Short answer. For police matters that are not an emergency in Des Moines, Iowa, call the Des Moines Police Department non-emergency line at (515) 283-4811 (24/7) 1. If a life, a person or property is in danger right now, call 911 2.
Who to call in Des Moines
| Situation | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency: police, fire, ambulance | 911 | 2 |
| Police, non-emergency (Des Moines Police Department) | (515) 283-4811, 24/7 | 1 |
| Animal control shelter (Des Moines Police Department) | (515) 284-6905 | 1 |
| Mental health or suicide crisis | 988 (call, text or chat) | 3 |
| Poisoning | 1-800-222-1222 | 4 |
What does the Des Moines Police Department say?
"For non-emergencies, call dispatch 24 hours a day at (515) 283-4811." 1
Who answers the call?
In Des Moines, police calls that are not emergencies go to the Des Moines Police Department 1.
Other cities
Non-emergency numbers in Iowa: Cedar Rapids, Davenport. Outside city limits and on highways: Iowa State Patrol (ISP). 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 Des Moines?
(515) 283-4811, the Des Moines Police Department non-emergency line 1.
Is (515) 283-4811 the same as 911?
No. 911 is for emergencies 2; (515) 283-4811 is the Des Moines Police Department line for matters that are not urgent 1.
What is the animal control number in Des Moines?
(515) 284-6905: Animal control shelter (Des Moines Police Department) 1. In an emergency, call 911 2.
Sources · 4
- City of Des Moines · Contact Des Moines Police Department checked 2026-11-09
- Federal Communications Commission · Text to 911: What You Need to Know checked 2026-10-20
- 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