Reporting Incidents

Details Are Important

There are many elements to reporting an incident. As well as the where, what, when, who, why, how, and weapons questions you will be asked, dispatchers are trained to ask the reporting party's name, address and call back number. We will also need descriptive information of locations, vehicles and suspects.

Directions to the location (outside of the city limits): using North, South, East and West directions, guide us to the location of the incident. Tell us the type and color of the dwelling, any vehicles around the dwelling and any distinguishing and marks at the location.

TIP: Post your address, the directions and the description close to the phone. It will make it easier for children or for anyone experiencing hysteria during an emergency to give us the information to get a quicker response.

Vehicle Descriptions

use the standard format called C Y M B A L S

• C - color of the vehicle (if unknown, use light or dark)
• Y - year or approximate year of the vehicle (or late 60s, early 70s, etc.)
• M- make of the vehicle
• B - body style (truck, car, 4dr, 2dr, station wagon, etc.)
• A - additional descriptors (dent in left front fender, primer paint on hood, etc.)
• L - license plate number (or partial: TZ3???)
• S - state of license plate issue

We need the direction the vehicle was last seen traveling and how many people are in it.

Persons Description

• Race, Sex, approximate Age, Hair color and length, Eye color, Build
• Clothing description from the top of the head down to the shoes .
• Direction of travel and mode of travel ( on foot, in vehicle: refer back to CYMBALS)