The month of April is National 911 Education Month. During this time, the second full week is recognized as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week—a time to recognize and thank the dispatchers who play a critical role in keeping our communities safe.
In recognition of this, here are a few tips and reminders for calling 911:
What should I expect when calling 911?
When you call 911, the dispatcher will guide the conversation by asking questions. Knowing what information they need can help get assistance to you as quickly as possible.
In most cases, dispatchers will gather information in this general order:
- WHERE: the most important piece of information is the exact location of the emergency. If someone is leaving the area or the situation is moving, the direction of travel is also important. Be prepared to share where the incident happened and where everyone involved is now.
- WHAT: clearly explain what is happening. If there are injuries or weapons involved, share that right away so responding officers know what to expect.
- WHEN: timing matters. Let the dispatcher know if the situation is happening right now, how long it has been going on, or how long ago it occurred.
- WHO: you will be asked for your name and phone number in case the call is disconnected. It’s also helpful to explain your role—whether you are the victim, a witness, or reporting on behalf of someone else. Share any details about suspects, including physical descriptions, if you have them.
What qualifies as a good reason to call 911?
If you believe there is an immediate threat to safety—whether to yourself or someone else—call 911.
You don’t need to second-guess the decision. If something feels wrong, it’s always better to call and let dispatch help determine the next steps.
Can I contact the police if I don’t have an emergency?
Yes. If the situation is not an emergency but you would still like to report something, you can call our non-emergency line at 608-264-2677 or visit our lobby, which is open 24/7.
You can also reach us through the BadgerSAFE app, which allows you to send messages directly to UWPD. (Please note: the app is not monitored for emergencies, and messages are answered as soon as someone is available.)
If an incident happens off campus, you can contact the Dane County 911 Center directly—or call us, and we’ll help connect you with the appropriate agency.
Can I send a text to 911?
Yes. The Dane County 911 Center accepts text-to-911 messages. To send a text, enter “911” in the “To” field on your phone (no spaces or dashes). Your message will be routed to the Dane County 911 Center, which will notify UWPD if needed.
Calling 911 is still the best option whenever possible. If you do need to text, keep these tips in mind:
- Deactivated phones can still call 911, but they cannot text 911. You must have an active texting plan.
- Start with your location. Cell phone location data isn’t always exact, so clearly stating where you are is critical.
- Keep your message clear and brief. Avoid slang or abbreviations, which can cause confusion and delay response.
- In some cases, your message may be routed to a 911 center that does not support texting. If that happens, you’ll receive a message letting you know the service is unavailable. This can also occur if your phone is roaming.
- Only send your message to 911—do not include other recipients.