How to Report a Drug Crime

Report drug crimes as soon as possible.

If you are an observant person, you may be able to tell if suspicious or even illegal drug activity is taking place. According to the Arlington Police Department in Virginia, signs of drug activity can include a large amount of traffic at a person's residence, observable exchanges of money and residences with extreme security measures. If you believe illegal drug activity is taking place, don't rely on someone else to report it to the police.

Instructions

Reporting Drug Activity in Progress

1. Dial 911 on your phone to report drug activity in progress.

2. Provide the 911 operator with the nature of the crime.

3. Tell the operator exactly where the crime is taking place. If possible, provide the operator with an exact address. If this isn't possible, provide a unique landmark or cross streets.

4. Provide your name if you feel comfortable doing so. You can remain anonymous but police may want to ask you more questions about what you have observed.

5. Wait for a patrol officer to arrive. Allow the police to do their job without interfering. Answer any questions when approached by the police.

Reporting Ongoing Drug Activity

1. Call your local police department.

2. Tell the clerk you speak to that you want to report ongoing drug activity. He will likely transfer you to an officer in the narcotics division of the department.

3. Report to the officer exactly why you believe drug activity is occurring. Be honest, open and forthright about what you've witnessed.

4. Answer any additional questions from the police. They'll likely ask you how long the activity has taken place, if you've reported the activity previously and whether you know where the drugs are stored.

5. Allow the officers to do their job. A citizen's report isn't legally enough to make an arrest. Therefore, police will have to investigate the situation and act in a legal manner to catch and arrest anyone responsible for the drug activity.

References

• Arlington Police Department: Crime Prevention Tips- Drugs- Reporting Drug Activity in Your Neighborhood
• Seattle Police Department: Reporting Drug Activity