Central Broward News

Broward County’s Regional Communications System, let’s call it the (System) plays an essential function to our law enforcement and fire rescue personnel to accomplish their roles efficiently and provide you the user, the best and most responsive service.  

The System’s Non-Emergency Number (954-764-4357/HELP) is answered by the same call-takers that answer emergency calls to 911. Unnecessary calls to the non-emergency number cause an undue burden on an already strained group of professionals. Every additional, unnecessary call to that number, increases the workload on the same staff that we rely on to respond quickly and accurately to true emergency calls.

What IS a non-emergency call by definition?

"A call that requires a law or fire/EMS dispatch but does not require an immediate response from law enforcement, fire rescue, or EMS call for service dispatch, or any combination thereof." 

Many of the calls coming into the system currently are calls that should go to either 311, looked up on your city website, or made to your city government departments. 

Below are examples of calls that SHOULD be made to the Non-Emergency Number and calls that should NOT be made to the Non-Emergency Number.  

EXAMPLES OF APPROPRIATE CALLS (SHOULD BE MADE)

My pet is stuck in a drain, or on a roof.

I have had a minor vehicle accident with no injuries or hazard and need a public service aid for a report.

My neighbor is playing their music too loud.

I need to report my bicycle stolen (no suspect on the scene).

I need to report identity theft (no suspect on scene).

I have not seen my neighbor/relative recently and would like a welfare check.

There is a stray dog roaming on my street.

EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE CALL (SHOULD NOT BE MADE) 

I need a copy of a police report or the police department's office hours.

I am trying to reach Officer Jane Doe or Deputy John Doe. 

I have a code enforcement complaint. 

I want to speak to someone about my water, sewer, or solid waste account. 

I do not understand my TRIM notice or tax bill, who do I call?

How do I get help to pay my light or water bill?

My vehicle was towed, where do I find it?

I have been served an eviction notice or I want to serve an eviction notice. 

How do I get arrest information, bond information, or jail visitation information?

Again, the calls that should NOT be made to the Non-Emergency Number should be addressed to places like 311, BSO Police Administration during office hours, your City Hall governmental departments and most all can be found on the City website. 

Original source can be found here.