Find alternatives to calling the Charleston Police Department.
Typically, people call the police because they are experiencing or perceive an emergency and need immediate assistance. In order to provide the most effective alternatives to calling the police or 911, unless otherwise indicated, the resources included here are limited to those that offer immediate assistance through emergency or crisis services.
These resources may be obligated to call police in the case of an immediate risk of harm to the caller or another, child abuse, or abuse of a vulnerable adult. Where we know or suspect that a resource may work in cooperation with law enforcement or involve them beyond what is required by law, we acknowledge that in the listing.
These resources are not intended to cover all situations, only to provide the services described. If you are in danger of immediate harm and feel safe doing so, call 911.
Housing
Coming soon.
LGBTQ+
Coming soon.
Mental Health
- Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center
- Operates Tri-County Crisis Stabilization Center, a short-term voluntary treatment center for individuals experiencing mental health crises. 24/7 mobile psychiatric assessment team made up of licensed clinicians serving both Charleston and Dorchester Counties. Assessments and efforts to divert individuals from local emergency departments, when clinically appropriate, by linking them to the appropriate treatment. Walk-in assessments available during office hours. Mobile team is accompanied by police officers.
- 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday
- 2100 Charlie Hall Boulevard Charleston, SC 29414
- (843) 414-2350 – press 8 (24/7)
- Toll-free 1 (800) 613-8379
- https://www.charlestondorchestermhc.org/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Tri-County SPEAKS
- Sexual assault advocacy program offering free support and services for survivors of sexual assault in Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley counties of South Carolina. 24-hour crisis hotline to speak with an advocate, and be connected with supportive resources. Also provides free individual support for survivors, such as accompaniment to medical exams, as well as to report to law enforcement and court accompaniment. Reporting to law enforcement is not required to get a forensic medical report from the MUSC or to receive services. Also offers support groups for survivors and their families (currently operating virtually.) All services are free and confidential.
- (843) 745-0144 (24/7)
- https://tricountyspeaks.org/
Youth
Please note, people answering these calls may be mandatory reporters, and required to make a report to CPS or law enforcement in certain situations. Learn about local mandatory reporter laws here.
Coming soon.
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Charleston Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
We have tried to indicate where police or law enforcement may work with the alternative resources listed; please let us know if you have any concerns about these resources.
Reimagine public safety. Don’t call the police.