Find alternatives to calling the San Jose 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
- Bill Wilson Center – Contact Cares
- Confidential 24/7 suicide and crisis helpline offering support for people experiencing mental health difficulties. Also offers specialized hotline for youth ages 7-24, providing supportive listening, crisis intervention, information and referrals. Youth may call anytime for any reason. Can offer referrals to outside resources, including sliding-scale counseling and other assistive programs. Will call police for welfare check if someone is actively suicidal.
- (408) 850-6125 (24/7)
- https://www.billwilsoncenter.org/services/all/contact.html
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- YWCA Silicon Valley
- Serves as the first point of contact for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. A dedicated response unit provides confidential crisis counseling and support, including walk-in services to receive immediate resources, emergency assistance, and referrals. 24/7 hotline operated in English and Spanish for survivors to connect them with support and services including crisis counseling, safety planning, shelter screenings, lethality assessments, legal information and referrals. Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) provides survivors of sexual assault with crucial resources while providing support and advocacy efforts. No police report required to access any services.
- 1 (800) 572-2782 (24/7)
- https://yourywca.org/support-services/crisis-intervention/
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.
- California Coalition for Youth
- Statewide 24/7 crisis hotline for youth (ages 12-24) and families in crisis with access to over 5,500 free or low-cost resources.
- 1 (800) 843-5200 (24/7, call or text)
- https://calyouth.org/cycl/
Elders
Coming soon.
Crime
Coming soon.
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the San Jose 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.