The Charleston County non-emergency number is 843-743-7200. It reaches the county’s Consolidated Dispatch Center 24 hours a day for police, fire, and public safety matters that don’t involve an immediate threat to life or property. The line covers the City of Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and the unincorporated areas served by the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.
Which Agencies Answer This Line
One number, several agencies. The City of Charleston Police Department publishes 843-743-7200 as its non-emergency dispatch number.1City of Charleston. Resources North Charleston Police use the same line.2City of North Charleston. Police Department Mount Pleasant lists it as its 24/7 non-emergency dispatch as well.3Town of Mount Pleasant. Important Phone Numbers And the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office directs non-emergency callers to the same number.4Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Contact Us
The dispatch center routes your call based on your location. Hold times can be longer during busy periods because active emergencies take priority.
When to Use It Instead of 911
Call 843-743-7200 when there is no immediate danger and no crime happening right now. Typical reasons include:
- A past crime with no suspect on scene, like an overnight car break-in, a stolen porch package, or fresh graffiti on your property
- Noise complaints such as loud music or a barking dog
- Parking violations, including vehicles blocking a driveway
- Minor traffic accidents with no injuries where drivers are cooperating
- Animal control problems (see below)
- Suspicious activity that isn’t urgent, like an unfamiliar car sitting on your street for days
If the situation changes and someone is in danger, hang up and dial 911. The Consolidated Emergency Communications Center also accepts emergency text messages, which matters for callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak safely.5Charleston County Government. Consolidated Emergency Communications Center
What to Have Ready Before You Call
A little preparation shortens the call and produces a more useful report. Have this on hand:
- The exact street address, or the nearest cross streets, of the incident
- When it happened, or when you first noticed it
- What happened, including damage or items taken and their approximate value
- Descriptions of anyone involved: clothing, height, direction of travel
- Serial numbers for stolen electronics, bikes, or firearms
The more specific your details, the more useful the report becomes for follow-up investigation or an insurance claim.
Filing Online Instead of Calling
For some low-level incidents, the Charleston Police Department lets you skip the phone line entirely. Its online portal accepts reports, photos, videos, and other evidence at any hour without requiring an officer to respond.6City of Charleston. Charleston Police Launch Online Reporting Website Eligible incident types:
- Theft and theft from a vehicle
- Shoplifting
- Vandalism, including vandalism to a vehicle
- Identity theft
- Electronic harassment
- Lost property
Reports submitted online are reviewed, assigned, and investigated the same way as reports taken by an officer.6City of Charleston. Charleston Police Launch Online Reporting Website If your incident involves an injury, a known suspect still nearby, or a crime in progress, use 911 or the non-emergency line instead.
Animal Control Complaints
Animal-related calls go through the same 843-743-7200 number. During regular working hours, dispatchers send Animal Control personnel. After hours, patrol deputies handle animal calls, and dedicated Animal Control staff are only called out for true emergencies: a vicious or possibly rabid animal still on scene, an injured animal needing immediate care, or livestock blocking a roadway.7Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Animal Control
Non-emergency animal complaints made after hours are held until the next business day. One boundary worth knowing: Animal Control does not trap wildlife. If you have raccoons in the attic or a snake in the garage, the dispatcher will refer you to local nuisance wildlife services.7Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Animal Control
Getting a Copy of Your Report
Once a report exists, you may need a copy for insurance, a landlord, or your own records. For City of Charleston reports, call the Records Division at (843) 720-2412 or go in person to police headquarters at 180 Lockwood Boulevard. Bring a state-issued ID and the date, time, location, and type of incident. A standard police report costs $5, though crime victims can obtain their own incident reports at no charge.8City of Charleston. Frequently Asked Questions – Police Department
For reports filed with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, contact its Records Division at (843) 554-2450.4Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Contact Us
What If You’re Not Sure Which Line to Call
Calling the non-emergency line when you were unsure whether your situation qualified as an emergency isn’t the kind of misuse the state penalizes. South Carolina Code Section 23-47-80 targets intentional abuse of 911, such as harassing a dispatcher, tying up the line on purpose, or knowingly making a false report.9South Carolina Legislature. South Carolina Code Title 23 Chapter 47 Section 23-47-80 – Penalties If you reach the wrong line in good faith, the dispatcher can redirect you.