Local 9-1-1 calls are handled by the police department's Emergency Communications Center (ECC). The ECC exists to translate citizen 9-1-1 and non-emergency telephone service requests into the appropriate action, and to dispatch police, fire, medical and other city services via telephone, radio and/or data communications.

You should only call 9-1-1 when you are reporting an emergency. An emergency is a situation that threatens human life or property and demands immediate attention. A medical emergency or active fire is a good example of an emergency.

Do not call 9-1-1 for non-emergencies—this causes delays in the handling of real emergencies. If you have a non-emergency, call the center at 650-903-6344.

Never call 9-1-1 for information, or to find out how it works.