Frequently Asked Questions
How are calls to the Police Department prioritized?
To ensure a rapid police response when you need it, the Alexander City Police Department has a call priority system. High priority calls consist of reports of crimes where lives may be endangered or in progress or those recently committed where there is a chance of apprehending a criminal. As the call taker is asking questions, the information is being made available to the dispatchers for relay to the police officer. It is important to continue talking with the call taker, answering questions and providing additional information as accurately as possible.
When 911 is dialed and the calling party hangs up, an officer is sent to the address. With the 911 system the address of the telephone from where the call is being made appears on the call taker’s computer terminal. Please ensure that your children do not play with your telephone. Lower priority calls consist of reports of property crimes that occurred some time ago and suspects have left the scene. These calls are dispatched based on available police units, and may even be handled by telephone.
Category: Contacting Police
How do I contact the Police?
- Dial 9-1-1 for life threatening emergencies ONLY!
- For non-emergencies or to ask questions, call (256) 234-3421.
- Quickly describe why you are calling.
- Give your name, address, and phone number.
- Give detailed suspect or vehicle description and last known location or direction of travel.
- Stay calm. Remain on the phone to give any additional information.
- When in doubt call 911.
Category: Contacting Police
How do I get a copy of a police report?
All accident reports can be obtained by visiting www.buycrash.com. All other police reports may be obtained at the Police Department.
Category: Contacting Police
How do I report a crime?
If you suspect that a crime is being or is about to be committed, please dial 911. You need not give your name. However, if you want a police officer to contact you, give your name, address, and telephone number and advise the Dispatcher that you would like to meet with an officer.
Category: Contacting Police
How to I get warrant information?
To obtain information regarding warrants, please contact the Court Clerk at 256-329-6750.
Category: Contacting Police
What are examples of NON-emergencies?
If you have an non-emergency, please call (256) 234-3421. If you call the Dispatch Center with a situation that is not deemed to be an emergency, you will be referred to the non-emergency line. The following are examples of non-emergencies:
- Power outages
- Barking dogs
- Loud parties or music
- Non-injury accidents including non-injury hit and runs
- Parking violations
- Requests for information
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Time-delayed reports with no suspect information such as home burglary, vehicle burglary, and assault reports
Category: Contacting Police
What are examples of suspicious activity?
- A stranger around your neighbor’s house or a strange vehicle parked near your neighbor’s home.
- The sound of breaking glass.
- Anyone peering into vehicles or removing tags, gasoline, or auto parts.
- An improperly parked car, or a parked car with someone in it who seems out of place.
- Someone carrying property such as TVs, stereos, or tools that can be used to break into homes
- Apparent business transactions conducted from a vehicle or street corner.
- A constant flow of strangers to and from a particular house on a regular basis, especially during late evening hours.
- Persons involved in a fight or any explosion or scream.
- A stranger knocking on doors (burglars sometimes knock at the door first to see if anyone is at home).
- Recurring appearances of a strange vehicle in the neighborhood.
- Persons standing around, possibly acting as lookouts.
Category: Contacting Police
What happens when you call 911?
- A Dispatcher will answer the call and ask you what type of emergency you have. Remember to:
- Answer all questions
- Remain calm
- Stay on the line
- Do not hang up until the Dispatcher advises you to do so.
- When you call 911 from a landline, your address, telephone number and billing person's name is automatically displayed on our computer-aided dispatch system. Dispatchers will ask you for this information to verify it. If you are calling from a cell phone number, you will need to provide all of this information to the Dispatcher.
If you have a need for a Police Officer and it is NOT an emergency, then please use our non-emergency phone number (256) 234-3421.
Category: Contacting Police
When should I call the police?
If you observe suspicious activity, even though you may not be the only witness, take the initiative and call the Police. Do not rely on someone else to act – this may never happen. You could be the only caller, and police questioning the individuals seen lurking in or repeatedly traveling through areas often deters crimes.
Many people fail to act because they are not sure if what they are observing is worth reporting or afraid of retaliation. When in doubt, call the Police immediately. Don’t lose precious time discussing the event with friends or neighbors first.
Category: Contacting Police
Who is 911?
- What You Need to Know About 911
- 911 is a 3-digit telephone number that you can call 24 hours a day for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
- 911 should only be used for life-threatening emergencies or in-progress crimes.
- 911 Fast Facts
- 911 calls are answered within 4 seconds on average.
- Dispatchers receive over 4,000 calls annually.
- If you are calling from a landline, 911 instantly gives dispatchers the caller's phone number and address
- The center is staffed, by our friendly, dedicated Dispatchers, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Cell phone users can also make 911 calls directly from their cell phones
Category: Contacting Police
