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  1. Dispatch / 911
  2. Frequently Asked Questions

Phone Basics

When should I not call 911?

911 is for immediate life-threatening emergencies. Do not call 911 for road/travel information, legal advice, civil matter questions, telephone directory assistance, or community event information. A telephone directory or internet sites have this information and numbers.

What do I do if I accidentally call 911?

Most importantly, DO NOT HANG UP. Stay on the line until the dispatcher answers. Explain that you accidentally called 911 and there is no emergency. Be prepared to verify your current location and/or meet with an officer who may respond to your location to confirm that there is no emergency.

How can I prevent my child from accidentally calling 911?

Teaching children when to call 911 is just as important as teaching them how to place a 911 call. Parents should also be aware that wireless phones without a current calling plan through a wireless provider are still capable of connecting a call to a local 911 center. Children should be told not to dial 911 from these old phones, and it is recommended that parents remove the phone’s battery before giving these phones to children.

How do I place a “test” call to make sure that 911 work for me?

Test calls confirm that your local 911 service can receive your 911 call and has the correct location information. Test calls can be scheduled by contacting Bayside Communications Center via our non-emergency phone number at 414-351-9900.

How do you make a 911 call?

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 on your phone. Stay calm and state your emergency. Speak loudly and clearly. Give the 911 dispatcher your name, phone number and the address where help is needed. Answer the dispatcher’s questions. Stay on the telephone as long as it’s safe to do so, and don’t hang up until the dispatcher tells you to.

Be prepared to answer the dispatcher’s questions:

–  What happened?

– Where and when did it occur?

–  Is anyone injured?

–  Description of vehicle(s)

– License plate number(s)

–  Direction of travel of suspect(s)

–  Description of any suspects.

Should I call 911?

My pet is lost, what do I do?

Bayside Communications Center maintains a log of lost pets. If your pet is lost, or you locate a lost pet in the North Shore, please contact us to see if someone called in a pet that was lost or located at 414-351-9900.

Call Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control 414-649-8640. Any located animals are taken to this facility in hopes that the owner will be located, and the pet will be returned to its home.

How do I report a dangerous driver?

Using your mobile device in hands-free mode, you simply call 9-1-1. Any telecommunicator in the State can route your report to the closest police agency. Try to give a description of the vehicle and the driver (if possible). Remember the acronym CYMBAL – color, year, make, body style and license of the vehicle. Don’t take any action yourself – police appreciate a good witness!

Why are people coming to my door if I am on the Do Not Solicit List?

Merchants who wish to go door to door need to purchase a traveling merchant permit from the Police Department. The Police will give them a copy of the Do Not Solicit List which will show them which properties to not go to. If you are on the Do Not Solicit List and traveling merchants are still coming to your door, please call the Police Department Non-Emergency at 414-206-3916. However, religious groups and charities are allowed to go door to door.

How do I help a friend, family member, or loved one who is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts?

If there is a life-threatening emergency, please call 911. If you need help for a non-life-threatening situation, call the non-emergency police department number at 414-206-3916. You can contact the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

Can I call dispatch to check the status of plowing?

Unfortunately, dispatch does not monitor the progress of plowing in individual communities. Please call your local municipality directly for questions regarding services.

Who do I contact about a down power line or power outage?

Please remember that heavy winds can cause down power lines. If you need immediate assistance and/or need to report a down line that is in traffic or causing a hazard, please call 911. If you are simply reporting a power outage, please call WE Energies at 1-800-662-4797 or at this link: https://www.we-energies.com/outages_safety/reporting/index.htm

Should I call 911 if I’m in an accident?

You do NOT need to call the police if you are involved in an accident and no one is hurt, there is minimal property damage, and the accident is not blocking traffic or creating a hazard. For a fender bender or minor collision, exchange contact and insurance information and file a police report on your own. If necessary, contact non-emergency dispatch at 414-351-9900.

How do I report suspicious activity in my community?

You can dial 911 to report any suspicious activity. Be prepared to answer the dispatcher’s questions, including where the suspicious activity is occurring and additional details of what is happening such as:

–  What happened?

– Where and when did it occur?

–  Is anyone injured?

–  Description of vehicle(s)

– License plate number(s)

–  Direction of travel of suspect(s)

–  Description of any suspects.

What happens when I make a 911 call?

Doesn’t my address show up when I dial 911?

If you are calling from a cell phone, the address does not come up. We may get latitude and longitude location for you as the caller if your phone call hits the tower correctly, however it won’t pinpoint your exact location.

Why am I asked so many questions by the 911 Telecommunicator? Doesn’t this delay the response to my emergency?

The Telecommunicator may ask you questions that you believe are irrelevant. Trust in the Telecommunicator’s training and experience, and they will guide you to provide the information needed by the police and fire departments to get you the quickest and most helpful response. There are multiple Telecommunicators working in the 911 center, and while you are being asked questions by one, someone else reading the information on a computer screen is actually dispatching the police and/or fire units based on the information you are providing.

What are tips for calling 911?

Listen and answer the questions asked. By doing this, it helps the dispatcher understand your situation and will assist you with your emergency until the appropriate police, fire or medical units arrive. 

Be prepared to answer the dispatcher’s questions:

–  What happened?

– Where and when did it occur?

–  Is anyone injured?

–  Description of vehicle(s)

– License plate number(s)

–  Direction of travel of suspect(s)

–  Description of any suspects.

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