The Essential Guide To Boulder Non-Emergency Police: 5 Things You Must Know About The CARE Program And When To Call 303-441-3333
Knowing the right number to call in a moment of crisis or concern is vital for any Boulder resident, but the rules have recently evolved to include new, non-police alternatives. As of late December 2025, the standard non-emergency number for the City of Boulder Police Department remains your primary contact for non-life-threatening situations, but the dispatch center now has new protocols for diverting certain calls to specialized teams, reflecting a modern approach to community safety.
The Boulder Police and Fire Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ensuring that there is always a live dispatcher available to assess your situation, whether you are reporting a past crime, a noise complaint, or suspicious activity that doesn't pose an immediate threat.
The Critical Difference: 911 vs. The Non-Emergency Line (303-441-3333)
The single most important distinction for any resident to understand is the difference between an emergency and a non-emergency. Misusing 911 can slow down response times for genuine life-or-death situations, while calling the non-emergency line for a true emergency wastes precious seconds.
When to ALWAYS Dial 911 (Emergency)
You should call 911 anytime there is an immediate threat to life, health, or property. These are "in-progress" events where police, fire, or emergency medical services (EMS) are needed instantly.
- A crime is in progress (e.g., a robbery, assault, or active burglary).
- Someone is seriously injured or requires immediate medical attention.
- A fire is burning or a gas leak is detected.
- You witness a serious accident with injuries.
- There is a situation involving a gun or other deadly weapon.
When to Call 303-441-3333 (Non-Emergency)
The Boulder Police Department's non-emergency dispatch line, 303-441-3333, is for incidents that are not time-critical or where the suspect is no longer at the scene. This number connects you to the same 24/7 Communications Center, but it allows dispatchers to prioritize true emergencies.
Common scenarios for using the non-emergency line include:
- Reporting a crime that happened in the past, such as a theft where the suspect is gone.
- Reporting suspicious activity or persons who do not appear to pose an immediate danger.
- Reporting a non-injury traffic accident.
- Reporting a noise complaint or a parking issue.
- Requesting an officer for a non-urgent matter.
- Reporting an unsafe driver after the fact.
Pro-Tip: Alternative Non-Emergency Numbers
If you are calling the main non-emergency line (303-441-3333) and encounter a busy signal, the Boulder County Communications Center offers two alternative overflow numbers you can try: 720-564-2913 or 720-564-2914.
The New Face of Non-Emergency Response: Boulder’s CARE Program
One of the most significant and recent developments in Boulder’s public safety landscape is the launch of its non-police alternative response pilot program. This initiative is designed to ensure that the response matches the need, often sending behavioral health specialists instead of armed police officers to certain calls.
What is the CARE Program?
The program is officially named Community Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE). It represents a major shift in how the City of Boulder handles dispatcher-triaged calls involving non-violent situations, particularly those related to mental health crises or homelessness.
The CARE program utilizes the Behavioral Health Crisis Response team. When you call the non-emergency line (303-441-3333) or even 911, the dispatcher may route the call to this specialized team if the situation is deemed appropriate.
How CARE Works and What it Handles
Instead of a traditional police car, the CARE team dispatches trained professionals, often including behavioral health clinicians and paramedics. This model is specifically focused on de-escalation, connecting individuals with essential resources, and providing on-site care rather than enforcement.
The types of non-emergency and low-level crisis calls that may be handled by the CARE team include:
- Mental health crises where there is no immediate threat of violence.
- Welfare checks on individuals who are not in immediate danger.
- Situations involving public intoxication or substance abuse that do not require an arrest.
- Non-violent disputes or quality-of-life issues, particularly those related to homelessness.
This innovative approach is a key part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to providing more compassionate and effective responses to complex social issues, taking the burden of non-criminal matters off the Boulder Police Department.
Alternative Reporting Methods: The Online System
For certain types of non-emergency crimes, you don't even need to call the non-emergency number. The Boulder Police Department offers a Community Online Reporting System that allows residents to file a report immediately and print a copy for their records.
The online system is ideal for incidents that meet specific criteria: no known suspect, the incident did not occur on a state highway, and there is no physical evidence to collect.
Crimes Eligible for Online Reporting
While the specific list can change, the types of non-violent, non-emergency crimes typically eligible for online reporting include:
- Petty Theft or Misdemeanor Theft: The theft of property with a low monetary value.
- Criminal Mischief: Vandalism or property damage.
- Fraud or Identity Theft: When the fraudulent activity is discovered and the suspect is not present.
- Third Degree Criminal Trespass: Unlawfully entering or remaining on someone's property.
- Trespass to a Vehicle: Unlawfully entering a vehicle without the intent to commit a crime.
Always check the official City of Boulder Police Department website for the most current list and to ensure your incident qualifies before attempting to file an online report.
Boulder City Police vs. Boulder County Sheriff's Office
It is important to remember that the City of Boulder Police Department (BPD) and the Boulder County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) are separate law enforcement agencies with different jurisdictions.
- City of Boulder Police (BPD): Handles incidents that occur within the official city limits of Boulder. Their non-emergency number is 303-441-3333.
- Boulder County Sheriff's Office (BCSO): Handles incidents that occur in unincorporated Boulder County (areas outside of city limits like Lyons, Superior, or Louisville). Their non-emergency number is 303-441-4444.
If you are unsure whether you are in city limits or the unincorporated county, a dispatcher at either number can quickly direct you to the correct agency. The Communications Center is there to help, whether you have a question about a police record, need to report graffiti (303-413-7121), or simply need to request an officer for a non-urgent matter.
Detail Author:
- Name : Loma Jakubowski
- Username : hermann.ellis
- Email : erna40@huel.com
- Birthdate : 1981-09-25
- Address : 75747 Sipes Wall Suite 280 Rossiestad, MO 13357
- Phone : (737) 971-2382
- Company : Johns and Sons
- Job : Fish Hatchery Manager
- Bio : Qui autem voluptatibus repellendus nemo aut. Quos rerum aut iusto id. Illo harum debitis qui ut. Tempore expedita quam molestiae vel.
Socials
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@bradly9025
- username : bradly9025
- bio : Eos explicabo repudiandae reiciendis fugit iste aut.
- followers : 3552
- following : 339
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/bjones
- username : bjones
- bio : Illum debitis repellat architecto quam quos.
- followers : 1982
- following : 2412
