How to Contact the Birmingham Police Department

There are several ways to reach the Birmingham Police Department in Birmingham, Alabama, depending on whether the situation is an emergency, a non-urgent report, or a question for a specific division. Using the right number helps residents get a faster response and keeps emergency lines clear.

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency

For any crime in progress, fire or medical emergency, or immediate threat to safety, call 911. For situations that are not emergencies, such as reporting a past incident, noise complaints or general questions, use the non-emergency number:

• Non-Emergency: 205-328-9311
• Headquarters main line: 205-254-1700

A good rule of thumb: if the situation is happening right now and someone could be hurt, call 911. If it already happened, no one is in danger, and you mainly need a report or information, use the non-emergency line.

Precinct Phone Numbers

Birmingham is divided into four police precincts. Residents can contact the precinct serving their area directly:

Specialized Divisions

• Community Services: 205-933-4175
• Crimestoppers (anonymous tips): 205-254-7777
• Custody Services: 205-254-6369
• Robbery/Homicide: 205-254-1764
• Crimes Against Property: 205-254-1769
• Internal Affairs: 205-254-1745 ([email protected])
• Airport Substation: 205-599-0517

Which Number Should You Use?

Many calls do not need 911 or even a precinct. For a copy of a report, contact the records function through headquarters. For questions about someone in custody, call Custody Services. For unsolved-crime tips you want to keep anonymous, use Crimestoppers. For neighborhood programs or a community-meeting speaker, Community Services is the right starting point. Matching the request to the unit avoids transfers and speeds up the answer.

In Person

Police headquarters is at 1710 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. Residents can also visit the precinct office that serves their neighborhood for in-person assistance, report copies and general inquiries. When visiting in person for a report, bringing a case or report number, the incident date and a photo ID helps staff locate the right record quickly.

When 911 Is the Right Call

911 exists for emergencies, and using it appropriately keeps the line open for people in danger. Call 911 when a crime is happening now, when someone is injured or threatened, when there is a fire or medical emergency, or when reporting a suspect who is still on scene. If the incident already ended and there is no ongoing danger, the non-emergency line is the better choice. Both lines are answered by trained dispatchers; the difference is priority and the urgency of the response dispatched.

What Information to Have Ready

Whether calling 911 or the non-emergency line, a few details make a report far more useful. Be ready to give the exact location or address, a clear description of what happened, descriptions of any people or vehicles involved, and the time the incident occurred. For a follow-up on an existing case, the report or case number is the most valuable piece of information. Staying on the line and answering the dispatcher’s questions helps officers arrive prepared.

Reaching the Right Bureau

Birmingham’s investigative work is split among specialized units. Property crimes such as burglary and theft are handled by Crimes Against Property, while violent offenses go to Robbery/Homicide. Questions about a person who has been taken into custody belong with Custody Services. Knowing which bureau owns a case type lets residents skip extra transfers and reach someone who can actually help with their specific question.

Frequently Asked Questions