Monterey Park Police Department Now Accepting Text-to-911 Emergency Calls

On April 9, 2020, The Monterey Park Police Department Communications Center implemented the ability for citizens to text-to-911 during emergencies. Text-to-911 service is available for those individuals who cannot safely make a voice call to 911 in an emergency. This will be a valuable service to the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Text-to-911 is available for those with wireless plans from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Text-to-911 may not be available outside of Monterey Park. If a text is made to 911 where that service is not available, a message will be sent back to the phone advising the customer to make a voice call.

Some situations when text-to-911 is appropriate:

• Deaf, hard of hearing callers, or individuals with a speech disability
• A caller who is unable to speak due to a medical or other condition
• Emergency situations that would put the caller in danger if making a voice call such as abduction, domestic violence or active shooter situation

When texting to 911, follow these guidelines:

• Provide your exact address or location
• Explain the type of emergency or help that is being requested
• Be prepared to answer any questions that the 911-telecomminicator texts back
• Use plain language; do not use abbreviations, symbols, emoticons, or photos
• Messages should be brief and concise

Texting 911 can be done by typing “911” in the field for a phone number. No other numbers need to be used. Texting should be done through your wireless phones text messaging service and not from third party texting applications. Text-to-911 does require an active telephone service plan with data or it will not work.

The best way to contact 911 is by making a voice call. Please only utilize this service in emergency circumstances where a voice call is not possible or safe. Do not use this service to ask general questions or non-emergency calls. For non-emergencies, the Monterey Park Police Department can be contacted at 626-573-1311.

Remember: “CALL if You Can, TEXT if You Can’t!”

Monterey Park PD: Need to Run Errands or Exercise? The Rules of the Road Still Apply

Monterey Park Police encourage everyone to “go safely” during National Bicycle Safety Month

While shelter-in-place orders are in effect, we understand many residents need to run errands or go outside to exercise.

May is Bicycle Safety Month and Monterey Park Police Department is encouraging those out walking, driving or riding their bikes to look out for one another while practicing social distancing measures.

“Biking is a great way to get fresh air and exercise, but keep in mind others are staying at home too and have the same idea,” Monterey Park Police Chief Kelly Gordon said. “It’s important to keep you and your family safe by remaining aware of your surroundings even though there’s less vehicular traffic.”

Monterey Park suggests the following tips to help keep you and your family safe:

• Always wear a helmet and never ride impaired.
• Follow social distancing measures and maintain at least six feet of physical space between other riders and those out walking.
• Be seen: wear brightly colored clothing and have bike lights handy (front white light and rear red flashing light or reflectors)
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Rules of the road still apply: Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.
• Keep outside trips to a minimum; they should only be to get essential items or exercise.

Monterey Park PD: All Road Users Are Essential; May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and Monterey Park Police Department encourages the community to think about the safety of riders on two wheels and look twice for motorcycles.

“While we should be staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, we understand people need to get out once in a while and run essential errands,” Monterey Park Police Chief Kelly Gordon said. “Don’t let safety on the road go by the wayside, whether you are on two wheels or four.”

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers. Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers

• Always check twice for motorcycles. Both your mirrors and blind spots.
• Use your signal when changing lanes.
• Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning.

Motorcyclists:

• Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing.
• Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day.
• Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles.

Lastly, never drive/ride under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Remember, we are all in this together, even if we are told to stay apart.

Monterey Park Police Held Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation

On May 15, 2020, Monterey Park Police Department officers were looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation.

Officers will also looked for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders were stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. In 2018, Monterey Park Police Department investigated two fatal and 52 injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

“Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel or on a bike, you play a part in roadway safety,” Monterey Park Police Chief Kelly Gordon said. “Understanding the rules of the road using all modes of transportation helps ensure we all get to our destination safely.”

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow moving vehicle.

Monterey Park Police supports the new California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS ) public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org. Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.