Short answer. For police matters that are not an emergency in Berkeley, California, call the Berkeley Police Department non-emergency line at (510) 981-5900 1. If a life, a person or property is in danger right now, call 911 2.
Who to call in Berkeley
| Situation | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency: police, fire, ambulance | 911 | 2 |
| Police, non-emergency (Berkeley Police Department) | (510) 981-5900 | 1 |
| Animal control (Berkeley Animal Care Services) | (510) 981-6600 | 3 |
| Report a crime online | Official online reporting | 1 |
| Mental health or suicide crisis | 988 (call, text or chat) | 4 |
| Poisoning | 1-800-222-1222 | 5 |
What does the Berkeley Police Department say?
"Call the Police Department at 911 for emergencies or (510) 981-5900" 1
When should you use the non-emergency line?
The official page lists these examples 1:
- "You, or someone you've spoken to, knows who committed the crime"
- "There is potential evidence that can be collected or something was left behind by the suspect"
- "Your vehicle, trailer, motorcycle, scooter or license plate has been stolen"
Who answers the call?
In Berkeley, police calls that are not emergencies go to the Berkeley Police Department 1.
Other cities
Non-emergency numbers in California: Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland. Outside city limits and on highways: California Highway Patrol (CHP). All cities: Police non-emergency numbers by city. Every national number: Emergency numbers in the United States.
Frequently asked questions
What is the non-emergency number for police in Berkeley?
(510) 981-5900, the Berkeley Police Department non-emergency line 1.
Is (510) 981-5900 the same as 911?
No. 911 is for emergencies 2; (510) 981-5900 is the Berkeley Police Department line for matters that are not urgent 1.
Can I report a crime online in Berkeley?
Yes, for some non-urgent incidents: the Berkeley Police Department has an official online reporting page 1.
What is the animal control number in Berkeley?
(510) 981-6600: Animal control (Berkeley Animal Care Services) 3. In an emergency, call 911 2.
Sources · 5
- City of Berkeley · Report a Crime | City of Berkeley checked 2026-11-09
- Federal Communications Commission · Text to 911: What You Need to Know checked 2026-10-20
- City of Berkeley · Animal Bites | City of Berkeley checked 2026-11-09
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline checked 2026-11-05
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine · Poison control center - emergency number checked 2026-11-05