Non-Emergency vs 911

When to call Non-Emergency Dispatch vs. 9-1-1

Generally speaking, people are aware that they should call 9-1-1 in an emergency, but they are less aware of the circumstances in which they should not call 9-1-1 and instead utilize Non-Emergency Dispatch. The result is that many requests to 9-1-1 do not involve true emergencies, which overloads the 911 system with non-emergency calls. If you are not sure whether you should call 9-1-1 or Non-Emergency Dispatch, always air on the side of caution and call 9-1.1. 

When to Call 9-1-1

Only call 9-1-1 when a person or property is in immediate danger. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from law enforcement, fire, or medical personnel.

Examples of when to call 9-1-1 include:

• A fire
• A crime, especially one in progress
• A car accident, especially if someone is injured
• A medical emergency, especially for symptoms that require immediate medical attention

When to Call Non-Emergency Dispatch

The Non-Emergency Dispatch number is 970-242-6707, which you can call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for Non-Emergency police help. We encourage residents of our community to program this number into your cell phone so it is ready to use when you need it. Using the Non-Emergency number keeps 9-1-1 available for true emergencies. The same call takers who respond to 9-1-1 calls also answer the Non-Emergency line. If you call 9-1-1 for a non-emergency issue, you will be redirected to hang up and call the Non-Emergency number. 

Examples of when to call Non-Emergency Dispatch include:

• Suspicious activity in your neighborhood, business, or current location
• Burglaries that are NOT currently in progress
• Car accidents with no injuries, not impeding traffic, no drugs or alcohol suspected
• Vandalization
• Thefts from auto
• Cold shoplifts 
• Abandoned vehicles
• Runaways that have safely returned home
• Follow ups regarding previously reported incidents