Short answer. For police matters that are not an emergency in Tacoma, Washington, call the Tacoma Police Department non-emergency line at (253) 287-4455 1. If a life, a person or property is in danger right now, call 911 2.
Who to call in Tacoma
| Situation | Number | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency: police, fire, ambulance | 911 | 2 |
| Police, non-emergency (Tacoma Police Department) | (253) 287-4455 | 1 |
| City services | 311 / (253) 591-5000 | 1 |
| Animal control (City of Tacoma Animal Control and Compliance) | (253) 627‐PETS (7387) | 1 |
| Report a crime online | Official online reporting | 1 |
| Mental health or suicide crisis | 988 (call, text or chat) | 3 |
| Poisoning | 1-800-222-1222 | 4 |
What does the Tacoma Police Department say?
"For all other crime reports, call the TPD non-emergency number at (253) 287-4455." 1
When should you use the non-emergency line?
The official page lists these examples 1:
- "For vehicle prowls, vandalism, theft or lost property, file an online report or call the TPD non-emergency number at (253) 287-4455."
- "For all other crime reports, call the TPD non-emergency number at (253) 287-4455."
Who answers the call?
In Tacoma, police calls that are not emergencies go to the Tacoma Police Department 1.
Other cities
Non-emergency numbers in Washington: Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Spokane Valley, Renton. Outside city limits and on highways: Washington State Patrol (WSP). 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 Tacoma?
(253) 287-4455, the Tacoma Police Department non-emergency line 1.
Is (253) 287-4455 the same as 911?
No. 911 is for emergencies 2; (253) 287-4455 is the Tacoma Police Department line for matters that are not urgent 1.
Can I report a crime online in Tacoma?
Yes, for some non-urgent incidents: the Tacoma Police Department has an official online reporting page 1.
What is the animal control number in Tacoma?
(253) 627‐PETS (7387): Animal control (City of Tacoma Animal Control and Compliance) 1. In an emergency, call 911 2.
Sources · 4
- City of Tacoma · Police Department Services | City of Tacoma 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