Some things to remember in advance:

If you dial "911" from a cell phone you might be connected with the wrong agency in the wrong city / county. So when dialing "911" from a cell stop after giving info on where you are, the call can be forwarded instantly.

The following order is standard order. The best thing is to wait until you are asked for information. The police officer has to enter the data in a specific order into their computer systems, so you help them when you provide info they request.

Which number to call:

911 is for for emergency needs only.
Everything which is ongoing or where something has just happened or something which is a serious threat to the community: Call 911.

For crimes happened in the past, call the regular number for police available in your directory.

ALWAYS TALK LOUD AND CLEARLY!

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Emergency Cheat Sheet 

Emergency Number: 911 

1.) Identify yourself (name, address and phone #)

2.) Type of Crime / Accident (burglery, assault, car accident, number of cars, injured etc)

3.) Crime in progress / Hazard situation

4.) Where you are (address, landmark etc)

5.) Suspect armed (gun, knife etc).

6.) Description (height, weight, age, race, clothing, hair, sex, vehicle)

7.) Vehicle (color, make, tag (LAST 3 digits are most important!!!))

8.) Direction where the suspect is travelling

9.) What was taken

10.) How entry was gained (burglery, invasion)

Source: Bradenton Police Department with some personal add-ons