The Denton Police Department non-emergency number is (940) 349-8181. Use it when you need police help but no one is in immediate danger and no crime is actively happening. For anything in progress or life-threatening, call 911 instead.
When to Use (940) 349-8181
The line between the two numbers is simple. If someone is in danger right now, or a crime is unfolding, 911 is the right call. For everything else, the non-emergency number gets you the same department without tying up emergency dispatchers.
Typical reasons people call the non-emergency line:
- Noise complaints, such as a neighbor’s party or loud music.
- Property crimes you discovered after the fact, like a car broken into overnight.
- Welfare checks on a neighbor or family member you haven’t heard from.
- Suspicious activity where nobody appears to be in immediate danger.
- Animal complaints, such as a stray dog or a barking issue. Denton Animal Services can also be reached directly at (940) 349-7594.
When you call, you can ask for an officer to come in person or, in some cases, request that an officer call you back instead.1City of Denton. File a Police Report The callback option works well when you mainly need something documented.
One boundary to keep in mind: this number only covers incidents within Denton city limits.1City of Denton. File a Police Report If you’re outside the city, a different agency handles the call.
What to Have Ready Before You Call
The most important piece of information is location. Give an exact street address if you have it, or the nearest cross-streets if you don’t.
Beyond that, the dispatcher will usually ask:
- A brief description of what happened.
- Roughly when it happened.
- Descriptions of anyone involved: clothing, height, build, or other identifying details.
- Vehicle information if a car was involved, including make, model, color, and plate number.
You don’t need every detail perfectly memorized. Dispatchers are trained to ask follow-up questions, so share what you can recall and let them guide the rest.
Filing a Report Online Instead
For certain minor incidents, you can skip the phone call and submit a report through the Denton Police Department’s online portal on the city’s File a Police Report page.1City of Denton. File a Police Report The portal starts with a short screening questionnaire and will direct you to call instead if the incident is an emergency, is still in progress, happened outside city limits, involves a known suspect, or involves physical evidence that needs to be collected.
If your incident type isn’t listed in the portal, call (940) 349-8181 to file it over the phone. After submission, a staff member reviews the information and may contact you if further investigation is needed.1City of Denton. File a Police Report The city doesn’t publish a specific review timeline, so if you need a case number quickly for an insurance claim, calling is faster.
Other Denton-Area Numbers
Denton city police aren’t the only agency in the area. Calling the wrong one can slow your response.
Denton County Sheriff’s Office
If the issue is outside Denton city limits but still in Denton County, such as an unincorporated neighborhood, the Sheriff’s Office handles it. The main number is (940) 349-1600.2Denton County, TX. Sheriff’s Office Helpful Phone Numbers
UNT Police
The University of North Texas campus has its own sworn police department with jurisdiction over university property. The non-emergency line is (940) 565-3000.3University of North Texas. Contact Information On campus emergencies still go to 911.
Denton 311
Potholes, code violations, missed trash pickup, and similar city service requests go through Denton 311, not the police. You can submit requests through the Denton 311 mobile app or online.4City of Denton. Denton 311
Misusing 911 or Filing a False Report
Dialing 911 by accident when you meant the non-emergency line isn’t a crime. Stay on the line and explain the mistake, and the dispatcher will redirect you.
Knowingly abusing the system is different. Under Texas law, calling 911 when there is no emergency and intentionally staying silent or making harassing statements to the dispatcher is a Class B misdemeanor, and filing a knowingly false police report that’s material to a criminal investigation carries the same classification.5State of Texas. Texas Penal Code 37-08 – False Report to Peace Officer, Federal Special Investigator, Law Enforcement Employee, Corrections Officer, or Jailer A Class B misdemeanor in Texas can mean up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.