How to File a Police Report
Follow the correct reporting path, prepare the right details, and make sure the incident is filed with the agency that has jurisdiction over the location.
Call 911
- Crimes in progress or threats to life.
- Medical emergencies, injuries, or active violence.
- Situations requiring immediate dispatch response.
Use Standard Reporting
- Past property crimes and non-emergency incidents.
- Situations where the suspect is gone and the scene is safe.
- Incidents suitable for phone, desk, or online intake.
Four Steps That Matter Most
Verify the right jurisdiction before you file anything.
Gather the date, location, witness info, and any evidence.
Choose the correct method: online, phone, or in-person filing.
Save the case report number and document every follow-up.
What to Prepare Before Filing
Personal details
- Full legal name and best contact number.
- Photo ID or identifying information when requested.
- Your role in the incident, such as victim or witness.
Incident details
- Exact location and approximate date or time range.
- Property descriptions, serial numbers, and estimated values.
- Witness names, footage, photos, and any suspect information.
When to Use Each Path
Online
Fastest for eligible non-emergency property crimes where no suspect is present.
Phone
Useful for non-emergency incidents that still require a dispatcher or officer follow-up path.
In Person
Often necessary for violent incidents, complex cases, or situations requiring direct officer handling.
Need the Correct Department First?
Use the directory to identify the police department or sheriff office that has jurisdiction over the incident location before filing.