When to call the police

There are some incidents that escalate to the point of needing a law enforcement response. If you are calling law enforcement from a landline at a library location, remember to dial 9 first (9-911). Here is a list of existing policies that address when to call law enforcement:

  1. When a critical incident occurs
  2. If you or your coworkers are subject to violence or are threatened with bodily harm
  3. A verified complaint that a patron is viewing suspected illegal material
  4. If you have a reasonable suspicion of child abuse
  5. Weapons on premises
  6. When an excluded patron returns
  7. If you are taken hostage or become aware of a hostage situation
  8. If you receive a bomb threat
  9. If a person is disturbing the library environment
  10. If you become aware of an active shooter
  11. Civil disturbance, such as a riot or violent demonstration
  12. When an ambulance is necessary due to accident, injury, or illness
  13. If you suspect someone has overdosed
  14. If you observe an incident of theft or attempted theft
  15. When there is a fire or when fire alarms sound
  16. Lost children

Making a report

There may be a time when law enforcement arrives after the situation has ended, or the patron leaves the premises so you cancel the 911 request. Even if the patron has left, if the patron was violent or threatened bodily harm, or the incident involved a minor, always make a report with police.