Public Safety Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Who and How of Public Safety in Elkins, West Virginia.
What issues fall under public safety?
Public safety in Elkins covers a wide range of concerns that could affect the well-being of residents and the community as a whole. These include:
- Criminal activity
- Fires and hazardous conditions
- Structural integrity of buildings
- Sanitation and public health threats
- Infrastructure hazards (e.g., water main breaks, non-functioning streetlights, fallen trees)
If you’re unsure whether an issue concerning you qualifies as a public safety concern, please report it and let the appropriate City department assess the situation.
How do I know who to call?
Use this guide to determine the appropriate contact for common concerns. If you’re not sure who to contact, call City Hall at 304-636-1414 ext. 1110 and the Executive Secretary will direct you.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 for anything that places people or property in immediate danger, including:
- Crimes in progress
- Fires
- Medical emergencies
- Urgent public hazards
If you are unsure whether the issue about which you’re calling is an emergency or not, we encourage you to program Randolph County 911 Center’s non-emergency line, 304-636-2000, into your cellphone.
Water & Sewer Contacts
Water Main Breaks or Urgent Water System Problems
- Monday–Saturday, 5:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Call the Water Department directly at 681-298-5200.
- After hours (non-emergency): Call the Randolph County 911 Center’s non-emergency line at 304-636-2000.
- Emergencies involving water infrastructure: Call 911.
Sewage Backups or Urgent Wastewater System Problems
- Monday–Friday, 6:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.: Call the Wastewater Collection Department directly at 304-636-2058.
- After hours (non-emergency): Contact the Randolph County 911 Center at 304-636-2000.
- Emergencies involving wastewater (sewer) infrastructure: Call 911.
Additional Public Safety Contacts
- Police Department (non-emergencies): 304-636-0678
General concerns, follow-up inquiries, community events, and requests for public education or training.
Email tips: elkinspolice@cityofelkinswv.com - Fire Department (non-emergencies): 304-636-3433
Fire safety questions, concerns about fire hazards, and requests for public education or training. - Code Enforcement: 304-636-1414 ext. 1432
Reports of vacant or unsafe buildings; trees at risk of damaging property; or excessive amounts of garbage and debris on commercial or residential property.
- Operations Department: 304-636-1414 ext. 1437
Potholes, storm drain problems, downed or missing street signs, and extinguished streetlights.
(Note: Water-related issues are now handled by the Water Department—see above.) - Parks Department: 304-636-3960
Non-emergency issues in city parks, including damaged equipment, fallen tree limbs, or animal concerns. - Animal Control Officer (Randolph County): 304-636-2521
Loose, stray, or dangerous dogs. (This is a county-level service, not administered by the City of Elkins.)
How are 911 calls handled in Elkins?
All 911 calls placed within Elkins are answered and dispatched through the Randolph County 911 Center, which coordinates response for police, fire, EMS, and other public safety agencies. This service applies 24/7, including holidays and weekends.
For non-urgent concerns requiring attention outside of regular business hours, you may contact the 911 Center’s non-emergency line at 304-636-2000.
Can I report something anonymously?
Yes. You may report anonymously to dispatchers or city staff—no name is required. All reports are taken seriously and investigated as appropriate.
How quickly will someone respond?
- Emergencies: Immediate dispatch and response.
- Non-emergencies: If your call isn’t answered live, expect a response or follow-up within 48 hours.
Response times vary by department and issue urgency. Staff will provide estimates when possible.
Still not sure who to call?
Please reach out to City Hall at 304-636-1414 ext. 1110 and we’ll transfer you to the right personnel.
For More Information
Police Chief
Travis Bennett
401 Davis Avenue
Elkins, WV 26241
304.636.1414 ext. 1535 (office)
tbennett@cityofelkinswv.com
Fire Chief
Steve Himes
216 Fourth Street
Elkins, WV 26241
304.636.3433 (office)
304.637.1777 (fax)
shimes@cityofelkinswv.com
