How to Call the Police Anonymously

Keep your identity safe by calling an anonymous tip line.

Anonymous tip lines do not disclose the information or identity of the reporting individual. Anonymous police tip lines provide the general public with a way to account the details of a witnessed crime or share knowledge of illegal activity. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires telephone service providers to give users the option of blocking his number when placing a call. Use this feature to further ensure anonymity when making a tip on an anonymous police tip line.

Instructions

1. Find the phone number for the anonymous tip line of a local police precinct by checking their website. Every police department has an anonymous tip line. Write this number down.

2. Dial *67 on your home telephone to block your telephone number from appearing on the police caller ID system. Wait until you hear a dial tone. Dial the police anonymous tip line phone number, starting with the area code first.

3. Speak to an officer or detective about the illegal activity you witnessed. Tell the officer that you want to remain anonymous. Police are obligated to keep your identity unknown, upon your request.

4. Report the details of the crime that you witnessed or have information regarding. Answer police questions pertaining to the event, victim or suspect, if possible and comfortable in doing so.

Tips & Warnings

• Blocking your phone number to call 911 doesn't work. Your information will be displayed on the caller ID system and you will not remain anonymous.

References

• Privacy Rights: Fact Sheet 19: Caller ID and My Privacy
• Grove City Ohio: Anonymous Tip Line
• San Francisco Police Department: Anonymous Tip Lines
• Metropolitan Police Department: Call or Text the MPD's 24/7 Anonymous Crime Tip Lines