What types of calls require immediate police dispatch?

Calls involving violence, crimes in progress, or imminent threats to life and safety necessitate immediate police dispatch because they represent situations where a rapid response can be crucial in preventing injury, protecting individuals, or addressing ongoing criminal activities. Such emergencies may include violent altercations, active shootings, or reports of imminent harm, and the presence of law enforcement can effectively intervene and restore safety.

In contrast, noise complaints may not require urgent attention unless they escalate into a dangerous situation. General information requests do not necessarily require a police presence, and calls about lost pets, while they might be distressing for the owner, typically do not pose an immediate threat to any person's safety or well-being. Therefore, the context and urgency of the situation define why dispatching police for violent or threatening incidents is prioritized over other types of calls.