Illinois Small Town Police Feel It’s Necessary To Remind Residents How To Properly Contact Them

If local law enforcement is taking time for a friendly reminder it means more than one person's action merited a response. What blows my mind is the examples of what not to do when contacting the police.

It happened in the village of Winnebago, Illinois. Well, it was not confirmed to have happened but, again, if they are taking time to clarify how to contact (or not contact) the police, it's likely happened.

The police department in Winnebago shared (via Facebook) how not to contact them if it isn't an emergency. This might be a good reminder for residents in any city, village, or town.

THE WRONG WAY TO CONTACT LOCAL POLICE

• Call officers directly
• Email Policers
• Drive around looking for officers
• Messaging the department's Facebook page
• Call city, town, or village hall

THE CORRECT WAY TO CONTACT LOCAL POLICE

If it is not an actual emergency, contact the department's non-emergency line. As indicated by Winnebago, Illinois' Police Department calls to their emergency and non-emergency lines are routed through the Winnebago County 911 Center. Even if you're calling the non-emergency line, you'll still reach the appropriate party.

WHAT CONSTITUTES CALLING 9-1-1?

This is a great question and KidsHealth.org has an easy-to-understand answer. Here's when you absolutely should call 9-1-1.

• there's a fire
• someone has passed out
• someone suddenly seems very sick and is having a hard time speaking or breathing turns blue
• someone is choking
• you see a crime happening, like a break-in
• you are in or see a serious car accident

And, also, you are able to text 9-1-1 as well.