Short answer. For police matters that are not an emergency in Providence, Rhode Island, call the Providence Police Department non-emergency line at 401-272-3121 1. If a life, a person or property is in danger right now, call 911 2.
Who to call in Providence
| Situation | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency: police, fire, ambulance | 911 | 2 |
| Police, non-emergency (Providence Police Department) | 401-272-3121 | 1 |
| Animal control (Providence Animal Control / Animal Shelter) | 401-243-6040 | 3 |
| Mental health or suicide crisis | 988 (call, text or chat) | 4 |
| Poisoning | 1-800-222-1222 | 5 |
What does the Providence Police Department say?
"Non-Emergency Line: 401-272-3121" 1
Who answers the call?
In Providence, police calls that are not emergencies go to the Providence Police Department 1.
Other cities
Outside city limits and on highways: Rhode Island State Police (RISP). 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 Providence?
401-272-3121, the Providence Police Department non-emergency line 1.
Is 401-272-3121 the same as 911?
No. 911 is for emergencies 2; 401-272-3121 is the Providence Police Department line for matters that are not urgent 1.
What is the animal control number in Providence?
401-243-6040: Animal control (Providence Animal Control / Animal Shelter) 3. In an emergency, call 911 2.
Sources · 5
- Providence Police Department · Providence Police Department - Providence Police Department checked 2026-11-09
- Federal Communications Commission · Text to 911: What You Need to Know checked 2026-10-20
- City of Providence · City of Providence Hours + Location - City of Providence 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