If you witness or are a victim of a crime, you should report it to the law enforcement.If you want to file a police report, you can visit the nearest police precinct or call the dispatch office.You can file a police report online in metro areas.If you believe someone else's life is in danger, call the emergency number.
Step 1: You can locate the police department.
The police department closest to you will likely have jurisdiction over the incident.To find the correct police department, you can either use the internet or call 311.The county sheriff's department usually has jurisdiction over incidents that take place in the county or outside the city limits.If you live in a metro area where city and county governments have been consolidated, you may have dual jurisdiction.The precinct office is the shortest distance from you.They will tell you where to go if you're in the wrong place.
Step 2: Information about the incident you want to report is gathered.
In order to file a police report in person, you'll need information about the incident.Take your phone with you to the police station.The police usually don't have to take your phone.Your photos or video can be uploaded to their computer system.Take with you any financial statements, insurance claims, or other documents in case of property loss or damage.
Step 3: Your ID is needed to confirm your identity.
The officer who takes your report will need to know your name and address.A photo ID can be used to prove your identity to the officer.If your identification has been lost or stolen, you should bring whatever documents you have that can prove your identity.A friend or relative can vouch for you.
Step 4: The police department is open during the day.
You can check online or call the non-emergency line to find out when the office is open.While you can file a police report at any time, individual precincts may not be open to the public after hours.If you go earlier in the morning, you will have a shorter wait time.You can call the police if you have been the victim of a crime, such as a break-in or assault.They will gather evidence when they collect your statement.You should call the station to see if they will come to you.
Step 5: Tell the officer about the incident.
Explain to the desk officer that you want to file a police report when you enter the precinct.While you wait for an available officer, they may take some information from you or give you paperwork to complete.Give the officer everything you know about the incident when they take your report.Stick to the facts and include as many details as you can.Let the officer know if you have any documents.They might want to take your originals.The officer might ask you questions to get more information.Say so if you don't remember or know something.Don't make assumptions or engage in speculation.
Step 6: You should get a copy of the report.
The officer may have a written report when they finish talking to you.If the written report isn't ready, they'll give you the report number and let you know when you can pick it up.If you only have the report number, keep it safe.Depending on the type of incident you report, you may need to give someone a number.If you file a report for property damage, you may need to provide the police report number to your insurance company.
Step 7: Within a week, follow up on your report.
Once your report is filed, it will be assigned to an officer who will begin an investigation.They may be in touch with you if they uncover any information.If you don't hear from the police in a week, you can call the non- emergency number and ask for a follow up.They will connect you to an officer who can give you an update if you give them your report number.You can learn more about the incident after you file your report.Call and ask to speak to the investigating officer if you do.Let them know that there is more information.
Step 8: The police department's website can be found.
You can find your local police department's website by doing a quick internet search with the word " police" and the name of your city, or the city where the incident occurred.There is a link on the website that will allow you to file a police report online.You won't be able to file a police report online at some police stations.You will need to do it in person.
Step 9: You can check the types of reports you can file.
Information about the types of incidents you can report online can be found on the initial reporting page.Make sure your incident is in one of the categories.It's not a good idea to file an online report for a crime in progress.If people's lives are in danger, call the police.It is possible to report incidents involving lost or stolen property online.You can file an online report for financial crimes.
Step 10: Before you begin your report, gather information.
You can only enter your information for a limited amount of time.If you organize everything you need, you won't have to start over.You don't have to type in your information off the top of your head if you write down specific facts about the incident.You could write a list of people who were involved or who witnessed the incident.You can note the date and time of the incident as well as the street address.If you have any documents related to the incident, you may be able to add them to your report.
Step 11: Your information will be entered.
You can't file an anonymous report online.Even if you can, you want to give contact information.Police can contact you if they have any questions or information for you, if you follow up on the report.Provide an email address and phone number so police can get in touch with you if they have any questions.
Step 12: Provide details about what happened.
The location of the incident and the type of incident you're reporting may be asked for separately on some online report forms.You will have a field to describe the incident.As many specific details as you can remember, stick to the facts.Don't say anything about your feelings, emotional reactions, or speculative thoughts.The field may be limited to a certain number of characters.Be brief, but include as many details as possible.It's important to make every word count.
Step 13: Print a copy of the report.
When you submit your report, you are given the chance to print a page that contains the information you submitted.If you're given the chance to preview your report before you submit it, look it over for any errors.If you can't get a copy of your report, you should write down the number that you were provided.You might need to follow up on the report later or share it with an insurance company.
Step 14: It's a good idea to follow up on your report a couple of days later.
You will usually hear from the police department within a day or two if you file a report online.If an officer has been assigned to investigate, they'll let you know.You can call the non- emergency number if you don't hear from the police department.Let the dispatch know that you want to follow up on the report you filed online.If you need to update your report, you should know the name of the investigating officer.
Step 15: If your police station allows calls, check it.
This is a security issue and police stations don't allow telephone reports.Since filing a false report is a crime, they need to have the filer sign a document and verify that they are who they claim to be.
Step 16: The police dispatch office is open.
If you want to file a police report over the phone, the police departments have a number that you can call.If there is an active crime in progress or people's lives are in danger, do not call.If the non-emergency number is available in your area, you can call 311 or use an online search to find it.
Step 17: Your name and location are required.
Let the dispatch know that you want to file a police report by answering the non- emergency number.If it is different from your place of residence, they will ask for your name and address.You can file a report over the phone.Police will not be able to follow up with you if you don't give your name and contact information.If you suffer a loss as a result of the incident you're reporting, you should give your name and contact information.
Step 18: Tell us what you want to report.
Let the dispatch know when and where the incident happened.Provide as much information as you can remember.Stay calm and follow the facts.Let the dispatch know if you have any photos, video, or documents related to the incident.They will tell you what to do with them.If you failed to mention specific information in your description, the dispatch may ask you some questions.
Step 19: If required, meet with an officer.
If the situation necessitates sending an officer to your location to talk to you further, you'll get a report from the dispatch.This can happen if you report damage to your property.When to expect an officer will be given by the dispatch.The officer will confirm the information in your report and ask questions to get more information.You might not get a written copy of the report right away.The officer will usually give you a receipt with the number assigned to your report so you can get a full copy later.
Step 20: A copy of the report is required.
If an officer isn't dispatched to your location to talk to you, you should ask the dispatch for a report number.Find out when the full written report will be available and how you can get a copy for your records.The police department may send a copy of the report to you.You may need to go to the precinct to pick up your copy.