The hang ups of 911

Up to 200 times a day, someone calls 911 in Minneapolis and then hangs up. Some of those calls are undoubtedly from people who need immediate help, but many come from people who mistakenly dial 911, according to a city spokesman.

Here's the city's take on it: don't hang up, even if you're calling by accident.

The 911 operator must call back on all hangups to make sure no one needs help. The call backs slow things down, and that's not good for the operators.

Some other do's and don'ts of the city's emergency calling system, ripped straight from a Monday morning press release:

• Give the 911 operator at least 8 seconds to pick up the call before hanging up to redial.

• Give your location using an address, intersection and landmarks.

• Be prepared to give a short description of a suspect.

•You can ask 911 operators to stay on the line until help arrives.

•The situation does not have to be an emergency to call 911. Folks can call 911 to report suspicious, criminal activity in progress (e.g. alarms, shots fired, shouts for help, sounds of glass breaking, unfamiliar person carrying items from a house).

•If you need a translator, let the operator know or simply say, "Language line."

When to call 911

• If the situation requires an ambulance, the fire department or a police officer.

•To report suspicious criminal activity that you witness (for example: sounds of shots fired, cries for help, sounds of glass breaking or if you see an unfamiliar person carrying items from a house).

Do not call 911 to get directions, legal advice, or to find out if someone is in jail.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Jail Roster is available online at http://www4.co.hennepin.mn.us/webbooking/ or by calling 612-348-5112.