This category contains the following:
The 911 Emergency Number
The 911 number is the "Emergency Dispatch Center". Although they can tell your approximate address from the telephone on which you are calling, you should know your exact location (street, floor, room).
The dispatchers speak the following languages: English, Spanish,
Dial 911 in the Following Emergencies
- Fire
- Acute Medical Emergencies requiring emergency transport to a hospital and on-site life-sustaining assistance.
- Accidents of any type
- Crime and violent behavior.
- Person in trouble
They will immediately send the nearest ambulance, police car or fire trucks to assist you. |
Other Emergencies
Arrested by police:
The job of our professional police force is basically "to help people, direct traffic, patrol, manage crowds at parades, provide security solve crimes and to keep the peace". They are trained to try to resolve conflicts and problems by mediation and warnings. They are well trained to help you in any type of emergency or danger.
Thus, it is highly unlikely that you ever will be arrested unless you drive while drinking, get into a drunken brawl, smuggle or deal in drugs, "shoplift" (steal), commit fraud, pass counterfeit money, etc. (See LAWS TO KNOW).
If you are arrested by the police, however, the arresting officer should read your rights to you. At this stage, you should know that you have certain rights including the right to call a lawyer (see LAW FIRMS & LAWYERS) and the right to remain silent until you receive legal counsel. They then will take you to the nearest "local precinct" station in their "squad car" and the arresting officer will "book you" (register the criminal complaint).
What happens then depends on the seriousness of the alleged offense. Only a court of law can resolve an arrest warrant. For minor misdemeanors - creating a public disturbance - you will probably be released on your "personal recognizance" or on posting a small bail (sum of money) to guarantee your court appearance. In serious crimes, e.g., assault with a deadly weapon, drug dealing, etc. you will be held in jail until you get a court hearing to determine under what conditions, if any, you will be released prior to trial.
Lost and found, see LOST PROPERTY.
Need to replace stolen or lost documents, see LOST PROPERTY.
No money, no food, no place to stay, see TRAVELER'S AID AND TRAVELER'S INFORMATION.
Illness: see MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.
Psychological Help, see MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.
Legal Assistance: see LAW FIRMS & LAWYERS.
Social Assistance (Hunger,Homeless,Mental Illnesses,Assisted Living) , see SOCIAL AND HUMAN SERVICES.
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