The Definitive 2025 Guide: 15 Essential Boston Police Telephone Numbers You Must Know
Knowing the right number to call for the Boston Police Department (BPD) is the single most crucial piece of public safety knowledge for any resident, student, or visitor in the city. As of December 22, 2025, the BPD maintains a comprehensive network of phone lines designed to handle everything from immediate, life-threatening emergencies to routine inquiries about neighborhood watch programs or loud party complaints.
This guide cuts through the confusion, providing a definitive, up-to-date list of the most essential Boston Police telephone numbers, ensuring you connect with the correct department instantly, whether you need immediate assistance or are simply seeking information on community resources.
The Absolute Must-Know Boston Police Contact Numbers (2025)
The Boston Police Department operates a multi-tiered communication system. While 911 is universally known for emergencies, using the correct non-emergency or specialized number can save valuable time and ensure that emergency lines remain clear for true crises. Here are the core numbers every Bostonian should have saved.
- Emergency (Crime in Progress, Fire, Medical): 911
- General Non-Emergency (BPD Operations): (617) 343-4200
- BPD Headquarters / Commissioner's Office: (617) 343-4500
- BPD Party Line (Loud Party Complaints): (617) 343-5500
- CrimeStoppers Tip Line (Anonymous Tips): 1-800-494-TIPS (or text "TIP" to CRIME (27463))
The non-emergency line, (617) 343-4200, is the primary point of contact for reporting non-urgent incidents, filing a delayed report, or asking general questions about police procedure or services. The dedicated BPD Party Line, (617) 343-5500, is a critical resource, especially in densely populated areas like Allston, Brighton, and the Fenway, and should be used specifically for noise complaints and disturbances that do not involve immediate danger.
Boston Police District Station Front Desk Numbers
Boston's community policing model relies heavily on its district stations, which serve as local hubs for residents to meet officers, file reports, and address neighborhood-specific issues. If you need to speak directly with an officer in your community or visit a precinct, use the following numbers to contact the front desk of your specific district.
Knowing your district is key to effective community engagement and problem-solving. This localized approach ensures that police services are tailored to the unique needs of each Boston neighborhood, from the historic streets of Charlestown to the bustling avenues of Roxbury.
| District | Neighborhoods Served | Front Desk Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| A-1 | Downtown, Beacon Hill, Chinatown | (617) 343-4240 |
| A-7 | East Boston | (617) 343-4220 |
| A-15 | Charlestown | (617) 343-4888 |
| B-2 | Roxbury, South End (part) | (617) 343-4270 |
| B-3 | Mattapan, Dorchester (part) | (617) 343-4700 |
| C-6 | South Boston, Seaport | (617) 343-4730 |
| D-14 | Brighton | (617) 343-4260 |
These numbers connect you directly to the local precinct, allowing you to bypass the central non-emergency line for local matters. For instance, a resident in the South Boston Seaport area should call C-6 directly for non-urgent matters.
Specialized BPD Units and Public Safety Contacts
The Boston Police Department has several specialized units dedicated to specific types of crime, public services, and community outreach. When dealing with sensitive or specific issues, calling the dedicated unit can ensure you speak to an officer or specialist with the appropriate training and resources immediately. This is crucial for issues like domestic violence or missing persons cases, which require immediate, focused attention from trained professionals.
Key Specialized Unit Contacts
- Missing Persons Unit: (617) 343-4687
- Domestic Violence Unit: (617) 343-4807
- Neighborhood Watch / Community Service: (617) 343-4345
- Boston School Police (BPS Safety Services Dispatch): (617) 635-8000
- Auto Investigations Unit: (617) 343-4880
- Drug Control Unit: (617) 343-4879
- Property Clerk: (617) 343-9788
The Domestic Violence Unit offers confidential support and resources for victims and is staffed by officers specifically trained to handle these sensitive cases. Similarly, the Boston School Police number is the primary contact for safety issues within the Boston Public Schools system, providing a direct link to school safety services.
The Importance of the CrimeStoppers Tip Line
For individuals who have information about a crime but wish to remain completely anonymous, the CrimeStoppers Tip Line is an invaluable resource. The BPD emphasizes that they only want your information, not your identity, making it a safe avenue for citizens to contribute to public safety without fear of retaliation. This program is a cornerstone of the BPD’s effort to fight crime in partnership with the community.
The use of text-a-tip (texting "TIP" to CRIME (27463)) is particularly popular among younger residents and students, offering a discreet way to report suspicious activity or information about ongoing investigations.
Navigating Public Safety in Boston: When to Call Which Number
Understanding the distinction between an emergency and a non-emergency is the most critical step in contacting the police. A true emergency is any situation that poses an immediate threat to life, health, or property, such as a fire, a crime in progress, or a serious medical event. For these, always dial 911.
For all other situations—a car blocking your driveway, a past theft where the suspect is gone, reporting suspicious but non-threatening activity, or a question about a police report—use the non-emergency line (617) 343-4200 or the appropriate district station number. The BPD encourages residents to utilize the specialized lines for specific issues like loud parties or domestic concerns to ensure the 911 dispatchers can focus on life-and-death situations.
Key Public Safety Entities and Resources
- Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Police: (617) 988-5300 (for issues on BHA property)
- Boston Fire Department (Non-Emergency): (617) 343-3550
- Boston Public Works: (617) 635-7555
By keeping this definitive list of Boston Police telephone numbers readily accessible, you empower yourself to quickly and efficiently access the appropriate public safety resource, contributing to a safer and more informed community across all of Boston's diverse neighborhoods.
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