The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Pennsylvania State Police Non-Emergency Number: 10 Essential Contacts And When To Call
As of December 22, 2025, the single most important piece of information regarding the "Pennsylvania State Police non-emergency number" is that there is no one universal, statewide number to call for non-life-threatening police matters. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is a decentralized organization structured into regional "Troops" and local "Barracks," and to ensure the fastest, most effective response, you must contact the specific PSP Barracks that covers your local municipality or county. Using the wrong number can cause delays in your report or inquiry.
This comprehensive guide will break down the PSP’s structure, provide a critical list of non-emergency phone numbers for major Troop Barracks across the Commonwealth, and detail the exact situations when you should bypass 911 and call the direct non-emergency line instead. Knowing the correct number to call is essential for every Pennsylvania resident and visitor, ensuring that emergency lines remain clear for genuine crises and that your non-emergency issue is handled efficiently.
The Pennsylvania State Police Structure: Why You Need a Local Number
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is a full-service law enforcement agency, notable as the first uniformed state police organization of its kind in the United States. Unlike some agencies that have a single, central administrative line, the PSP operates with a highly regionalized command structure to provide dedicated coverage across the Commonwealth, especially in municipalities that do not have their own local police departments.
The entire state is divided into Troops, designated by letters (Troop A through Troop T), each with its own headquarters and numerous smaller stations known as Barracks. When you need to report a non-emergency incident, you are attempting to contact the Barracks responsible for the jurisdiction where the incident occurred or where you reside. This is why a generic statewide number would be inefficient, as the dispatcher would still have to transfer you to the correct local Barracks.
To find your correct non-emergency number, you should identify your county and then locate the nearest PSP Barracks responsible for providing police coverage in that area. The number you call is the direct line to the Barracks' duty desk.
10 Essential PSP Troop Barracks Non-Emergency Phone Numbers
The following list provides the non-emergency contact numbers for a selection of major Pennsylvania State Police Troop Barracks. Please note: This list is representative and not exhaustive. If your county is not listed, you must search for the specific Troop Barracks serving your area on the official PA State Police website.
- Troop A – Kiski Barracks (Westmoreland County): (724) 697-5780
- Troop B – Belle Vernon Barracks (Fayette/Westmoreland County): (724) 929-6262
- Troop C – Punxsutawney Headquarters (Jefferson County): (814) 938-0510 (Note: Headquarters Number)
- Troop D – Meadville Barracks (Crawford County): (814) 332-6911
- Troop E – Erie Barracks (Erie County): (814) 898-1641
- Troop H – Carlisle Station (Cumberland County): (717) 249-2121
- Troop J – Avondale Barracks (Chester County): (610) 268-2022
- Troop L – Lebanon Barracks (Lebanon County): (717) 865-2194
- Troop M – Dublin Barracks (Bucks County): (215) 249-9191
- Troop P – Wilkes-Barre Barracks (Luzerne County): (570) 822-5400 (Note: Headquarters Number)
If you are unsure of your local Barracks, a general administrative number for the PSP Department Headquarters in Harrisburg (for business hours and general inquiries) is also available, though calling your local Barracks is always preferred for incident reporting.
When to Call Non-Emergency vs. 911: A Critical Distinction
The most common mistake citizens make is calling 911 for every police matter. The 911 system is a vital resource for true emergencies—situations that pose an immediate threat to life, health, or property. Non-emergency calls, on the other hand, are for police matters that are not time-sensitive or dangerous. Using the non-emergency number ensures that 911 lines remain open for life-or-death situations and that the proper resources are dispatched efficiently.
Call 911 Immediately If:
- A crime is in progress (e.g., a break-in, a fight, a fire).
- Someone is seriously injured or their life is in danger.
- You witness a serious motor vehicle crash with injuries or a traffic hazard that could cause a crash.
- You are in immediate danger or fear for your safety.
Call the PSP Non-Emergency Barracks Number If:
- Reporting a Crime That Already Occurred: Such as a theft, vandalism, or minor property damage that happened hours or days ago, and the suspect is no longer present.
- Reporting a Non-Hazardous Traffic Issue: An abandoned vehicle, minor fender-bender with no injuries, or a traffic complaint that does not pose an immediate threat.
- General Inquiries: Asking questions about police procedures, local regulations, or accessing public records.
- Noise Complaints or Loitering: Disturbances that are not escalating into violence or property damage.
- Requesting an Officer for a Non-Emergency Matter: You need an officer to file a report but the situation is stable and safe.
Specialized PSP Services and Non-Emergency Contacts
Beyond routine incident reporting, the Pennsylvania State Police manages several critical statewide public safety services. For these specific, non-emergency administrative matters, you should use the dedicated contact numbers provided by the respective PSP bureaus, not the local Barracks number.
Pennsylvania Criminal History Check (PATCH)
The PSP manages the official system for requesting an individual’s Pennsylvania Criminal History Record Information (CHRI), often referred to as a "background check" or "PCC." This is essential for employment, volunteer work, and licensing.
- Service: Requesting a Criminal History Background Check (Form SP 4-164).
- PATCH Helpline (Non-Emergency): 1-888-QUERYPA (1-888-783-7972)
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Megan’s Law Registration and Inquiries
The PSP maintains the Megan's Law Public Website, which provides public access to information about registered sexual offenders in the Commonwealth. The PSP's dedicated unit handles all inquiries related to the website and the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
- Service: Questions regarding the contents of the PSP Megan's Law Public Website.
- Megan’s Law Public Website Inquiry Line: 1-866-771-3170
Other Administrative Services
Many other administrative tasks, such as fingerprinting appointments, VIN verification, and obtaining crash reports, are handled by the local PSP Barracks. It is best to call your local Barracks' non-emergency number during business hours to inquire about the specific procedures and required documentation for these services.
In summary, while the Pennsylvania State Police does not have a single, universal non-emergency number, the correct contact is always the direct line to your local PSP Troop Barracks. By using the list provided and understanding the crucial difference between a 911 emergency and a non-emergency situation, you can ensure that you are a responsible and informed citizen of the Commonwealth, helping the PSP maintain public safety for everyone.
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