this post was submitted on 01 Sep 2024
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Wait, why would you not call 911? Murderer on the loose sounds like an emergency to me
I think 911 (or whatever the number is where you live) would be fine. But the argument could be made that the emergency number should reserved for active emergencies, in OPs case the victim is already potentially dead.
So, you're correct that active emergencies take priority.
That being said, in essentially every place that has 911, both numbers connect to the same place and the only real difference is pick-up order and default response.
It's the emergency number not simply because it's only for emergencies but because it's the number that's the same everywhere that you need to know in the event of an emergency.
It should be used in any situation where it should be dealt with by someone now, and that someone isn't you. Finding a serious crime has occurred is an emergency, even if the perpetrator is gone and the situation is stable.
A dead person, particularly a potential murder, generally needs to be handled quickly.
It's also usually better to err on the side of 911, just in case it is an emergency that really needs the fancy features 911 often gives, like location lookups.
I would argue 911 is for emergencies that 100% need to be dealt with immediately.
This feels like calling it in and letting them decide priority is better. It could be anything.
It depends on the area, many people live in places where 911 is for non-emergencies too. When you call the dispatcher will ask if its an emergency and potentially put you on hold if it isn't.
So there are currently murderers on the loose (actual fact). Does that mean we live in a permanent emergency?
No, Bush, you have to have actionable intel.
Somebody get me some intel
We need to see proof of those WMDs first