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The Essential Guide: 5 Things You Must Know About The Arlington Police Department Non-Emergency Line

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Knowing the difference between an emergency and a non-emergency is a critical piece of public safety knowledge that can save lives and police resources. As of December 22, 2025, the dedicated non-emergency line for the City of Arlington, Texas, Police Department (APD) is the primary way to report crimes that are not actively in progress, suspicious activity, or situations requiring a police presence without an immediate threat to life or property. Calling the correct number—911 for emergencies or the non-emergency line for everything else—ensures that dispatchers can allocate first responders efficiently, keeping the community safe and response times fast for true emergencies.

This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion, providing you with the exact non-emergency contact information, a clear list of what to report, and the latest alternatives like online reporting systems, so you are prepared for any situation that arises in Arlington, Texas, and its surrounding areas. Understanding these procedures is key to being a responsible and informed citizen.

Arlington Police Department Non-Emergency Contact and Key Details

The Arlington Police Department (APD), serving the City of Arlington, Texas, is the primary focus for this essential contact information. However, it is vital to remember that "Arlington" jurisdictions exist in multiple states, so always confirm your location before calling. The following details are for the City of Arlington, TX.

  • Jurisdiction: City of Arlington, Texas
  • Main Non-Emergency Phone Number: 817-274-4444
  • Emergency Number: 911
  • Online Reporting System: Available for select non-emergency crimes (via the official City of Arlington website)
  • General APD Website: arlingtontx.gov/police
  • Police Headquarters Address: 601 E. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010

Crucial Entity Distinction: For residents of Arlington County, Virginia, the non-emergency line is 703-558-2222. For Arlington, Massachusetts, the non-emergency number is 781-643-1212. Always verify the correct number for your specific jurisdiction to avoid delays in service.

When to Call the 817-274-4444 Non-Emergency Line

The biggest mistake residents make is defaulting to 911 for every police matter. The non-emergency line (817-274-4444) is specifically designed to handle situations that require a police report or officer response but do not involve an immediate, life-threatening situation or a crime in progress. Using this line correctly frees up 911 dispatchers for critical calls.

You should call the Arlington PD non-emergency number for the following types of incidents and inquiries:

1. Reporting a Crime That is NOT in Progress

This is the most common use of the non-emergency line. If a crime has already occurred and the suspect is no longer at the scene, you should use the non-emergency number to file a report. Examples include:

  • Past Theft: Your bicycle was stolen from your garage overnight.
  • Vandalism/Criminal Mischief: You discover your mailbox was damaged this morning.
  • Past Burglary: You arrive home and find property missing, but the suspect is gone.
  • Suspicious Activity: A suspicious vehicle has been parked in your neighborhood for several hours, but no crime is being committed.

2. Noise Complaints and Disturbances

For ongoing, non-violent neighborhood issues, the non-emergency line is the correct contact point. This includes:

  • Loud Parties or Music: Excessive noise disturbing the peace late at night.
  • Barking Dogs: Persistent animal disturbances.
  • Civil Disputes: Non-violent disagreements between neighbors or tenants.

3. Roadside Hazards and Traffic Issues (Non-Accident)

While major accidents should go to 911, other traffic-related issues that require police attention fall under the non-emergency category:

  • Disabled Vehicles: A car is stalled in a dangerous but non-life-threatening location.
  • Traffic Light Malfunctions: A traffic signal is out, but traffic is moving slowly and safely.
  • Reporting a Drunk Driver: While this is time-sensitive, if the driver is not actively crashing and you are following from a safe distance, the non-emergency line can be used, though 911 is often still preferred for immediate intervention.

The Crucial Difference: Non-Emergency vs. 911

Understanding the distinction between an emergency and a non-emergency is paramount for public safety and efficient police operations. The Arlington Police Department emphasizes that 911 should be reserved only for true emergencies.

When to ABSOLUTELY Call 911

If you are in the City of Arlington, TX, you must call 911 if the situation meets the criteria of an active, life-threatening event or a crime in progress. The key LSI keywords to remember are Immediate Threat and In Progress.

  • Crime in Progress: You witness a robbery, a break-in, or an assault happening right now.
  • Fire: Any size fire that is uncontrolled.
  • Medical Emergency: Someone is unconscious, has severe bleeding, or is experiencing a heart attack.
  • Life-Threatening Situation: Gunshots, a serious car accident with injuries, or a domestic disturbance that has become violent.

A Fresh Example of APD Activity: The Arlington Police Department continues to solve serious crimes, as evidenced by a recent news release on December 19, 2025, detailing how a DNA hit led to an arrest in a 2017 murder case. This illustrates the ongoing, critical work APD performs, which is supported by accurate and timely reporting from the community.

Modern Alternatives: The Arlington PD Online Reporting System

For maximum convenience, the Arlington Police Department provides an online reporting system for certain minor, non-emergency incidents. This system allows residents to file an official police report from any computer or mobile device without having to wait for an officer or call the non-emergency line.

Criteria for Online Reporting

Before you can use the online system, your incident must meet specific criteria. The system is designed for reports where:

  • The incident is NOT an emergency.
  • There is NO crime currently in progress.
  • The incident occurred within the city limits of Arlington, TX.
  • There are NO known suspects.
  • There is NO physical evidence to be collected.

Common Incidents Eligible for Online Reporting:

  • Lost Property
  • Theft (where the suspect is unknown and gone)
  • Vandalism/Criminal Mischief (minor damage)
  • Harassing Phone Calls or Cyber Incidents
  • Supplemental Reports (adding information to an existing case)

Using the online system is an efficient way to get a police report number for insurance claims or documentation purposes. You will receive a temporary report number immediately, and an official copy of the police report will be emailed to you after review by an officer.

Other Key Arlington Police Department Contact Entities

For specific inquiries, the APD maintains several specialized contact numbers and units:

  • Arlington County, VA Alternative Reporting Unit (ARU): 703-228-4300
  • Arlington County Crime Solvers: 1-866-411 TIPS (8477)
  • UTA Police Department (University of Texas at Arlington): 817-272-3003 (Emergency)
  • Fraud, Waste & Abuse Hotline (City of Arlington, TX): For reporting internal city issues, not general crimes.

By saving the number 817-274-4444 into your phone and understanding the online reporting options, you are taking a proactive step toward effective communication with the Arlington Police Department, ensuring that resources are available when the community needs them most.

The Essential Guide: 5 Things You Must Know About the Arlington Police Department Non-Emergency Line
arlington police department non emergency
arlington police department non emergency

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