How to File a Crime Report

Call 911 for violent crimes, injurious accidents and in-progress theft.

Crimes happen all the time and in a wide variety of contexts. We can all be invaluable resources to the police by promptly and properly reporting crimes. Report not only crimes where you are the victim, but also crimes you witness. The nature of the crime determines how you report it.

Instructions

Emergencies

1. Dial 911 for crimes that require immediate police or medical presence. This includes violent crimes, burglaries in progress, kidnapping and serious car accidents. Also dial 911 for serious suspicious activities that have just happened, or are happening, such as gunfire, explosions or screams for help. If your community does not have the 911 system, dial the emergency number for your area.

2. Let the operator know if you need a translator.

3. Describe the emergency, let the operator know if you or someone else is injured, and provide the location. Give any vehicle descriptions or physical descriptions of perpetrators.

4. Stay on the phone until help arrives, if needed. Do not hang up on the operator while she is asking you questions.

Non-emergencies -- By Phone

1. Visit your city police department's website or look in the phone book to obtain the non-emergency crime report number. Many cities have implemented a 311 phone number for non-emergency crime reporting. Make sure you are calling the police department of the city where the crime happened.

2. Give the operator your name, address and phone number. Describe the crime and let the operator know if you need an officer on site or if you know of any evidence that needs immediate attention. Provide names, vehicle descriptions or physical descriptions of perpetrators.

3. Follow the operator's instructions for the next steps to take.

Non-emergencies -- Online

1. Visit your city police department's website to see if they have an option for online crime reporting.

2. Follow the prompts and select a category of crime. Online reporting processes vary from city to city, but categories will likely include "accidents," "theft," "fraud," "harassment," "suspicious activity," and "vandalism."

3. Follow the prompts to narrow down the category. For example, if you selected accidents, you may be asked to choose either "hit and run" or "non-injury with information exchange."

4. Fill out the appropriate form that comes up, based on your selections. You will provide your personal information and details regarding the crime. Click to submit when finished and write down the report number for future reference.

5. Wait for a law enforcement official to follow up with you.

References

• Minneapolis Police Department: Report a Crime or Incident
• City of Fresno: Report a Crime
• Sacramento Police Department: Accidents