That's what they taught me in school, but it's not what my police department thinks. It probably varies by location.
I reported a crime about 2 years ago, and they needed my signature on an official statement. The department left a message that said "When you're home next, call back 555-1212 extension 9999, or just call 911 and ask for detective so-and-so". I figured, when am I going to get to call 911 again? So I called, stated that I had no emergency, but was told I could get in touch with detective so-and-so, and they transferred me to him and were even really nice about it.
I reported a crime about 2 years ago, and they needed my signature on an official statement. The department left a message that said "When you're home next, call back 555-1212 extension 9999, or just call 911 and ask for detective so-and-so". I figured, when am I going to get to call 911 again? So I called, stated that I had no emergency, but was told I could get in touch with detective so-and-so, and they transferred me to him and were even really nice about it.