WHAT IS 877 ASK-LAPD?
877 ASK-LAPD is a new universal toll-free non-emergency police number. It was designed to help reduce the number of non-emergency calls to 9-1-1 operators. 877 ASK-LAPD is also available in Spanish and TTY for the hearing-impaired.
WHEN SHOULD I USE 877 ASK-LAPD (877 275-5273)?
Callers who do not have an emergency or who may only need information should call 877-ASK-LAPD.
WHY SHOULD I DIAL 877 ASK-LAPD INSTEAD OF 9-1-1?
It is important to keep the 9-1-1 lines and operators available for emergency situations like a person reporting a fire, someone experiencing a heart attack, or someone witnessing a violent crime in progress.
When someone calls 9-1-1 with a non-emergency call such as a loud party, it ties up both the incoming 9-1-1 line and the 9-1-1 operator.
Los Angeles is a large city with limited resources. It is important that we keep all emergency lines and operators available to handle the next incoming emergency. Remember to dial 877 ASK-LAPD when you need the police, but don’t have an emergency.
WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY VERSUS A NON-EMERGENCY?
Here are just a few examples of emergencies versus non-emergencies:
EMERGENCY
Anyone requiring medical attention
Fires
Crimes in progress
Domestic violence in progress
NON-EMERGENCY
Disturbances including a loud radio or party
Drinking in public
Property or business disputes involving a landlord, property or business
Trespassing / loitering
HOW DOES 877 ASK-LAPD WORK?
It’s simple. Just dial 1-877-275-5273. It’s toll free so there is no charge to the caller. You will receive a non-emergency operator who will provide assistance to you. If all of the non-emergency operators are busy with other callers, you will receive the ASK-LAPD Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. The IVR allows you to by-pass a non-emergency operator and locate the best source of information or assistance for your needs through a series of questions and caller selections. While you are in the IVR system, you may at any time choose to speak to a live operator by pressing "0" (zero).
WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION CAN I OBTAIN FROM USING 877 ASK-LAPD?
Telephone numbers to all police stations and some specialized units.
Arrestee, court and restraining order information.
Listings of crime reports that can be taken over the phone.
Directions on how to report stolen, abandoned and illegally parked vehicles.
Information on parking citations and boot devices.
Listings for non-LAPD service providers such as the Department of Animal Regulations and Department of Water and Power.
All of these services and more are available without waiting to speak to a live operator when you call 877 ASK-LAPD.
For further information on the 877 ASK-LAPD non-emergency number, contact the ASK-LAPD Task Force at 213-473-6434 during normal business hours.
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