Bartlesville Police Launch Automated Non-Emergency Call System

The Bartlesville Police Department activated an automated call system Tuesday for its non-emergency line, 918-338-4001, directing callers to specific services and freeing dispatchers for urgent calls.

Callers now select from five options: non-emergency assistance, Detention Center and jail inquiries, Washington County Sheriff's Office administration, police records requests, or police administration questions. The system reminds callers to dial 911 for emergencies.

The change addresses a longstanding bottleneck at the Public Safety Communications Center, where routine inquiries consumed dispatcher time. Capt. Jay Hastings said the system keeps emergency lines clear while speeding service for residents with non-urgent matters like noise complaints or parking issues.

Police Administration can answer questions about the system during business hours at 918-338-4001. The non-emergency line operates 24/7.