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1. When should I call 9-1-1?

Call 9-1-1 in an emergency when you believe that the immediate response of the police, fire, or ambulance is needed. Some examples of when a 9-1-1 call is appropriate are:

• When you see a fire. 


• When you see or smell smoke. 


• When you or someone with you is in danger. 


• When you see a crime is being committed or has just occurred. 


• When you believe that an ambulance is needed because someone is hurt or sick. 


• When someone is trying to get in your home. 


• When someone suspicious is prowling around your house or neighbor’s house. 


• When a child is approached by a stranger.

2. Why do dispatchers ask so many questions?

Rantoul police telecommunicators follow a specific line of questioning to assist with rapid identification of the situation and collection of facts. Their primary concern is to obtain as much information as is possible to expedite the emergency response by the public safety agency.

3. Why wasn't my call dispatched immediately?

Rantoul police telecommunicators prioritize each incoming call for service based upon the information collected during the telephone call. A call of an accident, for instance, where the cars are all out of traffic might be assigned a lower priority level. But, an accident with injuries would be assigned a higher priority level, which indicates it is an emergency and a unit would be dispatched even if they may have to be called off of a lower priority call.

4. Am I required to leave my name when reporting a crime?

Callers are only required to leave their name in certain situations. When a caller requests to remain anonymous, Rantoul police will respect this request. Rantoul police will never refuse to send help to an anonymous call unless directed to do so by the responsible public safety agency based on the type of call.

Rantoul police telecommunicators will never disclose the identity of a caller to anyone but authorized public safety officials. Your name, address, and/or phone number helps us if we need to contact you to obtain any additional information for the responding units. That being said, the courts will often give more weight to information that is provided by someone who is willing to be identified versus an anonymous tip.