A new three-digit number makes reaching Toronto Police for non-emergencies faster and easier — but landlines still need the old number.
A Faster Way to Reach Help That Isn’t 911
Toronto residents now have a simpler way to connect with police for non-emergency matters. The Toronto Police Service has introduced *877, a three-digit number you can dial from most Canadian wireless providers — including Rogers, Bell, TELUS, Freedom Mobile, and their subsidiaries.
If you’re calling from a landline, the process hasn’t changed. You’ll still need to use the full non-emergency number: 416-808-2222.
The move follows recommendations from the city’s auditor general in 2022, which highlighted the need for a shorter, easier-to-remember contact method for non-urgent calls.
Why It Matters
Non-emergency police lines are meant for situations where you need help but it’s not urgent enough for 911. Examples include:
- Reporting a theft after the fact
- Noise complaints
- Vandalism or property damage
- Suspicious but non-urgent activity
Until now, the city’s long 10-digit non-emergency number was a barrier for some callers — especially in stressful situations where remembering it was difficult.
Constable Alex Li told CBC News that this change is about accessibility: “We wanted to make sure that if you need to speak with us for something that isn’t urgent, you can do so quickly and without second-guessing the number.”
The Bigger Picture
The 2022 audit didn’t just suggest a shorter number — it also pointed to the benefits of easing pressure on 911 lines. When people call 911 for non-emergencies, it can delay urgent responses. By making the non-emergency option easier, Toronto Police hope to encourage better call routing.
Other cities in Canada have already adopted similar short codes for non-emergencies, but Toronto’s size and call volume make this rollout particularly impactful.
Public Reaction
Early feedback from residents on social media has been positive. Many say they’re more likely to call about smaller issues now that the number is simpler. Others have noted that the landline limitation is a drawback, especially for seniors or businesses.
Looking Ahead
There’s no official word yet on whether *877 will expand to landlines. For now, Toronto Police are focusing on promoting the number through community outreach and social media campaigns.
If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, TPS reminds residents:
- Emergencies that require immediate police, fire, or ambulance help should always go through 911.
- Non-urgent situations should go to *877 (cell) or 416-808-2222 (landline).
For related reading:
- Vancouver Overtakes Calgary as North America’s Most Livable City in 2025 — But Slips Globally
- A New Chapter: Indigenous-Owned Firm Revives 120-Year-Old B.C. Newspaper
- City of Toronto – Official Non-Emergency Contact Info
Alt text suggestion for image: Close-up of a smartphone screen displaying *877 being dialed for Toronto Police non-emergency calls.
Closing thought:
A three-digit number might seem like a small change, but it can mean faster help for the right calls and fewer bottlenecks on critical 911 lines. In a city where every second matters, *877 is a step toward making public safety more accessible and responsive.
