How to File a Police Report for Threats

If you have been threatened, verbally or physically, you should file a report with the police. If you are in danger of imminent harm, you should call 911 immediately. If you have been threatened but are at no immediate risk of harm, you can call the non-emergency number for your local police department to report the threat, or go to the police department to file a report in person.

Instructions

1. Call the police if you are being threatened. If the risk of harm is immediate, call 911.

2. Call the non-emergency police number if the threats are not imminent. You can find this number in the front of your local phone book, by calling 411 for information, or online through a search engine or using 411.com. Do this as soon as possible after you have received a threat.

3. Write down the name and any contact or identifying information about the person who has threatened you and the exact nature of the threat. If it is a stranger, write down as many details as you can remember to help the police identify whoever is threatening you. When you make the report, either in person or on the phone, provide as much detailed information as you know, including the nature of the threats, the date they happened and any identifying information about the person making the threats.

4. Provide any physical evidence that you might have such as a recording on an answering machine or voice mail, phone or cell phone records, e-mails or names and name and contact information of anybody who witnessed the threats. Make a copy of any documents you provide to the police in case the police request the originals.

5. Ask for your case number and a copy of the police report of the threats. You may want to discuss with the police (and/or an attorney) whether it would be appropriate to seek a restraining order so that the person who threatened you is legally barred from contacting you again.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell your family members and close friends about the threats so that they can help ensure your safety. It is important to try to be as calm as possible when you are reporting the threat. As soon as you receive a threat, it is important to write down as many details as possible, since you may forget them later due to the stress of the threat. Some police departments allow you to file a report through their website.

• If an arrest is made, generally, the police will be required to disclose who has reported the threat. Be sure to let the police know if you feel that disclosing your name will put you in greater danger.

References

• ABA Public Education
• Information about filing reports of stalking