Find alternatives to calling the Syracuse 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
- Liberty Resources
- Mental health resources and services. Mobile crisis teams made up of a case manager and therapist available in the evenings. Respite mental health care offered – must not be dependent on substances, a danger to self or others; not available to people without a home address. Also offer talk assistance through warmline.
- 5 pm-12 am, Monday – Friday; 6 am-12 pm weekends
- Mobile teams:
- (315) 251-0800 (Onondaga)
- (315) 463-1100 (Onondaga – Youth)
- (315) 280-0384 (Madison)
- (315) 216-4320 (Oswego)
- Warm line: 1 (855) 778-1900, 24/7
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
- Vera House
- 24/7 phone line for survivors of any gender and age. Offers support, can arrange alternative housing and referrals to other services within the organizations. Live chat available through website.
- (315) 468-3260 (24/7)
- https://www.verahouse.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
- Center for Court Innovation – Peacemaking Program
- Peacemaking circles address disputes by bringing together those in conflict, family members, friends, and other community members. The purpose is to resolve immediate conflict, but also repair any harmed relationships. Peacemakers are community members trained in restorative justice practices and circles can be offered entirely in Spanish.
- (315) 266-4330
- https://www.courtinnovation.org/programs/peacemaking-program
- New Justice Conflict Resolution Services
- Mediation services in Onondaga, Cortland, and Oswego counties provided free of charge. Mediators are full time staff or trained community volunteers who facilitate conversations to constructively resolve interpersonal or group conflicts.
- 8:30 am – 4 pm, Mon. – Fri.
- (315) 471-4676
- https://www.newjusticeservices.org/
Substances
Coming soon.
Please consider using these alternatives to calling the Syracuse Police Department or 911 when faced with a situation that calls for de-escalation and/or intervention.
Thank you to Syracuse DSA for putting together much of this list. You can find their list of local resources, which is continuously updated, here.
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.