The Ultimate 7-Point Guide To The Winston-Salem Non-Emergency Number (336-773-7700) And CityLink 311

Knowing the correct non-emergency number in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a critical piece of information for every resident, student, and visitor. As of late 2025, the primary contact for non-life-threatening police, fire, and EMS dispatch is 336-773-7700. This essential line serves as the gateway to the city's 24/7 Communications Division, ensuring that 911 lines remain clear for true, immediate emergencies. The City of Winston-Salem has also heavily promoted its central hub for municipal issues: CityLink 311. Understanding the distinction between the 336-773-7700 police line and the 311 city service line (336-727-8000) is key to getting a prompt response, whether you're reporting a minor crime, a water main break, or a noisy neighbor. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly when and how to use each number, including all the crucial non-emergency contacts for a variety of city and county services.

The Core Non-Emergency Contacts: Police, Fire, and City Services

The Winston-Salem Communications Division, housed within the Vivian H. Burke Public Safety Center, operates around the clock to manage all incoming calls for public safety and city services. The city’s strategy relies on citizens directing their calls to the appropriate channel to prevent overloading the emergency system.

1. Winston-Salem Police Non-Emergency Number (336-773-7700)

This is the number you should save in your phone for situations that require a Police, Fire, or EMS response, but are not life-threatening or immediately dangerous.

• The Number: 336-773-7700
• When to Call:
  • Reporting a crime where the suspect has already left the scene (e.g., a past-tense break-in, vandalism, or theft).
  • Reporting a suspicious person or activity that does not pose an immediate threat.
  • Requesting an officer for a non-injury traffic accident.
  • General inquiries or information for the Winston-Salem Police Department.
  • Reporting a non-life-threatening situation that still requires a public safety unit (Police, Fire, or EMS).
• Crucial Distinction: If there is an active threat, an injury, a fire, or a crime in progress, always dial 911.

2. CityLink 311: Your Central Hub for Municipal Services (336-727-8000)

CityLink 311 is the single point of contact for nearly all non-emergency municipal issues that do not involve police or fire dispatch. It is designed to connect residents with the right city department quickly, from Public Works to Sanitation.

• The Number: 311 (within city limits) or 336-727-8000
• Alternative Contact Methods:
  • Text: (855) 481-LINK (5465)
  • Email: CityLink@CityOfWS.org
  • Mobile App: The CityLink 311 app (available for iPhone and Android) allows you to report issues and include photos and location data.
• Common Issues to Report to 311:
  • Potholes and street maintenance issues.
  • Solid Waste/Sanitation problems (missed trash/recycling pickup).
  • Water and Sewer issues (leaks, water main breaks, sewer backups).
  • Traffic Light outages or malfunctions.
  • Downed Trees or debris in the road.
  • Streetlight problems.

Key Non-Emergency Contacts for Specialized Departments

Beyond the two main numbers, Winston-Salem and Forsyth County offer several other specialized non-emergency contacts for specific needs, which are vital for a complete local resource guide.

3. Forsyth County Animal Services

For issues concerning animals that require a response from an Animal Control Deputy, Forsyth County maintains a 24/7 non-emergency line. This is the correct number for reporting stray animals, animal cruelty concerns, or barking complaints.

• The Number: 336-727-2112
• When to Call: Animal issues where a Deputy may need to respond, such as a dog running loose or concerns about an animal's welfare.
• Note: For questions about citations or county ordinances, you may need to call the administrative line at 336-917-7750 during business hours.

4. Winston-Salem Fire Department (Administrative)

While the 336-773-7700 number is used for dispatching fire units to non-emergency scenes, a separate administrative number exists for general inquiries, fire safety inspections, and public education requests.

• The Number: 336-727-2222
• When to Call: Scheduling a fire code violation inspection, general questions about fire safety, or administrative matters.
• Important: To report an actual fire or a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.

5. Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Utilities Department

For billing inquiries, starting or stopping service, or other non-urgent customer service needs related to your water and sewer account, the Utilities Department has a dedicated business-hours line.

• Customer Service (Business Hours): 336-727-2355
• After-Hours Emergencies (Water/Sewer): Use CityLink 311 (336-727-8000) for issues like major leaks, ruptures, or sewer backups outside of regular business hours.

How to Decide: 911 vs. 336-773-7700 vs. 311

The most common confusion for residents is determining which of the three main lines—911, the Police Non-Emergency line, or CityLink 311—is the correct choice. Using the wrong number can delay response times for people in genuine danger.

Use 911 when:

• A crime is in progress (e.g., you see someone breaking into a house).
• There is a fire, or the potential for a fire.
• Someone is experiencing a medical emergency or is seriously injured.
• There is any situation involving an immediate threat to life or property.

Use 336-773-7700 when (Police/Fire/EMS):

• The situation is resolved, non-dangerous, or the suspect is gone.
• You need to file a police report for a minor property crime that happened hours ago.
• You need to request a welfare check on a person, but there is no immediate crisis.

Use 311 (336-727-8000) when (City Services):

• Swat Cancellation Status The Shocking Timeline Of Its Final Season And Spin Off Future 7nean

• You are reporting a maintenance issue, such as a pothole or a broken public trash can.
• You have a question about city services, taxes, or ordinances.
• You are reporting a utility issue (water leak, sewer backup) that requires a field operations team.

The Importance of the Communications Division in Winston-Salem Today

The entire non-emergency structure relies on the dedication of the Communications Division, which is staffed by over 50 employees working 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Their job is to interpret, classify, and appropriately route every call, whether it's an urgent 911 call or a routine non-emergency request for service. By utilizing the correct non-emergency number, citizens are directly supporting the efficiency of the entire Winston-Salem public safety system. This ensures that the city's resources—police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel—are dispatched quickly to the most critical, life-threatening incidents, while still providing prompt attention to quality-of-life issues that make Winston-Salem a safe and pleasant community to live in. The city continually invests in technology and personnel to handle the high volume of calls, reflecting a commitment to reliable emergency and non-emergency service for all of Forsyth County.

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