[DavidI]

There are some unfortunate things that delay an immediate police response. Here is how a typical call is dispatched.

You are robbed, battered, etc. After you are able to compose yourself, you call the police. A 911 operator answers the call. It usually takes about 30 seconds to calm the caller down to get information regarding the crime. 30 more seconds and the call is typed in including the location, type of call, description of bad guy, and any additional pertinent information. The call is forwarded to a dispatcher who has a computer screen indicating the status of the patrol cars in the street. After determining which police car is available (some may already be handling other crimes in progress), the call is sent via computer to the individual patrol car. The officer inside the car acknowledges the call and prioritizes the many (usually up to six calls at once) to determine the most urgent to go to. The officer then has to determine the route of travel to the call (imagine having to know every single street, direction, and hundred block for an entire city), then drive to the location. Depending on the crime, the officer then has to coordinate the safest route for all of the officers, and direct their actions. Then determine what additional resources are needed (helicopter, canine, etc) while driving to the call.

With all of that, the process is delayed for several minutes. Many police agencies are looking at GPS to help officers navigate to calls for service.

As far as "handling it yourself", you absolutely have the right of self defense. No police officer should ever expect you to be a victim and not take reasonable action. That being said, common sense should always prevail, David