911 or 311? Now DC Residents know; or least someone made a decision.

In Washington DC, residents have often been told to call 911 for an emergency. Including a "Real or Serious Crime" emergency.

The number 311 - was for "Lesser" crimes.

Then we have the "Mayors Response Line" 202-727-1000; which is used to report street lamps not working, graffiti removal, or towing of abandoned cars or trash removal.

This lead to many folks complaining (and asking) WHAT IS A "REAL/SERIOUS CRIME"? Is it one that wasn't important? Is it a crime that deserves less attention and response to by the Police?

The issue is that Police in DC were often accused to giving 311 calls a MUCH lower Priority. Now this Memo from the DC Police Department:

Start Using 911 for ALL Police Calls, Not Just Emergency Calls

PLEASE SHARE THIS MESSAGE WITH NEIGHBORS.

See this important message from Assistant Chief of Police Diane Groomes

Good afternoon to all:

This question comes at a great time for I met with the Office of Unified Communications last Friday and it has been discussed that ALL POLICE RELATED CALLS MUST BE CALLED INTO 911.

311 will now be used for the Mayors Customer Service Requests

911 - all police related matters emergency and non emergency, need of ambulance, fires

311- all other governmental agency requests/city services - cars towed, street lights replaced, streets repaired, animal issues, abandoned vehicles, trees trimmed, trash pick ups, etc..

This new change will be discussed at all upcoming PSA meetings ..

DIANE C. GROOMES
Assistant Chief of Police
Patrol Services and School Security Bureau
Metropolitan Police Department