Check Your Case Status
Direct-path guide to tracking your filed police report, checking investigation status, and connecting with the detective or officer assigned to your case.
🔍 Find My Department →How to Check Your Police Case Status
After filing a police report, you will be assigned a Case Report Number (CRN) — this is your primary tool for tracking your case. The method for checking status varies by agency size and type.
Locate Your CRN
Your Case Report Number was provided when you filed your report — online confirmation email, officer-provided receipt slip, or verbal at the desk. This number is required for all status inquiries.
Wait 5 Business Days
Reports are typically reviewed by a supervisor within 2–3 days, then routed to the appropriate unit (patrol follow-up, property crimes, detective bureau). Allow 5 full business days before your first inquiry.
Contact the Right Division
Call the department's non-emergency number, provide your CRN, and ask to be connected with the Records Division or the detective bureau assigned to your case type.
Follow Up in Writing
If oral follow-up yields no information, submit a written Public Records Act request for the case file. This triggers a legal response requirement and often accelerates action on stalled cases.
Understanding Your Case Status
| Status | What It Means | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Open / Active | Case is under investigation or awaiting assignment to a detective | Provide any new evidence; contact your detective if assigned |
| Pending | Report filed, awaiting supervisor review and case classification | Wait 5 business days, then follow up |
| Cleared by Arrest | Suspect was arrested and charged | Contact the DA's office for prosecution status; get records copy |
| Exceptionally Cleared | Case resolved without arrest (suspect died, DA declined, victim refused cooperation) | Request case closure explanation from detective |
| Closed / Unfounded | Investigation determined crime did not occur or insufficient evidence | Request written explanation; you may challenge with new evidence |
| Cold Case | Active investigation suspended due to lack of leads | Submit new tip or evidence to reactivate; contact Detective Bureau |
Case Tracking by Department Type
Large Metro Departments
Departments like LAPD, NYPD, Chicago PD, and Houston PD typically have online case status portals accessible by CRN and your date of birth. Check the department's official website for their online tracking tool.
Find Major Departments →Mid-Size City Departments
Mid-size departments (50,000–500,000 population) typically require a phone call to the non-emergency line. Have your CRN ready. You may also email the Records Division or visit in person.
County Sheriff / Rural
Rural and county sheriff agencies handle case status inquiries by phone only. Call the agency's main non-emergency line and ask for the Records Division or Case Review Unit. In-person visits are often the fastest option.
Case Status FAQ
Find Your Department's Case Tracking System
Navigate to your state and county to find the official contact number and case tracking link for your specific department.