How It Works: Public Safety in Noblesville

When we say, “Choose Noblesville,” part of what we mean is that safety and security are foundational to life here. In this edition of our How It Works series, we’ll take you behind the scenes of how public safety works in Noblesville, how we structure, staff, and partner to keep our community safe, and what that means for you.

A Unified Approach: Public Safety in Noblesville at a Glance

On our Public Safety page, we introduce visitors and residents to our holistic philosophy: public safety isn’t just about responding to emergencies, but about prevention, community engagement, and sustainable systems. From police patrols to fire and emergency response, from community programs to public education, all our efforts are integrated under the umbrella of “keeping Noblesville safe.”

Below, you’ll see how each piece fits together.

1. First Call, First Response: How 9-1-1 & Dispatch Works

• When to call 9-1-1
  You should always call 9-1-1 when there is a life-threatening situation or danger to life or safety, for instance, active fires, medical emergencies, crimes in progress, missing persons, or intruders. Because 9-1-1 is reserved for the most urgent needs, calls that are non-emergency should go to our dispatch center at 317-773-1300. 
• What happens when you call
  When you call 9-1-1, a trained dispatcher collects critical information: your location, what’s happening, relevant details, and the best possible way to get help to you. That dispatcher enters your details into the Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system and alerts the appropriate units, whether that’s police, fire, or the Noblesville Emergency Medical Services. 
• Non-emergency calls & reporting
  For incidents that don’t require immediate officer response (for example, minor thefts or property damage with no suspect), residents can file an online nonemergency report by emailing the officer for their patrolling division. Of course, if in doubt, call 9-1-1 (the online forms are not monitored in real time). 

2. Policing the City: Patrols, Districts & Specialized Units

• Patrol Division: The front line
  The Patrol Division is our most visible law enforcement component. Officers respond to calls, enforce traffic safety, investigate suspicious activity, and more. 
• To ensure 24/7 coverage, the division works in four 12-hour shifts, with at least one officer assigned to each area of the city. They also maintain several specialized capacities, including traffic crash reconstruction, K-9 units (five teams currently), field training, child safety seat inspections, drug recognition, etc. 
• District Policing Program: Anchoring local relationships
  Noblesville is divided into 8 policing districts, and each district has an assigned officer. Residents can contact their district officer directly (via email) for concerns that aren’t emergencies. These officers aren’t just for reacting; they serve as neighborhood liaisons, helping manage ongoing issues, coordinate responses, and maintain communication. 
• Community Service Officers (CSOs)
  CSOs handle a range of lower‐level public service tasks: assisting with disabled vehicles, animal complaints, vehicle lockouts, parking enforcement outside downtown, VIN checks, traffic direction during events, and more. By focusing CSOs on these everyday tasks, sworn officers are freer to respond where they’re most needed.
• Other units & programs
  The Police Department also operates a Business Watch Program to coordinate safety communication and training with local businesses. A Video Surveillance Access Program allows residents and businesses to register their surveillance systems to assist investigations when needed. They also offer free gun locks to residents to promote safe firearm storage. 

3. Records, Reports & Transparency

• Records Division & Services
  The Noblesville Records Division is housed in our Public Safety Building (135 S. 9th Street). 
• During business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), you can request accident and incident reports, background checks, fingerprinting, and more. 
• The vestibule is open 24/7, and there’s a drop box to submit payments or paperwork outside business hours. Note: credit card payments incur a convenience fee. 
• Filing reports & follow-up
  To file a report requiring investigation, you should contact dispatch at 317-773-1300 to reach an on-duty officer. When you use the online nonemergency portal, an officer reviews submissions and may contact you for more details or to proceed. 

4. Fire, EMS & Integrated Safety

The Noblesville Fire Department (NFD) serves as a cornerstone of public safety, responding to fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous incidents citywide.

NFD operates multiple stations strategically located for fast response and provides:

• Fire suppression, rescue, and hazardous materials response
• Emergency medical services through integrated EMS units
• Fire prevention and inspections to ensure homes and businesses meet safety standards
• Community education programs such as school visits, smoke detector installations, and CPR training

Behind the scenes, NFD works closely with the Police, Emergency Management, code enforcement, emergency preparedness, and Building Inspection to prepare for large-scale incidents from severe weather to industrial fires, ensuring coordination and continuity of service.

In practice, this integrated approach ensures better coordination. For example, in disaster response, we combine resources from police, fire, and emergency management to operate seamlessly.

5. Community Programs & Innovation: Beyond Enforcement

• Building Tours & Engagement
  We welcome groups — schools, civic organizations, scouting troops, etc. to take a 15–20 minute tour of our Public Safety Building, including the Courts, squad room, and sometimes a vehicle display. 
• NobleAct: Community-Centered Approach
  Noblesville is on the leading edge in positively rethinking how law enforcement interacts with mental health. Through NobleACT, our city partners with police and fire with mental health specialists and local social service providers to respond more appropriately to crisis calls. This program helps ensure people experiencing mental health, addiction, homelessness, and challenges are met with care, not simply law enforcement.

6. How You Can Partner in Public Safety

Public safety is a shared responsibility. Here are ways residents and businesses can help:

1. Know the right number – Always call 9-1-1 for emergencies; call 317-773-1300 for non-emergencies.
2. Use online reporting — For theft, vandalism, or lost property (no suspect), use the online nonemergency form.
3. Register your video systems — Participate in the Video Surveillance Access Program to aid investigations.
4. Get involved locally — Contact your district policing officer if you see recurring issues in your neighborhood.
5. Practice safe habits — Lock doors, store valuables securely, and keep neighbors aware when you’re away (Vacation Watch).
6. Support and understand new programs — Engage with police outreach and crime prevention efforts, including mental health response enhancements.

Why It Matters

Well‐designed public safety systems do more than respond to crises; they deter them, build trust, and foster collaboration between government and citizens. In Noblesville, that means police, fire, EMS, building inspectors, and neighbors working together toward one shared goal: keeping every resident safe and secure. In Noblesville, our priority is making sure each resident knows:

• How it works — who responds, how, and when
• When to act — and how
• That you’re part of the system — not just a recipient of it

If you ever have questions or want to arrange a building tour, reach out to the Police Department or check out our Public Safety page for contact info.