There needs to be an alternative for calling 911 in Lynchburg, Virginia.  Some people don't have working phones but need to reach police for non-life threatening, pressing emergencies.  Disabled cell phones only call 911.

When 911 is dialed, Lynchburg dispatch operators repeatedly reassure callers that the number rings to same non-emergency line.  Some dispatchers will transfer to other departments like the Information Desk to file police reports (as their website states you can do), while others choose not to.  Their willingness to do so and the information seems to vary depending on who you talk to and honestly the day.  I've experienced this.

In addition, anyone who has ever called the Information Desk phone number will tell you it's ALWAYS busy.  You get voicemail 9 times of out 10, especially during the day, and especially if you call from a private phone number, which is your right to do so.

{Larger cities have a non-emergency line they immediately transfer callers to when it's not an emergency.  It would save police and citizens frustration and taxpayers money if there were a non-emergency phone number people could be transferred to immediately.  911 is an easy number to dial and to remember for people who are healing from brain damage and/or have mental related issues in comprehending and/or remembering.  These issues can be caused by medications and/or other health related issues, etc. Their situation is already stressful, and these individuals shouldn't be threatened or criminalized for using 911, especially after they're reassured that it rings to the same place as the non-emergency line, and that's it ok, once they mention it's not an emergency.}

***Please create a non-emergency line like 311, and transfer people immediately who call 911 stating it's not an emergency.  Sometimes 911 is the only phone number people can call or remember to call.  They should have another option to be transferred to and not be penalized for doing so.  They're reaching out because they have a concern that needs immediate attention.  Please offer a transfer alterative to 911. ***-

Thanks for taking the time to read and consider.  Please sign and support!