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1. When should I call 911?

911 lines are reserved for emergency calls to report a crime in progress, or a fire, or to request an ambulance. Using 911 for non-emergency calls may delay the arrival of help for people caught in real emergencies.

2. If 911 is supposed to provide my name and address, why does the dispatcher ask me for it?

It is the dispatcher’s responsibility to confirm that the information shown on the 911 screen is correct. If the name, address, or phone number is wrong in the database, it is up to the dispatcher to have the information corrected.

3. I dialed 911 and explained to the dispatcher that it was an accident, but the police still came to my house. Why?

Boxborough Police Officers are required to check all 911 calls. Occasionally, emergencies are called into 911 when the caller cannot speak freely or at all due to the nature of the emergency. As a precaution we check on all calls made to 911.