TIPS ON CALLING DISPATCH
Call 911 when there is an emergency. An emergency would be defined as witnessing a crime in progress, to report a fire, or to save a life.
NOTE: All cell phone calls are answered by the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department. If you need a Milwaukee Police response, immediately ask to be transferred to the Milwaukee Police Department.
To request a squad to address all other issues call Non-Emergency at #933-4444. Then press #2 to be connected to the next operator.
The following are suggestions to assist you in this process:
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Be prepared to provide the following information:
WHERE: Give a specific address, if possible, of the event occurring
WHO: Give a description of the people involved
WHAT: Describe the behavior occurring
Dispatchers are trained to ask specific questions, which are passed on to the Responding Officers to assist them when they arrive at the scene.
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When your call is answered, the Dispatcher will always announce their Operator Number. It is recommended that you take note of that number and jot it down.
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Dispatchers are not Police Officers and if you are not receiving the response you are looking for ask to speak to a Supervisor, who is a Police Officer. If you are uncomfortable with that you can hang up and call the Supervisor directly at #935-7471.
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You may call Dispatch and remain anonymous. However, the Operator is trained to ask for your name or a number where you can be reached if they need additional information.
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Please note that your phone number will come up during the call. The Police Officer may call you from the squad; just remind them that you choose to remain anonymous. This is an excellent way to foster relationships with the Squad in your area.
