Find alternatives to calling the Riverside 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
Coming soon.
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center
- Provides culturally responsive and inclusive advocacy, support and services to survivors and families affected by sexual violence including sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. 24/7 Hotline access. All services are free and open to all. Can provide healthcare and law enforcement advocacy, crisis counseling, long-term counseling services, case management, and referral to other local resources. LGBTQ+ and sex worker friendly. Mandatory reporters if there has been abuse of a child, or in case of immediate danger. Available to residents of Western and Southwest Riverside County.
- Office: Monday-Friday, 8am to 5pm; Hotline 24/7
- 1845 Chicago Avenue, Suite A Riverside, CA 92507
- (951) 686-7273 (24/7)
- https://rarcc.org/
- *Offices currently closed due to COVID
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.
- Operation Safehouse
- Emergency Shelter for youth ages 11-17. Youth can stay up to completion of 21 day program and receive shelter, food, counseling, education, aftercare, family reunification. Goal of family reunification. All services are voluntary. Services only available to youth with legal guardian (not emancipated). Pre-screening done by phone before admittance – can provide housing for that night regardless of admittance in emergencies. Accepts referrals from law enforcement, will call if youth is violent and risk of harm to self or others.
- 9685 Hayes Street, Riverside, CA 92503
- (951) 351-4418 x 0 (24/7)
- https://operationsafehouse.org/
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Riverside 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.