For Indianapolis, the non-emergency line for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) is 317-327-3811. Memorize it. Put it in your phone. Tattoo it on your arm if you’re brave. (Okay, maybe just save it as a contact labeled “Not 911, But Still Useful.”) This number is your go-to for everything that isn’t a gunshot, a fire, or a medical crisis. Think of it as 911’s laid-back cousin who wears sandals year-round.
What counts as a “non-emergency,” you ask? Great question, coffee buddy. It includes things like a stolen lawn gnome, a suspicious vehicle that’s just parked weirdly, or noise complaints that aren’t a full-blown rave. Basically, if it’s annoying but not dangerous, this is your line. Oh, and never use it for road rage reports while driving—hang up and pull over first. We like you alive.
But wait, there’s more (and a little less)
Sometimes, the non-emergency number feels like a secret society. You call, you wait, you explain your problem. And then—poof—an officer might show up, or they might just take a report. That’s okay. It’s still better than shouting into the void on Nextdoor. The point is, this number is your gateway to help without clogging up the emergency system. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can also submit some non-emergency reports online through the IMPD website. Technology, am I right?
Now, a quick reality check: the non-emergency line can get busy. Like that one coffee shop downtown that always has a line. If you’re calling about a noise complaint on a Friday night, expect a wait. Be patient. Bring metaphorical snacks. The dispatchers are not robots—they’re people doing a tough job. A little kindness goes a long way.
Let’s not forget, other agencies have their own non-emergency numbers, too. Need animal control because a raccoon is staging a protest in your backyard? That’s the Animal Care & Control line at 317-221-1315. Pothole the size of a Volkswagen? Call Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622. There’s a whole ecosystem of “not-quite-911” numbers in Indy. It’s like a city-wide choose-your-own-adventure.
When to call 911 vs 311or 317-327-3811 Non Emergency Number
When to absolutely avoid the non-emergency line
Here’s where it gets spicy. Do not call 317-327-3811 if you’re currently being robbed, if there’s smoke, or if someone is bleeding. That’s 911 territory, no questions asked. The non-emergency line is for the aftermath or the annoyance, not the crisis. Imagine calling it during a burglary: “Hi, yes, a man is in my living room, is this the police?” Long pause. Nope. Hang up and dial 911. Seriously, do that first.
Another no-no: don’t call the non-emergency number to check on a delayed tow truck or to complain about a restaurant’s bland chili. That’s not police business. The number is for police-related non-emergencies, not for your personal Yelp review. But if you do accidentally call with a chili complaint? The dispatcher will probably laugh—and then hang up. You’ve been warned.
One last pro tip: if you’re reporting something that happened hours ago, like your bike got stolen last week, the non-emergency line is perfect. Use it. You’ll get a report number for insurance, and no one will yell at you. Win-win. Just don’t expect detectives to drop everything for a week-old stolen bike. They’re busy chasing bigger fish (or bigger nachos).
So there you have it. The non-emergency number for Indianapolis is your trusty sidekick for life’s small, weird, and annoying moments. Save 317-327-3811. Use it wisely. And if you ever find yourself lost in a sea of bureaucratic voicemails, just remember: you’re doing the right thing by not clogging up 911. You’re a hero in a hoodie, sipping coffee, solving problems one polite phone call at a time. Now go forth and be responsible—or at least, be less panicky. Cheers.
