311 for City Services What is 311? When should I call 311? Who answers 311 calls? When should I call 911? What if I dial the wrong number? What if I can't get through? For more information about the correct number to call for your particular situation, see Know the Different Numbers. What is 311? 311 is a toll-free number that allows people in the District to Columbia to request assistance with city services and police matters that do not require police to respond to a location. Because it is easy to use and easy to remember, 311 can help improve service delivery to residents, workers and visitors in our nation's capital. 311 allows you to request information and city and police services more easily, and enables agencies to handle those requests more efficiently.  Because 311 is a toll-free number, you can now use a pay phone, free of charge, to request both emergency services (911) and other city services (311). This is especially important for visitors and residents who do not have residential phone services.  When should I call 311? You should call 311 to request city services and information. In addition, you should use 311 to request general information from the Police Department. Examples of typical 311 calls include: Property crimes that are no longer in progress and the offender is not on the scene. These include crimes such as vandalism, thefts, graffiti, stolen autos, and garage burglaries  Animal control problems  Illegally parked vehicles or vehicles blocking alleys or driveways, but that are not blocking traffic flow Minor vehicle crashes where there are no injuries and traffic is not blocked  Phone numbers, addresses, hours of operation, etc., of MPD units or programs (you can also look up phone numbers and addresses online in the MPD Directory)  All other city services, such as Public Works, Motor Vehicles, Human Services, and the Mayor’s Office Trash pick up problems City agency phone numbers, addresses and hours of operations Potholes Who answers 311 calls? Highly trained call-takers answer all 311 calls. The goal is to answer all calls for service quickly and effectively and to provide the appropriate response in all instances. When should I call 911? You should call 911 to report any life-threatening situations—fires, medical emergencies in which an ambulance is needed and in crime situations requiring onsite police response. Examples of typical 911 calls include: Fire and medical emergencies All violent crimes such as homicides, robberies, sexual assaults and aggravated assaults  Domestic violence Home or business intruders  Gunshots or a person with a gun  Property crimes that are still in progress or where the offender is still on the scene  Vehicle crashes involving personal injury, major property damage or serious traffic tie-ups If you're not sure which number to call, call 911. What if I dial the wrong number? If you call 311 but need emergency assistance, you will have the immediate option of being routed to 911.  The professionals who answer 311 calls will ensure that you receive emergency assistance even if you call 311 by mistake. What if I can't get through? Practically all government, business, cellular, and pay phones have been connected with 311. However, we are interested in learning if any callers are having trouble connecting with 311. If you cannot get through using 311: Call (202) 737-4404 to report your non-emergency. Tell the call taker the location and service provider of the phone that would not connect with 311. (This will help us follow up with the provider.) With your assistance, we can help ensure that everyone who lives in, works in, or visits the District of Columbia will have quick and easy access to services through both 311 and 911.