The 411 on 911: National PD/Law Enforcement Contact Info

Volume 2 / Edition 10

This Week; Focus On: The 411 on 911: National PD/Law Enforcement Contact Info

There is reason to believe that a Shermantown, NY police accident report, relating to your client's accident, may exist. You've googled "shermantown ny police department". The first 25 results relate to General Sherman and an Upstate B&B proudly displaying a post Civil War notice that "Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman slept here". (There is no mention of Mrs. Ellen Sherman... or any other woman for that matter... . An operator in the possible Shermantown area provides a general number for the "local police department". A call to that number goes something like this:

"Police. Is this an emergency?"

"No. I'm trying to get a copy of a police accident report..."

"Where did the accident happen?"

"In Shermantown, I believe."

"This is the Kingston Police Department."

"This isn't the Shermantown Police Department?"

"No, sir."

"I'm a bit confused..."

"When they are out, their line is forwarded to our department."

"Oh. Is there a better time to call them directly?""Don't know. I guess when nothing happens."

"Ah, okay. I see. Well, thanks. I guess I'll try again until I can get through to them."

"Uh, there is a different number you can call to get through directly that isn't forwarded to us."

"There is?"

"Yes, I guess they don't list it to not get overloaded."

"So there is at least one person there right now?"

"Where?"

"The Shermantown Police Department office."

"It's a building, sir.""Right. so there is someone there?"

"Well, usually at least two people. You have to have the desk sergeant there and well, he needs to have a police officer to do things in case he has to do something."
"Gotcha. Can I have this other number to the Shermantown Police Department please?"

"Sure thing. 845-555-6789."

"Thank you. You've been very helpful."

"Sure. If there is anything else I can help you with, you just call back. My name is Harris."

"Will do. Thanks, again.""Do you have our direct number?"

"No, why?"

"Well, if you have to call back, it's 845-555-9518. Just ask for Harris."

"Ok, great. Thanks again!"

Next time go to www.usacops.com. They list nearly every PD, sheriff's office and other law enforcement agencies direct contact numbers.

BNI investigators: Street smart; Net savvy.

I look forward to any comments you may have or and questions I can answer for you.

If you haven't already done so, get your vacation in - 3 weeks to Labor Day!

Sincerely,

Lina M. Maini
Editor, The Beacon Bulletin
CEO, Beacon Network Investigations, Inc.