The department's executive director, Mary Ellen Carroll, gave us some tips on how to know when you should call 911.
#1 Call 911 if there is immediate danger to life or property, such as a medical emergency or a fire.
#2 Call 911 if there is a crime in progress.
If the problem is not urgent, but you still need help, call 311 instead of 911.
311 situations include things like a car burglary that has already happened, reporting illegally parked or abandoned vehicles, and requesting street or park maintenance.