Cactus Village Community

“Be a Smart Witness” By Peggy Secaur of Faxnet1

Jul 08, 2003

Richard stood in Lucille?’s apartment (complex office) as she immediately called 911. ?‘As soon as we realized someone was being attacked in the alley, 911 was called?’.

Lucille called 911 as soon as she was aware of the incident.

As soon as the 911 operator answered Lucille immediately identified herself, gave the 911 operator a brief description of what just happened, followed by her name, phone number she was calling from, the complex address, the fact that she?’s a member of the Story/Roosevelt Neighborhood Patrol, and then began giving the operator details, like which driveway for the patrol officer to enter the complex, the fact that Ricky needed medical attention, a list of witnesses the police officers needed to interview, etc.

The bottom line is, if in doubt, call 911. If it is a crime in progress - Call 911 Immediately.

If it is not an emergency, like you came home and found your home broken into, there is no hope of catching the perpetrators in the neighborhood because the robbery may have occurred hours ago, then call crime stop (262-6151). You certainly want a police report on your robbery; however, the perpetrators are probably not still in the vicinity. Your police report is certainly important to the Police Department; however, if there is a crime in progress they are currently responding to, your robbery report can always be taken later, once the emergency the police officer is attending to is resolved.

Please keep in mind, if someone has just jumped your fence into your backyard, and they clearly have a weapon, you certainly want them to come to your emergency before going to someone else?’s home to take a burglary report from a break in hours ago?…☺

?“A little common sense can go a long way to easing the tension and anxiety of the moment. If it is a real emergency, do not hesitate, CALL 9-1-1. Ed?…☺