The Porter County non-emergency number is (219) 477-3170, which reaches Porter County Central Dispatch. That line handles police, fire, and other public safety requests that don’t involve an immediate threat to life or property. If you’re not sure which agency covers your location, Central Dispatch can route the call. Several cities and towns inside the county also keep their own direct lines, so the right number depends on where the incident happened.
Direct Lines by Agency
Central Dispatch at (219) 477-3170 is the primary non-emergency contact for the Porter County Sheriff’s Office and for unincorporated areas. The Sheriff’s Office also has a direct line at (219) 477-3130 if you need to speak with a deputy or detective about a crime that has already occurred.
For incidents inside a specific municipality, call that department directly:
- Valparaiso Police Department: (219) 462-2135
- Portage Police Department: (219) 762-3122 (clerical office open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
- Chesterton Police Department: (219) 926-1136
- Burns Harbor Police Department: (219) 787-9412
Using the correct local number instead of 911 keeps emergency lines open for active threats.
When to Call Non-Emergency Instead of 911
The line is straightforward. If someone’s safety is in immediate danger or a crime is happening right now, call 911. Everything else goes to the non-emergency number.
Theft or burglary you discover after the fact belongs on the non-emergency line because the suspect is already gone. The same goes for vandalism or property damage found hours or days later, minor fender-benders where nobody is hurt and traffic isn’t blocked, and noise complaints or parking violations. These situations still deserve a police response; they just don’t require lights and sirens.
Animal Control
Stray or neglected animals in most of Porter County should be reported to Porter County Animal Control at (219) 477-3110. If you reach voicemail, leave your name, address, and phone number, and an officer will call back. Animal Control does not cover the City of Portage; Portage residents should call (219) 763-1825 instead. Animal Control also does not handle wild or nuisance animals like raccoons, skunks, or squirrels. If an animal poses an immediate physical danger to anyone, call 911.
Road Hazards
Who to contact about a downed tree, pothole, or debris in the road depends on the type of road. For roads in unincorporated Porter County, submit a request through the Highway Department’s online service form on the Porter County website. For roads inside a city or town, contact that municipality’s street department. State roads, U.S. highways, and interstates fall under the Indiana Department of Transportation, which takes reports at (855) 463-6848 or through indot4u.com.
Mental Health Crisis Lines
Not every crisis is a police matter. Porter-Starke Services operates a 24/7 mental health crisis line at (219) 476-4523 for Porter County residents experiencing a psychiatric emergency or emotional distress. Their non-emergency intake number is (219) 531-3500. The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is also available around the clock by calling or texting 988.
If someone is in physical danger or needs medical attention during a mental health crisis, 911 is still the right call. When the situation calls for de-escalation, counseling, or a referral rather than a law enforcement response, these crisis lines connect callers with trained professionals.
What to Have Ready When You Call
Having details organized before you dial saves time and helps the dispatcher create a useful report. The most important piece of information is the location: an exact street address or the nearest intersection. Be ready to describe what happened and when you noticed it.
If people were involved, note whatever you can recall about their appearance, including approximate height and build, hair color, clothing, and anything distinctive. For incidents involving a vehicle, the make, model, color, and license plate number all matter. If property was stolen, serial numbers for electronics or other valuables improve the odds of recovery.
Non-emergency calls are prioritized behind active emergencies, so hold times are normal during severe weather or high-call-volume periods. Once your report is filed, you’ll receive a case number. Keep it somewhere accessible; you’ll need it for insurance claims, follow-up calls, and any future legal proceedings tied to the incident.