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United States · Non-emergency numbers

What is the police non-emergency number in Boston?

Boston Police Department publishes no separate non-emergency line: here is who to call in Boston, and when to call 911. Official sources.

Updated 2026-11-09· 7 official sources

Short answer. The Boston Police Department does not publish a separate non-emergency line 1. Follow the instruction on its official page, and call 911 if a life, a person or property is in danger right now 2.

Who to call in Boston

Situation Number Source
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance 911 2
Police, non-emergency (Boston Police Department) No separate line published 1
City services 3-1-1 / 617-635-4500 3
Animal Care and Control (City of Boston) 617-635-5348 4
Fire department main line (Boston Fire Department) 617-343-3550 5
Mental health or suicide crisis 988 (call, text or chat) 6
Poisoning 1-800-222-1222 7

What does the Boston Police Department say?

"If this is an emergency or you need to report a crime, please call 911." 1

Who answers the call?

In Boston, police calls that are not emergencies go to the Boston Police Department 1.

Other cities

Non-emergency numbers in Massachusetts: Worcester, Springfield, Cambridge, Lowell, Brockton, Quincy, New Bedford, Lynn. Outside city limits and on highways: Massachusetts State Police (MSP). All cities: Police non-emergency numbers by city. Every national number: Emergency numbers in the United States.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a police non-emergency number in Boston?

The Boston Police Department does not publish a separate one 1. In an emergency, call 911 2.

What is the animal control number in Boston?

617-635-5348: Animal Care and Control (City of Boston) 4. In an emergency, call 911 2.

What is the fire department's main number in Boston?

617-343-3550: Fire department main line (Boston Fire Department) 5. In an emergency, call 911 2.

Sources · 7

  1. Boston Police Department · Contact Us – Boston Police Department checked 2026-11-05
  2. Federal Communications Commission · Text to 911: What You Need to Know checked 2026-10-20
  3. City of Boston · Boston 311 | Boston.gov checked 2026-11-05
  4. City of Boston · Animal Care and Control | Boston.gov checked 2026-11-09
  5. City of Boston · Fire Operations | Boston.gov checked 2026-11-09
  6. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline · 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline checked 2026-11-05
  7. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine · Poison control center - emergency number checked 2026-11-05