Answering police non-emergency calls is an important part of the work we do on behalf of our 33 police agency partners, but not every non-urgent matter requires a call to your police non-emergency line. Approximately 36% of calls E-Comm receives on police non-emergency lines need to be redirected to a more appropriate resource for help. Knowing who to call when you have a problem will help ensure you get the assistance you need as quickly as possible, while keeping critical lines free for genuine police matters.
Although E-Comm’s goal is to answer all non-emergency calls as quickly and efficiently as possible, there are times where non-emergency callers must wait to reach a call taker, as our call takers answer both 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls and must prioritize 9-1-1 lines first. Receiving calls on police non-emergency lines that are better suited elsewhere only adds to these extended wait times.
The public can help us help, by making the right calls and sharing the following non-emergency tips:
- Knowing when to call 9-1-1, when to call the non-emergency line with a non-urgent police matter or when an alternative resource is better suited for your concerns means you can get the help you need faster.
- If you are experiencing a lengthy delay on the non-emergency line, do not call 9-1-1 – unless your matter has escalated to a life-threatening situation and immediate action is now required by first responders.
- If you need to call the police non-emergency line, try to make your report before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on a weekday to help minimize your wait time.
- Many non-urgent crimes can be reported through online crime reporting on local police websites – visit nonemergency.ca to see if this service is available in your area.
- Are you unsure where to call for help?
- If you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
- For concerns of a non-urgent nature, check online to see if you should call the police non-emergency line, report your concerns through online crime-reporting or reach out to an alternate resource.
We want to thank the public for your patience and understanding as our hardworking call takers prioritize answering calls from those who are experiencing life or death emergencies first.