"Eles chamam a polícia."

Translation: They call the police.

[WilliamExtre]

Can this not be: "they ring the police" ?

[Coayuco]

Report it. If we're talking about calling on the phone, ring is the same thing

[DREDWARD]

They called the police???

[Paulenrique]

Called = chamaram

[DREDWARD]

Obrigado Paul!

[Theatrefox]

When does "a polícia" mean the policeman, and when does it mean the police? What's the logic?

[Paulenrique]

The police = A polícia

The policeman = O policial

[Muisje94]

Does 'chama' only mean 'call' in the sense of a phonecall or does 'calling over' (they are standing there, can you call -to/for/whatever- them?) apply as well?

[Paulenrique]

Yes, "chamar" is applicable for both senses.