Spokane Shifts Non-Emergency Reporting to 311
City residents now use 311 for non-emergency police and fire reports following a transition away from regional dispatch services.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Emergency Response
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The City of Spokane has transitioned its non-emergency reporting system from Crime Check to a new 311 service. Residents must now dial 311 for non-emergency issues, while 911 remains the required number for active crimes and emergencies.
Why it matters
The change follows a decision by Spokane Regional Emergency Communications to remove the city from its dispatch system. City officials are adopting this new model to streamline access to municipal services and enhance police processing workflows.
The city has already secured 14 non-emergency call takers to staff the new system, with plans to hire an additional 14 dispatchers. This transition marks a significant shift in reporting infrastructure for the city.
The players
City of Spokane
This is the municipal government entity responsible for managing local services and public safety operations for the residents of Spokane.
Spokane Regional Emergency Communications
This organization is a multi-jurisdictional agency that provides emergency dispatch and communication services for various municipalities and districts in the area.
The details
Residents living within city limits are required to use the 311 system for non-urgent matters. Those located in the county jurisdiction on the county side of Havana Street are exempt from this change and must continue using Crime Check.
Timeline
The transition of non-emergency reporting to 311 officially began on October 27, 2026.
The city plans to assume responsibility for fire-related call dispatching by the beginning of 2027.
Seasonal Patterns
The city's move marks a departure from established regional protocols by separating non-emergency reporting from the primary dispatch network. This shift reflects a move toward localized control over municipal service intake rather than unified regional management.
Spokane residents must update their contact information to dial 311 for non-emergency police and fire concerns. It remains critical that the public continues to call 911 exclusively for emergencies and crimes in progress.
The takeaway
This system change requires residents to adjust their reporting habits based on their specific residential jurisdiction. Keeping non-emergency inquiries separate from 911 channels helps ensure that critical emergency lines remain clear for urgent situations.
What happens next
The city is scheduled to take over dispatch responsibilities for fire-related calls starting at the beginning of 2027.
Further reading
For more information on local service updates, visit Emergency Response.
Live Poll
Does consolidating non-emergency services into a single 311 number improve access to help in your area?
