LAPD Offers Nonemergency Toll-Free Line

Hoping to ease the burden on 911 phone lines, the Los Angeles Police Department has implemented a toll-free number for callers with nonemergency needs.

The number, (877) ASK-LAPD, [(877) 275-5273], will be answered by police operators whenever possible, said Lillian Brock, senior police service representative for the LAPD. If operators are busy, callers will be transferred to a menu offering answers to frequently asked questions, referrals to city services or the option to keep holding for a live human voice.

Last year, about 80% of the 911 calls received by the LAPD were nonemergencies or calls not appropriate for the 911 system, police said. Examples include complaints about loud parties, drinking in public, trespassing or business disputes.

Such calls in the past have tied up 911 lines and caused delays in reporting fires, crimes in progress and medical emergencies, police said.

Using the new number, callers also can ask for other public safety information, Brock said. For example, operators can refer callers to specific police stations, or provide referrals to non-LAPD service providers such as the departments of Animal Regulation or Water and Power.