The Gilbert Police Department has released guidance to help residents understand when to use 911 and when to call a non-emergency number. According to the department, 911 should be reserved for situations involving police, fire, or medical emergencies. These are incidents that are happening now or have just happened and pose a threat to life, safety, or could result in significant property loss or damage.
Kim Weber, Police Communication Manager for the department, explained the distinction: “9-1-1 should only be used for police, fire, or medical emergencies. Emergencies are incidents that are in progress or have just occurred, posing a threat to life, safety, or potential for significant property loss/damage. Aside from calling 9-1-1, you can also text-to-911. Texting to 9-1-1 is useful when you are in a situation where you cannot speak. Text-to-911 is still reserved for emergencies only. Therefore, if the incident does not meet the above emergency criteria, it is recommended that you call the non-emergency public safety phone number. The non-emergency phone number should be used to report delayed crimes or if you have public safety-related questions.”
The department encourages residents to use text-to-911 if they cannot speak during an emergency. However, both calling and texting 911 should only be done in true emergencies.
For situations that do not involve immediate danger—such as reporting crimes that occurred some time ago or asking public safety questions—the department advises using its non-emergency phone line.
Contact information for both emergency and non-emergency services can be found on the Gilbert Police Department’s website.
