Not everything requires a 911 call. For situations that are not life-threatening and not actively in progress, the Clare County Sheriff's Office has a non-emergency line and in-person services.
When to Call 911 vs. Non-Emergency
Call 911 for:
- Crimes in progress
- Medical emergencies
- Fires
- Accidents with injuries
- Any situation where someone is in immediate danger
Call non-emergency (989) 539-1336 for:
- Property damage you discovered after the fact
- Noise complaints
- Suspicious activity that is not an immediate threat
- Requesting a welfare check
- Following up on a previous report
- General questions for the sheriff's office
The non-emergency line is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through Central Dispatch.
How to File a Report
- Call (989) 539-1336 and describe the situation. A dispatcher will determine whether a deputy needs to respond or if a report can be taken by phone.
- Get a report number. Keep this for your records and for insurance purposes.
- For in-person reports, visit the Sheriff's Office at 225 W. Main St. in Harrison during business hours.
Getting Copies of Reports
- Accident reports: Available from the Sheriff's Office. There may be a small fee for copies.
- Incident reports: Request through the office or via FOIA if needed.
Fingerprinting Services
The Sheriff's Office provides fingerprinting for employment, licensing, and background checks.
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
- Location: 225 W. Main St., Harrison
- No appointment needed — walk-ins are welcome
Animal Control
For stray animals, aggressive dogs, or animal welfare concerns, contact Animal Control Officer Bob Dodson at (989) 539-3221. Animal control handles:
- Stray and loose animals
- Dog bite reports
- Animal cruelty complaints
- Lost and found pets (check the county animal shelter)