Which Police Number Should I Call

A simple guide for Broadmoor residents, visitors, and commuters

In Broadmoor, safety is a team effort. Residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors all play a role in keeping our community running smoothly. Knowing which number to call is one of those small choices that makes a big difference. Here’s a simple guide to help you reach the right help, the right way.

Broadmoor is a small community with a big mix of activity. We’re serving about 8,200 residents, supporting local schools, and keeping an eye on high-traffic areas like the Colma BART station, which sees over 1,600 daily commuters on average. On weekends and special occasions, the population jumps again due to large gatherings at local religious institutions. Our officers help with crowd safety and traffic flow.

In a place like this, the “right number” is not just a convenience. It’s part of how we protect each other.

Call 911 When It’s Happening Now, Dangerous, or Life-Threatening

Think of 911 as the red button. Use it when there’s an immediate threat to life, safety, or property, or when you need help right now.

Call 911 for:

• A crime in progress (someone breaking into a home or car right now)
• Violence or threats of violence
• A person with a weapon
• A serious injury, overdose, or medical emergency
• A fire or smoke
• A reckless driver who is actively endangering others
• You’re hearing screams, fighting, or someone is in immediate danger

If you’re unsure and safety is on the line, call 911. Dispatchers are trained to triage what’s urgent, and it is always better to get help rolling when seconds matter.

Use the Non-Emergency Line When It’s Police-Related, but not Urgent

Non-emergency is for situations where police help is needed, but there’s no immediate danger and the incident is not actively unfolding.

Use non-emergency for:

• A noisy disturbance that’s not violent (loud party, ongoing noise complaint)
• A suspicious circumstance that is not an immediate threat (someone checking car doors earlier, loitering that feels off)
• An incident where the suspect is gone (car break-in discovered after the fact)
• Minor traffic collisions with no injuries and no road blockage
• Vandalism discovered after the fact
• Welfare checks when there’s no immediate threat (For example, if you cannot reach someone and you’re concerned but are unaware of any issue, it’s a non-emergency; talking to someone on the phone, hearing shouts, and the line going dead is an emergency.).

Why The Emergency Number You Use Matters

Broadmoor PD provides 24-hour police services and works hard to maintain fast response times because officers are close and know the community. Every call is prioritized. Choosing non-emergency for non-urgent issues helps keep 911 open for true emergencies and helps dispatch send the right resources in the right order.

Note: calling the emergency line for a non-emergency will not escalate your issue. It’s based on intensity of emergency, not the phone line you dial, but you could be tying up valuable time.

Use Online Reporting When You Need Documentation, not an Immediate Response

Online reporting is typically best for incidents that:

• Are not in progress
• Do not involve injuries
• Do not involve a known suspect on scene
• Do not require immediate evidence collection

Common examples include certain theft reports, lost property, minor vandalism, or vehicle burglary discovered after the break in.

Online reporting is especially useful when you need a report number for insurance or documentation but do not need an officer to respond immediately. It also helps free up patrol resources for urgent calls and proactive community safety work.

If your report involves evidence that could disappear quickly (fresh damage, video you might lose access to like a doorbell security video, witnesses still present), it’s usually better to call so dispatch can advise you.

Helpful Information for Our Officers and Investigations

When you call, you do not need the perfect vocabulary. You just need the most helpful details. Here’s the quick “dispatch-friendly” checklist:

1. Exact location
   Address, cross streets, building name, apartment number, or nearby landmark.
2. What happened and when
   “In progress,” “just occurred,” or “discovered later” changes the response plan.
3. Descriptions
   People: clothing, height/build, distinguishing features.
   Vehicles: make/model, color, license plate if you have it, direction of travel.
4. Safety factors
   Weapons seen, injuries, threats, intoxication, or anything that could escalate.
5. Your contact info and best way to reach you
   Sometimes an officer may call you back for more details or to schedule follow-up.

Getting You Help Fast, In The Right Way

Broadmoor PD’s mission is to provide 24-hour police services and keep our community safe. That mission only works when the system stays clear enough to move quickly. Every community has moments when multiple calls hit at once. That’s especially true during busy commuter periods and large weekend gatherings.

So if you want one takeaway, make it this:

911 is for right now. Non-emergency is for police help without the immediate danger. Online reporting is for documentation when the situation is stable.

Save the non-emergency number (650) 755-3838 in your phone today (and bookmark the online reporting page) that way you’ll be ready if a real situation occurs. And when the moment is urgent, you’ll know exactly what to do without second-guessing yourself.