The Official City Of Sacramento Non-Emergency Police Number: A 2025 Guide To Faster Reporting
Knowing the correct number to call in a non-emergency situation is critical for public safety and efficiency in Sacramento. As of December 19, 2025, the official and most current non-emergency police number for the City of Sacramento Police Department (SPD) is (916) 808-5471. Using this direct line for non-life-threatening or non-in-progress incidents is the fastest way to get help without tying up the vital 911 system, ensuring that true emergencies receive immediate attention.
This comprehensive guide will not only provide you with the essential contact information but also clearly define what constitutes a non-emergency, when you should absolutely dial 911, and the alternative reporting methods available, including the increasingly popular online police report system. Understanding these distinctions is key to being a responsible and informed resident of California's capital city.
Essential Contact Numbers: City, County, and Non-Police Services
The Sacramento area is served by several agencies, and knowing which one to contact is the first step in efficient reporting. The following list provides the most important numbers for non-emergency situations within the City and County of Sacramento.
- City of Sacramento Police Department (SPD) Non-Emergency: (916) 808-5471
- Sacramento County Sheriff's Department Non-Emergency: (916) 874-5115
- Sacramento 311 (Non-Emergency Service Requests): 3-1-1 or (916) 875-5000
- Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 911
- Traffic Complaint Line (SPD): (916) 808-3777
- TTY (City of Sacramento): (916) 732-0110
The Critical Difference: When to Call 911 vs. Non-Emergency
The most common mistake residents make is misjudging the severity of a situation. The 911 system is reserved for true emergencies—situations that are life-threatening or require an immediate response from law enforcement, fire, or medical services.
Call 911 Immediately If:
- A crime is in progress (e.g., a break-in, assault, or active theft).
- There is a fire or potential fire hazard.
- Someone is seriously injured or requires immediate medical attention.
- There is an immediate threat to life or property.
- You witness a serious traffic collision with injuries.
Call the Non-Emergency Number ((916) 808-5471) If:
The non-emergency line is designed for incidents where a police response is needed, but there is no immediate danger. This is the correct number to use when the crime has already occurred, and the suspects are no longer on the scene. Using this number helps keep the 911 lines clear for critical emergencies, improving response times across the entire city.
Common Non-Emergency Scenarios for Sacramento Residents
To further clarify the distinction, here is a list of common situations that should be directed to the Sacramento Police Department's non-emergency line, (916) 808-5471, or an alternative service like 311.
Property and Crime Reporting:
- Non-Injury Vehicle Collisions: If no one is injured and the vehicles can be moved.
- Theft or Vandalism: When the crime happened hours or days ago, and the suspect is gone.
- Lost or Found Property: Reporting items that have been lost or found.
- Suspicious Activity: Observing non-threatening but unusual activity in your neighborhood.
- Follow-up Calls: Checking on the status of a previously filed police report.
Nuisance and Quality of Life Issues (Often handled by 311):
- Barking Dogs or Animal Control: For issues related to domestic animals, which often fall under Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation.
- Noise Complaints: Non-threatening noise issues that are not immediate disturbances.
- Graffiti and Illegal Dumping: These are typically handled by the Sacramento 311 service, which coordinates city maintenance and public works.
- Abandoned Vehicles: Reporting vehicles that have been left on a public street for an extended period.
Traffic and Enforcement:
- Traffic Complaints: Reporting ongoing or recurring traffic problems in a specific area, such as speeding or illegal parking (use the dedicated Traffic Complaint Line: (916) 808-3777).
Alternative Reporting Methods: The Online Police Report System
For certain types of non-emergency crimes, the Sacramento Police Department offers an efficient online reporting system. This method allows citizens to file a report from a computer or mobile device without waiting on hold for a dispatcher, saving both your time and police resources.
You can file an online police report for qualifying incidents such as:
- Identity Theft
- Lost Property
- Vandalism (Graffiti or malicious mischief)
- Theft (Petty theft, bicycle theft, etc.)
- Vehicle Burglary
- Harassing Phone Calls
The main criteria for using the online system is that there must be no known suspect, no evidence to collect at the scene, and the incident must have occurred within the City of Sacramento limits. Always check the official City of Sacramento Police Department website for the most current list of crimes eligible for online reporting.
Sacramento 311: Your Hub for Non-Police City Services
While the non-emergency police number is specifically for law enforcement matters, many common "non-emergency" issues are actually service requests for other city departments. This is where Sacramento 311 comes in. The 311 system is designed to connect residents with non-police services, acting as a central hub for the City of Sacramento and Sacramento County.
Use 311 (or (916) 875-5000) for:
- Potholes and Street Repair
- Streetlight Outages
- Water Leaks and Sewer Issues
- Park Maintenance
- Code Enforcement Violations (e.g., overgrown weeds, illegal signs)
- Animal Control Issues (often directed to the County)
By directing these inquiries to 311, you ensure the correct department—Public Works, Parks, or Code Enforcement—receives the request immediately, rather than having a police dispatcher spend time rerouting the call.
Key Takeaways for Sacramento Residents
Staying informed about the correct contact procedures is a vital part of community safety and engagement. The Sacramento Police Department and Sacramento County Sheriff's Department rely on the public to use these resources appropriately to manage their workload effectively.
The most important piece of information to remember is the direct line for the City of Sacramento Police non-emergency: (916) 808-5471. Keep this number, along with the 911 emergency number and the 311 service number, saved in your phone. This simple step ensures you are prepared to report any incident efficiently, whether it's a life-threatening emergency or a quality-of-life issue that requires attention from the local authorities.
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