When to Contact: In life-threatening situations, medical emergencies, crimes in progress, fires or any urgent threat to safety.
Police Non-Emergency
Call: (515) 283-4811
When to Contact: For non-urgent police matters such as reporting past crimes, suspicious activity or noise complaints.
Note: Upon answering, callers will be asked if police, fire or mental health services are needed.
Mental Health Services
Call: Either 911 OR the police non-emergency line and ask for mental health services.
Note: The telecommunicator will send one of these two teams based upon safety criteria:
Crisis Advocacy Response Effort (CARE) Team: Two mental health professionals respond without law enforcement to calls without a safety concern.
Mobile Crisis Response Team (MCRT): This team co-responds with a law enforcement officer to calls where there is a safety concern or safety issues are unknown.
Skywalk Security
Call: (563) 549-2438
When to Contact: If you need security assistance while using the Downtown skywalk system.
Operation Downtown
Call: (515) 282-0378
When to Contact: To report overflowing trash cans, graffiti on buildings, trash on the sidewalk, or empty dog waste bag dispensers within Downtown Des Moines.
When to Contact: The program includes a High Volume User program and an Acute Care Station at Central Iowa Shelter & Services. Individuals are identified through fire department data or referrals from personnel in the field. Contact only with questions or comments about the program, not to request care for individuals.
Essential Community Servies: United Way of Central Iowa
Call: 211
When to Contact: For help and connection to thousands of health and human service programs, community services, disaster services and governmental programs.
