readers all types of information and keep them updated on what is happening in their communities. It is with that in mind that we bring you our column, “Ask a Campbell Cop.” We'll be teaming up with the Campbell Police Department to answer your questions.
Whether you have a question about certain laws and how they might affect you, your family or friends, or how to stay safe in certain situations, we want you to ask them. Every week we will run two or three questions and give some answers.
Find out what's happening in Campbellwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
To submit a question, email mayra.marcotte@patch.com or add it in the comments section below.
This week's questions from Campbell Patch readers were answered by Campbell Police Captain Dave Carmichael.
Q: I was watching a movie the other day where a woman was hiding under her bed because her house was getting burglarized by armed robbers. She was afraid to call 9-1-1 because if she made noise she might put herself in more danger, so I thought she should just text 9-1-1.
Is there any way to text 9-1-1 or alert authorities of an emergency without making noise? If not, what do you suggest people in this kind of situation should do?
If you are in a position where you need to call 9-1-1 but are afraid that the sound of your voice might put you in peril, it is best to call 9-1-1 and just leave the line open with your hand covering the speaker to muffle any sound of the Dispatcher's voice on the other end. We will dispatch officers to the 9-1-1 open line.
If you are able to quickly provide any information to us about the nature of the emergency, that would be best since we will then upgrade the response and get help there as rapidly as possible. By leaving the line open, Dispatch may be able to hear any background noise or conversation that can assist us in determining what is taking place.
Editor's note: This information is not meant to be used as legal advice.
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