Redwood City residents are currently facing a snag when it comes to getting through to their police department's seven-digit emergency phone lines due to technical difficulties. The Redwood City Police Department (RCPD) has reported that the regular emergency numbers - 650-369-3331, 650-369-3332, and 650-369-3333 - are currently inactive and unavailable for public use.

In response to the disruption, RCPD has advised locals to stick with the universally recognized 911 for emergencies that demand an immediate response. This guidance came through a public notification from RCPD, ensuring the community knows their safety calls will still be answered promptly.

Community members have been directed to use a different number for less urgent matters that don’t require the lights and sirens of an emergency response. The RCPD's announcement suggests that citizens call 650-780-7100 for all non-emergencies. These lines remain open and operational for any assistance that does not pose an immediate threat to life or property.

The police department has not announced when their seven-digit emergency lines will be back in service. Still, they thank the public for their patience as they labor to fix the issue. As it stands, the cause of the technical hitch has not been disclosed, leaving the end of the disruption an open-ended question.