Safety Tips

Your safety is our priority. Here are tips, resources, and contact information to help you stay safe and report crime effectively.

Emergency & Non-Emergency Reporting

911 Emergencies

Call 911 for crimes in progress, serious injury, property loss, or situations where suspects may still be on scene. Examples include:

• Fights, sexual assaults, domestic violence, child or elder abuse
• Homicides
• Burglaries and robberies
• Suspicious lights, gunshots, screams, breaking glass, explosions, alarms
• Hit-and-run accidents with injuries or stolen vehicles in progress

Tips when calling 911:

• Provide an accurate description of the emergency and your location (especially from a cellphone).
• Include descriptions of suspects, vehicles, weapons, and direction of travel.
• Remain calm, answer all dispatcher questions, and do not hang up until advised.
• Provide gate or access codes if calling from a controlled-access area.
• Disable auto-dial 911 features on your phone to reduce accidental calls.

Non-Emergency Calls (559-675-4200)

Use this number for situations that do not require immediate response. Response times may vary based on priority.

• Auto theft or vandalism
• Hit-and-run accidents with no injuries
• Minor curfew violations, loud parties, underage drinking
• Road hazards not requiring urgent attention
• Runaway juveniles or missing adults not in danger
• Car or building alarms

Crime Tip Hotline

Call (559) 675-4242 to report tips 24/7.

Special Units & Services

• Special Investigation Unit: (559) 675-4253 / 24hrs
• City Animal Control: (559) 675-4275
• County Animal Shelter: (559) 675-7891

Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective tools to prevent crime. Neighbors watch out for each other and report suspicious activity, creating awareness and working with police to fight crime. Meetings cover topics like child safety and earthquake preparedness. To schedule a meeting, contact Christina Herrera at 661-2853.

False Alarm Reduction Program

The City of Madera requires all burglary, robbery, disturbance, and panic alarms to be registered with the Police Department. Fees and limits apply to reduce false alarms:

• Registration fee: $50 for 3 years
• Three false alarms allowed per year. Subsequent fees:
• 4th–8th false alarm: $50 (burglary), $75 (robbery/panic/disturbance)
• 9+ false alarms: $100 (burglary), $125 (robbery/panic/disturbance)

Contact Information

330 S “C” Street, Madera, CA 93638

Emergency: 911 | Non-Emergency: 559-675-4200

Dispatch Hours: 24/7 | Records: 8:00am–5:00pm | Property & Evidence: 8:00am–4:00pm