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311 Non-Emergency Number

For more information about the correct number to call for your particular situation Know the Different Numbers.



What is 311?

311 is a toll-free number that allows people in the District to Columbia to request police services in non-emergency situations. Because it is easy to use and easy to remember, 311 can help the Metropolitan Police Department (MPDC) improve its services to residents, workers and visitors in our Nation's Capital.

  • 311 allows you to request non-emergency police services more easily, and allows the MPDC to handle those requests more efficiently.
  • Because 311 is a toll-free number, you can use a pay phone, free of charge, to request both emergency (911) and non-emergency (311) police services. This is especially important for visitors and residents who do not have residential phone services.
  • 311 is designed to improve the District's emergency 911 system. As more people call 311 for non-emergencies, 911 will be available for what it is designed to handle—real emergencies.
  • By handling requests for police service more efficiently, the MPDC and its officers will have more time to work with the community to prevent crime.

When should I call 311?

You should call 311 to report situations that are not serious, not life-threatening or not currently in progress. Examples of typical 311 calls include the following:

  • Property crimes that are no longer in progress and the offender is not on the scene. These include crimes such as vandalism, thefts, graffiti, stolen autos, and garage burglaries
  • Animal control problems
  • Illegally parked vehicles or vehicles blocking alleys or driveways
  • Minor vehicle crashes where there are no injuries and traffic is not blocked

(For phone numbers, addresses, hours of operation, etc., of MPDC units or programs, please consult the MPDC Directory.)

You should also call 311 to report a less serious crime over the telephone. Simply call 311, and tell the operator that you would like to file a police report with the MPDC's Telephone Reporting Unit. In most cases, the TRU will call you back shortly (usually in less than an hour) and take the information over the phone and provide you with a report number (CCN number) for insurance or other purposes.

Who answers 311 calls?

Highly trained call-takers assigned to the DC Office of Unified Communications (OUC) answer all 311 calls. (Note that on October 1, 2004, management of all emergency and non-emergency call-taking and dispatching functions were transferred from the MPDC and the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department to the new OUC.) The call-takers are well versed in MPDC operations and both emergency and non-emergency response procedures. Our goal is to answer all calls for service quickly and effectively and to provide the appropriate response in all instances.

In addition, both 311 and 911 are completely accessible to the deaf and hard of hearing. Both numbers can accept TDD/TTY calls.

When should I call 911?

You should call 911 to report life-threatening situations, any crimes that are in progress, and all serious or violent offenses (even if the offender is no longer on the scene). Examples of typical 911 calls include the following:

  • Fire and medical emergencies
  • All violent crimes such as homicides, robberies, sexual assaults and aggravated assaults
  • Domestic violence
  • Home or business intruders
  • Gunshots or a person with a gun
  • Property crimes that are still in progress or where the offender is still on the scene
  • Vehicle crashes involving personal injury, major property damage or serious traffic tie-ups
If you're not sure which number to call, call 911.

What if I dial the wrong number?

If you call 311 but need emergency assistance, the 311 call-taker can still provide immediate assistance. The professionals who answer 311 calls have the training and technology to handle any emergency call that would normally come in to 911. You will receive emergency assistance even if you call 311 by mistake.

What if I can't get through?

Practically all government, business, cellular, and pay phones have been connected with 311. However, the Office of Unified Communciations is interested in learning if any callers are having trouble connecting with 311. If you cannot get through using 311:

  • Call (202) 737-4404 to report your non-emergency.
  • Tell the call taker the location and service provider of the phone that would not connect with 311 (his will help us follow up).
With your assistance, the DC government can help ensure that everyone who lives in, works in, or visits the District of Columbia will have quick and easy access to police service for both emergency and non-emergency situations.

Can I still call (202) 727-1010?

No. Effective February 24, 2003, the MPDC's seven-digit, non-emergency number was discontinued. Callers to 727-1010 now hear a recording directing them to hang up and dial 311 for police non-emergencies or the Mayor's Citywide Call Center, 727-1000, for other city services. Non-emergency callers from outside DC, including alarm companies, are directed to call the Public Safety Communications Center at (202) 737-4404.