When to call 911

In-progress crimes or crimes when the suspect is still in the area
Traffic accidents when parties are still on-scene
Hit-and-run traffic accidents
Any crime involving bodily assault
Any domestic violence crime
Theft or intentional damage to property with at least $10,000 in loss or damages
Motor vehicle (licensed for the road) theft
Bomb, terrorist or hate-bias threats or acts
Burglary (entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime, e.g. theft, damage to property)
Suspicious persons, vehicles or circumstances when in-progress or suspects are still in the area
Fires or possible fires
Emergency medical or medical transport needs

Did you know you can text 911? While it's always better to call if you can, texting is an option.

When not to call 911

When looking for directions or phone numbers
For information about animal control issues unless the animal has bitten someone, or is currently acting aggressively
To find out if someone is in jail or to get information on someone in jail. The Spokane County Jail Roster is available online for this information. You may also call the jail at 509-477-2278
To report city issues that are not of a police, fire or medical nature. Refer to the government pages of the local telephone directory for the appropriate number
To report a crime after the fact, (e.g. vehicle prowling, vandalism, custodial interference, harassment, etc.) which does not require an officer/deputy at the scene you may call Crime Check anytime at 509-456-2233
Any in-progress issues may be reported through Crime Check, however, if it is a life-threatening situation please use 911
If you are unsure of how to report a crime or incident, call 911 and the call receiver will direct you

You can call Crime Check for non emergencies at (509) 456-2233. Many reports are also available online.

Stay calm
Provide your location--knowing where you are is very important information. If you don’t know the exact address, provide an intersection or a landmark to help the call receiver understand where you are
Confirm your phone number so we can call you back if disconnected
State the problem briefly
Answer the call receiver's questions and stay on the line until the call receiver terminates the call--help can be sent while you talk
When providing information about an incident, be as descriptive as possible. You may be asked to give identifying information about any persons or automobiles involved in the situation
Inform the call receiver if you do not want your name and address given to responding units. Inform the call receiver if you want to be contacted directly by the officer(s) or responders
Calls from pay phones are free; you do not have to deposit money to make 911 calls
TTY users may press any key after dialing 911 to indicate that a TTY is being used. However, all "silent" calls are handled as a potential TTY call
If the situation changes before help arrives, call 911 again and give the call receiver an update

Did you know you can text 911 if you are unable to call?