This is not a police thing. This is the National Suicide Hotline shortened access number, the FCC put this out after Congress passed the 988 bill, or the National Suicide Hotline bill. A volunteer from my area helped gather signatures to get the bill passed.

I hope people don’t get confused that this has something to do with police. It’s nice the police promoted it, perhaps it would be better if the news stations promote the number without police involvement. Many people worry the police aren’t the best people to respond if someone is experiencing thoughts of self harm, police can make the matter worse instead of better.

If you need help call the number, please don’t think this is a police number, it isn’t. This is the National Suicide Hotline, no police will come if you call.