Find alternatives to calling the Cleveland 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
- FrontLine Service
- Homeless assistance programs include assertive outreach, emergency shelter, residential services, and case management. For those persons experiencing homelessness who also struggle with behavioral health issues, they provide specialized, comprehensive, individualized services.
- 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon. – Fri.
- (216) 674-6700 (coordinated intake)
- (216) 623-6555 (main office/all programs)
- https://www.frontlineservice.org/ending-homelessness
- United Way 211
- Switchboard linking callers to emergency shelter and other social services.
- 211 (24/7)
LGBTQ+
Coming soon.
Mental Health
- FrontLine Service
- Offers a 24/7 Suicide Prevention Hotline for children and adults whose safety and health are threatened by mental health challenges or overwhelming stressors. Provides crisis assessment and intervention services throughout Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) provides a full range of evaluation, intervention, referral, and disposition services for adults, adolescents, and children who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Crisis Stabilization Unit is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for individuals in psychiatric crisis. Law enforcement may be involved in crisis response or transportation services if deemed appropriate.
- (216) 623-6888 (24/7)
- https://www.frontlineservice.org/
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Cleveland Rape Crisis Center
- Support and services for survivors of sexual assault. 24-hour services include hotline support, and hospital and police station in-person accompaniment and advocacy. Also provides counseling and ongoing support services.
- (216) 619-6194 or (440) 354-7364 (24/7, call or text)
- https://clevelandrapecrisis.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
- Cleveland Mediation Center
- Offers community members access to mediation services that will help resolve conflicts within their neighborhoods and communities.
- (216) 621-1919
- https://www.clevelandmediation.org/
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Cleveland 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.