Renville County — Many people mistakenly believe that 911 should only be called in life-or-death situations. However, Renville County Attorney Kelsie Kingstrom emphasizes that 911 should be used for a variety of emergencies beyond immediate danger.
Kingstrom outlines several scenarios where calling 911 is appropriate:
- Medical Emergencies: Urgent medical attention needed.
- Traffic Accidents: Reporting accidents to ensure swift assistance.
- Drunk Drivers: Preventing potential accidents by reporting impaired drivers.
- Violations of Protection Orders: Reporting breaches of Domestic Abuse No Contact Orders, Harassment Restraining Orders, or Orders for Protection.
- Missing Children: Reporting a missing child or finding one.
- Witnessing Assaults: Reporting any form of assault.
Importance of Calling 911
Calls to 911 are recorded, providing valuable evidence for legal proceedings. Recordings capture real-time accounts and background noise, aiding in the prosecution of cases and deciding charges.
Avoid Personal Calls to Officers
While many in small towns have personal contacts with local law enforcement, it’s better to call 911 or dispatch in emergencies. Personal calls can lead to delays as officers need to relay information to dispatch.
Timely Reporting
Immediate calls provide law enforcement with timely information, enabling quicker and more effective responses. Delays can hinder case resolutions and response effectiveness.
In summary, don’t hesitate to call 911 if you believe an emergency is occurring. Your call could be crucial in ensuring prompt assistance and effective legal action.
