On Monday, March 11, the City of Atlanta launched its “Make the Right Call” Campaign. To reduce 911 call volume, the campaign emphasizes the responsible use of calling 911 versus utilizing 311. Recent analysis indicates that 60 percent of calls made to 911 are non-emergencies and call volume increased by 14 percent from 2022 to 2023.

“High volumes of non-emergency calls burden our E911 system when they need to be attending to true emergencies,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “To better serve our residents and visitors in creating one safe city, we need the public’s help to spread the word that there are multiple options to make the right call and receive support from the City in non-emergency situations.”

Some of the most common non-emergency calls to 911 include issues involving landlord-tenant disputes, barking dogs, noise complaints, illegally parked calls and lost and found property. While these concerns are important, the City encourages residents to recognize that 911 should be strictly reserved for genuine emergencies, involving immediate threats to health, safety, property, house fires, vehicle accidents or ongoing criminal activities.

Instances classified as urgent but non-emergency, including crimes where time has lapsed with no imminent threat/suspect on the scene, noise disturbances, civil disputes, car break-ins, vehicles accidents without injuries and abandoned vehicles should be reported to ATL311.

Texting 911: To further enhance accessibility, the City reminds residents within city limits to text 911 for reporting non-emergencies. Texting is a viable option for matters that do not require officers to meet with the caller, such as illegal parking or noise ordinance violations. This service is also particularly beneficial when voice calls may be deemed unsafe (e.g., during a burglary or domestic violence situation) or when the caller’s capacity to speak may be diminished.

ATL311: Residents should utilize calling ATL311 or the new ATL311 app chatbot to report any of the below:

• Non-Emergency Traffic Signal Repair

• Potholes

• Right of Way Maintenance (ROW) Litter Removal

• Code Enforcement – Junk, Trash, Debris Removal (Private property only)

• Removal of Graffiti in the Right of Way

• Right of Way Maintenance Visibility/Overgrowth

ATL311 has also partnered with PAD (Police Alternatives and Diversion) for community response services, helping reduce arrest and incarceration of people experiencing extreme poverty, problematic substance abuse or mental health concerns.  

ATL311 Operational Hours: Monday-Friday between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., however, the Mobile app is available to record cases at any time. A full list of services and further information can be found at atl311.com/311 OR you can follow ATL311 on social media.