9-1-1 | CALL IF YOU CAN, TEXT ONLY IF YOU CAN'T
Did you know your dispatch center is equipped with text-to-911 services? While a voice call to 911 remains the best way to reach out for help in an emergency, text-to-911 can be an alternate solution for requesting emergency help in some situations. Below are some common questions and answers pertaining to text-to-911. 

WHAT IS TEXT-TO-911?
Text-to-911 allows you to send a text message to your local emergency dispatch center.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING SPECIAL TO SEND A TEXT TO 911?  
No. You simply create a new text message in your phone's messaging app, enter 911 as the recipient, type your message and press send. 

WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I INCLUDE?

• Always provide the location and a brief description of the emergency. If you are unsure of the address, provide the closest cross streets, name of the business, park or building.
• Do not include pictures or videos in your text as they cannot be received at this time.
• To make sure the emergency operator will understand your message, don't use emojis or any shorthand abbreviations.

WHEN SHOULD I USE TEXT-TO-911?

• If you are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired. 
• Making a voice call places you in a dangerous situation.
• If you are experiencing a medical emergency that renders you incapable of speaking. 

While text-to-911 is available in El Segundo, it is not available in all areas. If you try to text to 911 and the service is not available, you will receive a bounce back message advising you to make a voice call to 911.

KEEP IN MIND: As with all text messages, texts to 911 may take longer to receive and respond to than a voice call.

THEFT FROM VEHICLE
Theft from a vehicle is still one of the highest trending property crimes. However, there has been a slight decrease over the past three months! So, continue to keep all your vehicle doors and windows closed and locked - even if you only plan to be gone for a brief time. In addition to not storing valuables in your vehicle.  

AWARENESS TIP: There is typically one or two items that a female does not leave the house without. Can you guess? If you said her purse and her phone, then you are correct. Thieves know this too! So, when she locks and secures her vehicle prior to walking into the gym to workout and she's empty handed, the thief takes the chance that she has hidden her purse in her vehicle. Or better yet, they see her reaching behind or under her seat in the attempt to hide it.

Therefore, bring only what you need and take it with you. By limiting the criminal's opportunity, they will move on to an easier target.

AMAZON CALL OR TEXT | IT'S A SCAM 
You receive a phone call or a text message about a suspicious purchase on you Amazon account, what should you do?

1. Do not engage in a conversation as the scammer will try to instill fear to get you to react and provide personal information. Scammers will often spoof their phone number to make it appear like it is a familiar or trusted business (Amazon, Chase, IRS) calling you. Don't trust the number on your caller ID.
2. If you receive a text message, do not respond by clicking on a link or calling the phone number that is provided. Instead, log in to your account through the Amazon website or app to verify your recent purchases. If you need to call a business, always research the telephone number on your own.

Remember, this is not really Amazon trying to contact you. This is a professional scammer with an elaborate story about fraud using your identity that results in you draining your bank and retirement accounts. When in doubt, confide in a trusted friend or call and speak with one of our detectives at 310-524-2254.  

To report suspicious phone calls or SMS/text messages to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), visit https://reportfraud.ftc.gov.