MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaiʻi Island police are urging Big Island residents to disregard stories posted on social media sites, such as Facebook, touting a 112 number as a means to contact police for information or help.

That number, 112, is the number dialed in European countries for emergency services and may or may not reach your local Police/Fire/Medical services on the island in time of need.

It is advised that 911 is the only number that should be dialed for emergency assistance. Any other non-emergency police assistance should be directed to the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Anyone with questions about this may call Acting Lieutenant Travis Ing in the Police Department’s Dispatch Center at 961-8808.