Contacting The Sheriff's Office

When you call 9-1-1 or the Sheriff’s Office regarding a situation requiring law enforcement , it is my goal to provide the citizens of Lee County with the highest quality and most efficient service possible. To help serve you better, here are some guidelines to use when contacting us.  

First and foremost, try to remain calm and answer the Telecommunicators questions to the best of your ability.



What is considered an “emergency”?

An emergency is a life-threatening medical emergency, fire, crime in progress, a suspicious person, or an injury traffic collision. If you’re unsure if your situation is an emergency, call 9-1-1 anyway.

What is a “non-emergency” and what number do I dial?
A non-emergency could be a loud music complaint, a barking dog, a parking complaint, a suspicious person, etc. The number to dial in these situations is 919-775-5531 (24/7).

What will I be asked?
Telecommunicators are professionals, and experts at gathering important details with appropriate priority. You may be asked any of the following:
•Where is the problem located, and/or where are you calling from?
•Why are you calling?
•What is going on and why do you need the police?
•What is your name and general information about you?
•When did the incident occur?
•What is the suspect's description, including race, sex, clothing, hair color, facial hair, eyeglasses, hat, height, weight, etc.?
•What is the suspect's vehicle's description, including make, model, color, and license plate number?
•What is the suspect's direction of travel?
•Provide as much detail as possible.
•If you’re calling about suspicious activity, please describe specific actions or circumstances that caused you concern. This may provide additional basis for us to act.
•Do you want the Deputies to contact you?

By answering these questions, emergency response will not be delayed. Deputies are usually dispatched while you are still on the phone. Your answers help dispatchers relay important information to the deputies while en route.

What if I dial 9-1-1 by mistake?

Do not hang up! Before you hang up, tell the Telecommunicator you have dialed 9-1-1 by mistake. If you hang up and dispatch can’t confirm there is an emergency, a deputy could be sent to your home or business to verify whether there is a problem. While the deputies are confirming the “mistake,” someone involved in a real emergency could have needed emergency aid.

What about calling 9-1-1 from my cell phone?
Technology as you know has changed over the years.  Many citizens no longer have home phones and strictly rely on their cell phones.  Depending on your location, your 9-1-1 call will be electronically routed to the nearest PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point). This is why it's always suggested to be alert to your surroundings when driving or away from home.  It is recommended that you program into your cell phone the non-emergency police numbers for cities you frequently travel through.

Social Media and requests for service
Social media accounts such as Nextdoor and Facebook are not monitored. These platforms are more for outgoing notifications than incoming. If you would like to "Follow" me on Facebook, go to my page and click the Follow button. You will then get the latest alerts and news in your feed.

If you would like a deputy to respond to an incident, or to report a crime, schedule an appointment with our Community Policing Unit, please call us at 919-775-5531 to make the request or visit us at www.LeeCountyNC.Gov/Sheriff for a complete directory of departments and services.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank you in advance for your assistance and being the “eyes and ears” for your public safety officers!




Sheriff Tracy L Carter 

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