[Matt Holohan co-wrote this post]
The Daily Cal has an article about the difficulties caused when people call 911 from a cell phone and the call goes to some distant police station. The article includes this helpful information:

“One of the things we tell individuals every chance we get is that it’s important to have local law enforcement speed-dialed in,” said Sergeant Wayne Ziese, public information officer for the Golden Gate division of the highway patrol.

For students living near campus, the best number to use is most likely for the Berkeley Police Department. The Emergency Number for BPD is 981-5911. Find more information about contacting BPD here. Be sure not to accidentally dial the number, as it’s the equivalent of 911. In an emergency, calling that number allows you to make sure your cell phone call goes to the right place.

P.S. While we’re on the subject, I would also recommend including an In Case of Emergency (ICE) number in your cell phone. If you are ever injured, paramedics can search your cell phone for that number to find out if you have any allergies or special medical needs, and to determine your identity if you have a cell phone on you and no other identification. More information on the ICE program here.