Des Moines Police Non-Emergency Line Outage Affects Residents as 911 Remains Operational
Des Moines, Iowa — The non-emergency phone line for the Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) has been down since at least Sunday morning, according to city officials, leaving residents unable to report non-life-threatening incidents while 911 services remain fully functional. The outage has raised concerns about public safety communication, though authorities emphasize that emergency calls are unaffected.
Why Is the Non-Emergency Line Down?
As of June 10, 2024, the Des Moines Police Department has not provided a specific cause for the outage. However, city officials confirmed to local news outlets that the issue is under investigation. Similar disruptions in police communication lines have occurred in other cities due to technical failures, cybersecurity incidents, or maintenance errors, though no such details have been confirmed for Des Moines.
How to Report Non-Emergency Issues While the Line Is Down
Residents with non-emergency concerns—such as noise complaints, parking violations, or minor disturbances—are advised to use alternative methods:
- Online Reporting: Submit non-emergency reports via the Des Moines Police Department’s online portal.
- Social Media: The DMPD monitors its Facebook and Twitter accounts for public safety concerns.
- In-Person Visits: Citizens can report issues directly at the Des Moines Police Headquarters at 801 Walnut St., Des Moines, IA 50309.
Is 911 Still Working?
Yes. 911 remains fully operational, and the DMPD urges residents to call only in life-threatening situations. The city’s 311 non-emergency line (for general city services) also remains available.
Has This Happened Before?
Outages of non-emergency police lines are not uncommon. In 2023, the Phoenix Police Department experienced a similar issue for over 24 hours due to a telecommunications failure, forcing officers to rely on in-person reports and social media. Meanwhile, the Chicago Police Department faced a cyberattack-related disruption in 2022 that temporarily disabled non-emergency lines.
What’s Next?
The Des Moines Police Department has not set a restoration timeline. Residents are encouraged to:
✔ Check for updates on the DMPD website or official social media accounts.
✔ Avoid clogging 911 with non-emergency calls.
✔ Use alternative reporting methods while the line is down.
Key Takeaways
- Non-emergency line down since at least June 10, 2024 (cause under investigation).
- 911 and 311 remain operational—only call for emergencies.
- Alternatives: Online reporting, social media, or in-person visits.
- No confirmed timeline for restoration; updates expected soon.
For further assistance, contact the Des Moines Police Department directly at (515) 283-4200 (emergency) or (515) 283-4201 (non-emergency, if restored).