Emergency situations can happen at any time, but it’s important to know when to call 9-1-1 versus 3-1-1. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if a crime is in progress, call 9-1-1 right away. If you need to report a non-emergency situation, such as a noise complaint or a broken streetlight, call 3-1-1. By calling the appropriate number, you can help emergency services respond quickly to those who need them the most.

9-1-1 emergency services

Call 9-1-1 when a situation requires immediate police, fire, or emergency medical response.

For Police Services

• When there is a crime in progress
• When there is an immediate threat to life or bodily injury
• When there is major property damage or loss due to crime

For Fire Services

• To report a fire
• To report hazardous material incidents
• To initiate the rescue of a trapped person

For Emergency Medical Services

• To report life-threatening medical emergencies that require an ambulance including, heart attacks, asthma attacks, or automobile accidents with injuries

3-1-1 non-emergency services

Call 3-1-1 to request City Services and to report situations not requiring an immediate emergency response.

For City Services

• To request City services and report problems (i.e., rodent baiting, street lights out, graffiti removal, etc.) or to check the status of service requests.
• To request shelter services.request well-being checks or to locate warming/cooling centers

For Alternative Police Response

• To report a situation that does not pose an immediate threat to life, bodily injury, or major property damage or loss
• To file a police report
• To report a situation that does not require an immediate police response including pick-pocketing, auto theft, etc.
• To find out what police district and beat you live in, as well as the date, time and location of your next CAPS Beat Meeting
• Other offenses when the suspect is no longer at the scene

Suspicious Activity for Non-Emergency

Suspicious Activity for Non-Emergency

• Call 855-RPRT-2S-4 (855-777-8274) to report non-emergency suspicious activity or packages in the City of Chicago and Cook County.

For Any Observed Behavior that Could Indicate Terrorism or Terrorism-Related Crime

• Unusual items or situations: Out-of-the-ordinary situations
• Eliciting information: A person questioning at a level beyond curiosity
• Observation/surveillance: Someone pays unusual attention to facilities, events or buildings beyond a casual or professional interest