Dakota County’s Newest Tool for Reporting Non-Emergencies
Dakota County, MN – Did you know you can make non-emergency reports to Dakota County 911 online? In an effort to streamline community safety, Dakota County Dispatch launch an online form that allows residents to report non-emergency situations through a more accessible and user-friendly system. The online form was announced back on Tuesday, September 24th, 2024, offering residents a modernized approach to reaching dispatch for incidents that are not life-threatening or death-related emergencies.
This online form has several key features to enhance communication and accessibility. One standout feature is built-in language translation, ensuring that individuals who may not speak English as a first language can still report concerns efficiently. Additionally, the platform is optimized for mobile devices, making it easy for residents to send reports from their smartphones.
Perhaps one of the most significant improvements is introducing two-way communication through SMS (text messaging). This enables dispatch to provide immediate responses, updates, or requests for further information directly to the person who submitted the report, offering a more interactive and responsive experience.
Dakota County Dispatch aims to improve public safety and communication through this innovative solution, encouraging residents to utilize the system for non-emergency situations from local authorities. This includes reporting minor traffic incidents, noise complaints, suspicious activity, and other concerns that do not immediately threaten life or safety.
How the New Online Form Works
1) You can access the Online Service Request form by going to dakota911mn.gov. Once you are on the home page, you will see the “Online Service Request” option in the top header, then on the next page, there will be a green button that says “Submit an Online Service Request Now.” That is the Non-Emergency Online Report Form. Click it!
2) After clicking “Submit an Online Service Request Now,” a new page will open that will look similar to the image below. In order to continue with the non-emergency form, you MUST acknowledge that the report you are about to make is not a life-or-death emergency by clicking the box. If it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. If you are unsure if it is an emergency or not, please dial 9-1-1. Unable to call, you can also text, 9-1-1!
3) You will then be brought to the Non-Emergency Online Form where you fill out:
The location where the incident OCCURRED.
Select if you are at the location where the incident occurred or not. If you are not at the location of the incident, they will ask you to put your current location below.
First and Last Name and Phone Number.
Narrative: Provide a description of the incident or what you are reporting.
The date and time the incident or event occurred.
Check a box if you agree to receive text messages from Dakota County 911 Dispatch.
By expanding the accessibility and efficiency of non-emergency reporting, the county hopes to improve overall response times while reducing the load on traditional 911 emergency lines. This tool represents a continued effort by Dakota County to adapt to the evolving needs of its community and provide better services for all its residents.
Residents are encouraged to explore the reporting system and familiarize themselves with its features to ensure a safer and more connected Dakota County.
If you would liek to still call to report non-emergency incident, you can at 651-322-2323.
