Call 911 when there is a life or death emergency that requires the immediate response of emergency service such as police, fire or paramedic. Always call 911 when there is a medical problem or something that requires the Los Angeles Fire Department to respond, because they do not have non-emergency lines. When there is a situation that requires police response but is not an emergency, use a non-emergency 7-digit telephone number.
[From http://www.lapdonline.org/index.htm]
Non-emergency 310-451-LAPD (5273) To report any non-emergency crime.
West Los Angeles Area Front Desk 310-575-8404 General inquiries and information.
Basic Car 8A53, Mid WLA Senior Lead Officer: Phillip Enbody, 213-509-9040. Area Boundaries: Wilshire Boulevard (N), Santa Monica Freeway (S), San Diego Freeway (E), and Centinela Avenue (W).
It is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code Section 148.3 for any person to willfully use the 911 system for any purpose other than reporting an emergency. It is a felony if someone is injured or dies as a result of emergency service response to a false call. [From http://www.lapdonline.org/index.htm]