The main Cincinnati police phone number for non-emergencies is 513-765-1212, or 311 if you are calling from inside the city. For an emergency or a crime in progress, call 911. Each of the city’s four police districts and the Central Business District station also has its own direct line for follow-ups and local matters.
Emergency or Non-Emergency
Call 911 whenever someone is in danger or a crime is happening right now. Cincinnati supports text-to-911 on all major cell carriers, which helps when speaking out loud would put you at risk.1City of Cincinnati. Cincinnati Rolls Out Text-to-911 Technology A voice call is still faster and more reliable, so text only when calling isn’t safe.
For anything that is not an active emergency, dial 311 from a Cincinnati phone or 513-765-1212 from any phone. A call-taker decides whether to dispatch an officer or route your issue elsewhere.2311Cincy. Police Non-Emergencies Typical non-emergency calls include a theft that already happened, noise complaints, and parking violations.
Two other numbers are worth saving alongside these: 211 reaches United Way community resources, and 988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.2311Cincy. Police Non-Emergencies
District Station Numbers
Cincinnati is split into four police districts plus a Central Business District station downtown. Calling the station directly is usually faster than going through 311 when you want to follow up on an existing report, reach a neighborhood liaison officer, or ask about something administrative.3City of Cincinnati. Police Districts
- District 1 (Central, South): 513-352-3505
- Central Business District (Downtown): 513-352-5420
- District 2 (East): 513-979-4400
- District 3 (North, West): 513-263-8300
- District 4 (Central East): 513-569-8600
If you aren’t sure which district covers your neighborhood, 311 or 513-765-1212 will route you to the right station.4City of Cincinnati. Contact Us – Police
Specialized Unit Numbers
Some requests go to a dedicated line rather than through the main switchboard.
- Records Section (copies of police reports): 513-352-3559. Expect a per-page copying fee; call to confirm the current rate.5City of Cincinnati. About Police Records
- Impound Lot (vehicle towed by Cincinnati Police): 513-352-6370. Call first to confirm your car is there and what you’ll need to pick it up.6City of Cincinnati. Impound Unit FAQ
- Crime Stoppers of Greater Cincinnati (anonymous tips): 513-352-3040. Information leading to an arrest may qualify for a reward.7Greater Cincinnati / N. Kentucky Crime Stoppers. Wanted Suspects – Greater Cincinnati / N. Kentucky Crime Stoppers
- Victims Assistance Liaison Unit: 513-352-6421, at 801 Linn Street. Staff help connect crime victims with resources and the next steps in the legal process.
When You Can Skip the Phone
For certain lower-level incidents, Cincinnati’s Online Citizen Crime Reporting System lets you file a report without calling. The portal is open around the clock and generates a report immediately, but you must be at least 18 and have a valid email address.8City of Cincinnati. Online Reporting – Police
You’ll be sent back to 513-765-1212 instead if any of the following apply:
- The crime is in progress or involves an emergency
- There is more than one victim or vehicle
- Stolen property is worth more than $5,000 or includes a firearm, license plates, or a motor vehicle
- Property damage exceeds $5,000
- Physical evidence needs to be collected
- The incident may be a hate crime
What to Have Ready Before You Call
Dispatchers and desk officers move faster when you can give specifics up front. Try to have:
- The exact street address or nearest intersection
- A suspect description: height, build, clothing, distinguishing features
- Vehicle details: make, model, color, plate number if you can see it
- Direction of travel when the person or vehicle left
- A callback number for you
You don’t need every detail to make the call. Partial information is still useful, and waiting to gather a complete picture costs officers time. Give what you have and fill in the rest later.