Salem, Oregon
Home MenuContact
Salem Police Dispatch
Call: 503-588-6123, option 1
Service Alternatives to Some Non-emergency Calls
Some low-level non-emergency calls for service may not receive an immediate in-person officer response. These include barking dogs, loud noise, civil issues, homeless camping on public property, and delayed traffic collisions.
Whenever possible, we encourage neighbors to work together to resolve issues directly rather than request police assistance.
Read further to understand the response and alternatives to these non-emergency situations.
Barking dogs and other loud noise in your neighborhood
You can report noise from barking dogs through the Salem Police Online Reporting system. Please provide an exact address so that a noise violation notice can be sent to the residence. After five or more notices within a 90-day period, a police officer will follow up on the situation.
Loud noise from parties or amplified sound
Complaints about gatherings with loud noise or amplified sound can be reported using the non-emergency line at 503-588-6123. The reported circumstances, including whether any criminal activity is involved, and the availability of staffing resources, will be considered for an in-person officer response.
Noise complaints can also be submitted through the Salem Police Online Reporting system. Neighbors should provide an exact address so that a noise violation notice can be sent to the residence. If five or more notices are issued within a 90-day period, a police officer will follow up on the situation.
Homeless campsites on public property
Submit your concerns using the City of Salem Homeless Camping Complaint form. Doing so ensures a coordinated response from various departments and social service partners to address any health and safety issues.
Homeless camping on private property can be reported as a trespass issue to the Salem Police non-emergency line at 503-588-6123.
Civil matters
Salem Police officers do not have the authority to intervene in civil disputes. However, if you encounter a situation involving criminal activity, please report it to police. For any immediate dangers, call or text 9-1-1.
If you need civil papers served, such as a restraining order or a divorce summons, please contact the sheriff’s office in your county:
- Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 503-588-5094
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 503-623-9251
Traffic collisions after-the-fact
If your traffic collision occurred previously, and you did not file a police report at the time, please ensure that you fulfill any requirements to file a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles, including incidents in which one of the involved parties does not have insurance.
Drivers are encouraged to handle any issues related to incorrect or invalid driver license information through their insurance company, or through remedies provided by the civil court system.