An emergency can constitute many different situations. As a rule, 911 should be used whenever a person has or is in danger of an injury or property is in imminent danger. To report non-emergency situations, call (781) 293-4625 and dial “0” to reach the dispatcher on duty. Here are a few examples to assist you in determining when to use 911 and when to call police headquarters directly.
- To save a life
- To stop a crime
- To report a fire
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Burglaries
- Medical emergencies
- Fire
- Missing or abducted persons
- Drunk or impaired drivers
- Domestic assaults and disputes
- Assaults in progress
- An intruder in your house or on your property
- Stolen motor vehicle
- Shoplifting
- To report animal complaints
- To report traffic complaints
- Road conditions
- Nuisance type complaints
- General information such as school closings, directions, or weather conditions
When a caller dials 911, the name and address from which you are calling will be displayed at the operator’s location. The operator will need to verify this information in the event that the emergency is at a different location than that which the call has been placed.
A 911 Operator is trained to take a call using a teletypewriter/telecommunications device for the deaf. This is commonly referred to as TTY. Hearing-impaired persons may also use the Massachusetts Relay Center to contact 911.
911 can be dialed from a cell phone. Your call will automatically be directed to the nearest Massachusetts State Police barracks. The state police operator will determine your location and nature of the emergency. The operator will then forward your call to the appropriate agency in that jurisdiction.
If someone in your home accidentally dials 911 DO NOT HANG UP. The 911 operator will need to verify that the call was placed in error and verify your name and address. A police officer may be dispatched to the originating address if there is a hang up or silence on the line or the 911 operator believes there may be an emergency. In the event of a hang up or silent 911 call, the operator will call back to the originating telephone. ANSWER the phone if you have made a 911 call by mistake. Do not be surprised or upset if a police officer comes to your door. The officer is verifying that there is no emergency.
If you are reporting an emergency or crime, remain on the phone with the 911 operator until the operator tells you to hang up or help has arrived. You may be able to provide additional information to the operator that will assist the responding emergency personnel in helping you or apprehending a suspected criminal.
When a 9-1-1 operator receives a call that does not constitute an emergency, the call will be directed to a recording. The recording will state “911 is for emergencies only. Please consult the Verizon directory white pages for the seven digit number for this call.” The phone will then disconnect. All non-emergency calls to the Hanson Police Department should be placed to (781) 293-4625.
If you or a person with a disability resides with you and you would like emergency personnel to be aware of that disability, you may record this information with E911. If you record this information with E911, the type of disability that you have specified will appear on the 911 operator’s screen whenever a 911 call is placed from your telephone. Providing this information to the responding emergency personnel can aid them in assisting you.
If you would like to submit information to E911, complete the Hanson Disability Indicator Form.
The completed form can be submitted to:
Senior Dispatcher Debra J. Brown
775 Main Street, Hanson, MA 02341.
Phone: (781) 293-4625 ext 0