what is the non emergency number

3 min read 15-04-2025

Knowing the non-emergency number is crucial for situations requiring police, fire, or medical assistance that aren't life-threatening. This simple guide will clarify what the number is, when to use it, and what to expect when you call. Knowing this number could save you valuable time and resources in a non-critical situation.

What is the Non-Emergency Number?

The non-emergency number is a phone number you can call for situations that require police, fire department, or medical assistance, but aren't urgent or life-threatening. Unlike the 911 emergency number, the non-emergency number connects you to dispatchers who can handle less critical calls, such as reporting a crime that already occurred, requesting a welfare check, or reporting a non-emergency medical issue.

It's important to note: The specific non-emergency number varies by location. There isn't a single national or international number.

Finding Your Local Non-Emergency Number

Unfortunately, there's no universal non-emergency number. The number is dependent on your location (city, county, state). Here are several ways to locate your local non-emergency number:

Online Search: A simple Google search like "non-emergency number [your city, state]" should yield the correct number quickly.
Local Police Department Website: Check the website of your local police department. Their contact information will almost always include the non-emergency number prominently displayed.
Local Government Website: Many cities and counties list emergency and non-emergency contact information on their official websites.
112 (In Many Countries): In many countries, the number 112 is used for both emergency and non-emergency calls. This depends on the country and might connect you to an emergency operator who will then direct you to the right services.

When to Call the Non-Emergency Number

The non-emergency number is for situations that don't require immediate emergency response. Examples include:

Reporting a crime that has already occurred: If you've been the victim of theft, vandalism, or another non-violent crime, and the perpetrator is no longer present, use the non-emergency number.
Non-emergency medical assistance: If someone needs medical attention, but their condition isn't immediately life-threatening, contact the non-emergency number. This might include needing an ambulance for a minor injury or illness.
Requesting a welfare check: If you're concerned about someone's well-being, you can call the non-emergency number to request a welfare check.
Reporting a noisy party or other neighborhood disturbance: For less urgent noise complaints or disturbances that aren’t directly threatening anyone, contact the non-emergency number.
Reporting a downed power line (if it's not immediately dangerous): While power line issues can be dangerous, if there's no immediate risk (like a fire), you can use the non-emergency number to report it.

What to Expect When You Call

When you call the non-emergency number, you'll likely be connected to a dispatcher. Be prepared to provide the following information:

Your name and contact information: The dispatcher will need to know who is calling.
Your location: Be as specific as possible about where the incident is occurring.
A clear and concise description of the situation: Explain what happened or what you're reporting. Avoid unnecessary details.
Any relevant information: This might include descriptions of people involved, vehicle information, or other relevant details.

Remember to remain calm and answer the dispatcher's questions clearly and accurately.

The Importance of Knowing Your Local Non-Emergency Number

Having the correct non-emergency number readily available could be invaluable in many situations. It helps ensure that emergency services are used appropriately and efficiently, freeing up 911 lines for genuine life-threatening emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What if I accidentally call the non-emergency number during a true emergency?

A: If you're in a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 immediately. Do not rely on the non-emergency number for urgent situations. While the dispatcher might transfer your call, there's no guarantee, and precious time could be lost.

Q: Is the non-emergency number the same as the police department's main line?

A: Not necessarily. While the non-emergency number might be listed on the police department's website, it's often a dedicated line for non-emergency situations. Calling the main police line might be an alternative, but the non-emergency number usually directs calls more efficiently.

Q: What should I do if I can't find my local non-emergency number?

A: If you cannot locate the number using the methods suggested above, try calling your city or county government's general information line.

By understanding the importance and proper use of the non-emergency number, you can contribute to a more efficient and responsive emergency response system in your community. Remember to program your local number into your phone for quick access when needed.