A Message from the Chief of Police on Gunshots Being Heard - Community Advisory

If you hear what sounds to be "gunshots" please call the Takoma Park Police Department directly at 301-270-1100. If you are not sure, please call anyway so that our officers and detectives have an opportunity to make that determination. It is so important that you call in these types of issues, as citizen involvement is paramount to our investigations, and hopefully catching the suspects who are responsible.

Unfortunately, this is on the rise in our City. You ask why? More and more guns are on the street. More of the guns are being carried by gang members who like to show off or send a message by shooting them off. We take these calls seriously. It is one of the only calls which requires immediate notification to the Chief of Police and the Public Information Officer. When we receive these calls, we attempt to locate where the shootings take place so we can recover any spent shells, which can then be examined for prints and forensic match-ups to the gun, if seized.

Your calls make a HUGE difference.

If you do not wish to call and would like to remain anonymous, you can use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.


* Text to 847411

* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.

* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.

* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous.


You can also send a tip using the Takoma Park Police Department's Facebook page. In the left hand column you will find a link to "submit a tip." Your tip is important and CAN and DOES make a difference!


If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park Police, please call 301-270-1100. If you need to report an emergency that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call 9-1-1.