The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner's Office

Remember these questions: Where, What, Who, When, Why? When calling 9-1-1 for assistance, these are questions the dispatcher will ask you.

WHERE?
Where are you? Where is the scene?
WHAT?
What happened?
WHO?
Who's involved? Is anyone hurt?
WHEN?
When did it happen? Is it going on right now?
WHY?
Follow-up questions:

PEOPLE	WEAPON	WHERE DID THEY GO?
How many people involved? Who is involved? What do they look like? What are they wearing? What are they carrying?	Any object can be a weapon if it is used in a threatening manner, or causes death or serious bodily injury. Name the specific weapon? Who has the weapon? Where is the weapon?	Point of reference. Directional guide.

Do stay on the line.
Your call will be answered as soon as possible.

Do have the information available.
Write it down if necessary.

Do let the dispatcher ask the questions.
The dispatcher will determine how to best help you.

Do stay on the line as long as needed.
The dispatcher may need to update information.

Don't hesitate to call 9-1-1!

Calling 911: The Five Ws

Dispatch Non-Emergency

Report a Crime FAQs

Site Map