Virginia Beach Non-Emergency Number: When to Call and How to Get Help

In Virginia Beach, knowing who to call in various situations is crucial for maintaining safety and order. While 911 is reserved for emergencies requiring immediate attention, the non-emergency number is a vital resource for situations that don’t pose an immediate threat to life or property. This comprehensive guide will explore the Virginia Beach non-emergency number, when to use it, and how it supports the community.

Understanding the Difference: Emergency vs. Non-Emergency

Before diving into the specifics of the non-emergency number, it’s essential to understand the distinction between emergency and non-emergency situations. Misusing emergency lines can tie up resources and delay help for those in genuine, life-threatening situations.

Emergency Situations

An emergency is any situation that requires immediate police, fire, or medical assistance. Examples include:

• Fires
• Serious medical emergencies (e.g., heart attack, stroke, severe bleeding)
• Crimes in progress (e.g., active shooter, robbery)
• Car accidents with injuries
• Any situation where someone’s life is in immediate danger

Non-Emergency Situations

A non-emergency is a situation that requires police, fire, or medical assistance but does not pose an immediate threat to life or property. Examples include:

• Minor car accidents without injuries
• Theft or property damage (after the fact)
• Noise complaints
• Suspicious activity
• Animal complaints
• Lost or found property
• Reporting a crime that occurred in the past

The Virginia Beach Non-Emergency Number: 757-385-5000

The Virginia Beach non-emergency number is 757-385-5000. This number connects you to the Virginia Beach Police Department’s dispatch center, where trained professionals can assist you with non-emergency situations.

When to Call 757-385-5000

Here are some specific scenarios where calling the non-emergency number is appropriate:

• Reporting a Past Crime: If you’ve been the victim of a crime that is no longer in progress, such as a burglary that occurred overnight, call the non-emergency number to file a police report.
• Minor Traffic Accidents: If you’ve been involved in a car accident with no injuries and minimal property damage, you can call the non-emergency number to report the incident and receive guidance.
• Noise Complaints: If you’re experiencing excessive noise from neighbors or a nearby business, you can call the non-emergency number to report the disturbance.
• Suspicious Activity: If you observe suspicious behavior that doesn’t immediately indicate a crime in progress, such as a stranger repeatedly circling a neighborhood, you can call the non-emergency number to report your concerns.
• Animal Control Issues: For issues involving stray animals, animal bites (that are not life-threatening), or animal cruelty, contact the non-emergency number to reach animal control services.
• Lost or Found Property: If you’ve lost or found an item, you can call the non-emergency number to report it to the police department.
• Code Violations: To report possible code violations, such as illegal dumping or overgrown properties.
• General Inquiries: For general questions or information about police services that are not urgent.

What to Expect When You Call

When you call the Virginia Beach non-emergency number, a dispatcher will answer and ask you questions to assess the situation. Be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your Name and Location: Provide your name and the exact location of the incident. This is crucial for dispatching officers or other services to the correct place.
• A Brief Description of the Incident: Clearly and concisely explain what happened. Include relevant details such as the time of the incident, the people involved, and any property damage.
• Contact Information: Provide a phone number where you can be reached in case the dispatcher needs to follow up with you.

The dispatcher will then determine the appropriate course of action, which may include dispatching officers to the scene, providing advice over the phone, or directing you to another agency or resource.

Alternatives to Calling the Non-Emergency Number

While the non-emergency number is a valuable resource, there are alternative ways to report certain issues or seek assistance in Virginia Beach:

• Online Reporting: The Virginia Beach Police Department offers an online reporting system for certain non-emergency situations, such as minor traffic accidents and theft. This can save you time and avoid waiting on the phone.
• City Services Website: The City of Virginia Beach website provides information and online forms for reporting various issues, such as potholes, streetlights, and code violations.
• 311: In some municipalities, 311 is a non-emergency number for general city services. While not universally used in Virginia Beach, it’s worth checking if it applies to your specific need.
• Specific City Departments: Depending on the nature of your issue, you may be able to contact the relevant city department directly. For example, for animal control issues, you can contact the Virginia Beach Animal Control directly.

The Importance of Using the Correct Number

Using the correct number – 911 for emergencies and 757-385-5000 for non-emergencies – is crucial for several reasons:

• Efficient Use of Resources: Calling 911 for non-emergencies ties up emergency lines and dispatchers, potentially delaying help for those in life-threatening situations.
• Faster Response Times: By calling the appropriate number, you ensure that your situation is handled by the correct personnel and resources, leading to faster response times.
• Community Safety: Using the correct number contributes to the overall safety and well-being of the community by ensuring that emergency services are available for those who need them most.

Virginia Beach Police Department: Commitment to the Community

The Virginia Beach Police Department is committed to providing high-quality law enforcement services to the community. The non-emergency number is just one of the many resources they offer to help residents stay safe and informed.

Community Policing Initiatives

The Virginia Beach Police Department actively engages in community policing initiatives to build relationships with residents and address local concerns. These initiatives include:

• Neighborhood Watch Programs: Encouraging residents to work together to prevent crime and improve neighborhood safety.
• Community Meetings: Hosting regular meetings to discuss local issues and gather feedback from residents.
• School Resource Officers: Placing officers in schools to build relationships with students and staff and provide a safe learning environment.

Additional Resources

The Virginia Beach Police Department also provides a variety of additional resources to the community, including:

• Crime Prevention Tips: Offering tips and advice on how to prevent crime and stay safe.
• Victim Assistance Programs: Providing support and resources to victims of crime.
• Online Crime Mapping: Allowing residents to view crime data in their area and stay informed about local crime trends.

Staying Informed: Additional Contact Information

Besides the non-emergency number, here are some other important contact details for various city services in Virginia Beach:

• Virginia Beach City Hall: (757) 385-4141
• Virginia Beach Animal Control: (757) 385-4444
• Virginia Beach Fire Department (Non-Emergency): (757) 385-2871
• Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities: (757) 385-4631
• Virginia Beach Human Services: (757) 385-3200

Conclusion

Knowing the Virginia Beach non-emergency number (757-385-5000) and when to use it is essential for responsible citizenship. By using the correct number, you contribute to the efficient use of emergency resources and help ensure that those in genuine, life-threatening situations receive the help they need promptly. Remember to use 911 for emergencies and 757-385-5000 for non-emergencies, and utilize the other resources available in Virginia Beach to report issues and seek assistance. The Virginia Beach Police Department and other city services are dedicated to serving the community and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents.

FAQs About the Virginia Beach Non-Emergency Number

1. What is the Virginia Beach non-emergency number?

The Virginia Beach non-emergency number is 757-385-5000.

2. When should I call the non-emergency number instead of 911?

Call the non-emergency number for situations that require police, fire, or medical assistance but do not pose an immediate threat to life or property. Examples include reporting a past crime, minor car accidents without injuries, noise complaints, and suspicious activity.

3. What information should I provide when calling the non-emergency number?

Be prepared to provide your name and location, a brief description of the incident, and your contact information.

4. Are there alternatives to calling the non-emergency number?

Yes, the Virginia Beach Police Department offers an online reporting system for certain non-emergency situations. You can also contact specific city departments directly or use the city services website to report various issues.

5. Why is it important to use the correct number?

Using the correct number ensures the efficient use of emergency resources, faster response times, and contributes to the overall safety and well-being of the community.

6. What if I am unsure whether my situation is an emergency or not?

If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it is always best to err on the side of caution and call 911. The dispatcher can assess the situation and determine the appropriate response.

7. Can I text the Virginia Beach non-emergency number?

No, you cannot text the Virginia Beach non-emergency number. You must call 757-385-5000 to report a non-emergency situation.

8. Is there a fee for calling the non-emergency number?

No, there is no fee for calling the Virginia Beach non-emergency number.

9. What happens after I report an incident to the non-emergency number?

The dispatcher will determine the appropriate course of action, which may include dispatching officers to the scene, providing advice over the phone, or directing you to another agency or resource. You may be contacted for further information or updates on the situation.

10. Where can I find more information about the Virginia Beach Police Department?

You can find more information about the Virginia Beach Police Department on their official website or by calling their non-emergency number at 757-385-5000.