How to File a Police Report

How to File a Police Report

Filing a police report is an essential step in documenting criminal activity, accidents, and other incidents. A properly filed report creates an official record that can be used for insurance claims, court proceedings, and law enforcement investigations.

When Should You File a Police Report?

You should file a report whenever you are the victim of or witness to:

Theft or burglary — including shoplifting, car break-ins, home burglaries, and identity theft

Assault or battery — physical attacks, threats of violence, or domestic violence

Motor vehicle accidents — especially those involving injuries, significant property damage, or hit-and-run

Vandalism or property damage — graffiti, broken windows, keyed cars

Fraud or scams — online fraud, check fraud, investment scams

Missing persons — when someone cannot be located and their safety is a concern

How to File: Step by Step

Step 1: Call or Visit the Police

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergencies, call your local police department's non-emergency number. Many departments now allow online reporting for minor crimes like theft or vandalism where there is no suspect present.

Step 2: Provide Detailed Information

When speaking with officers, be prepared to share:

Your full name, address, and contact information

The date, time, and location of the incident

A detailed description of what happened, in chronological order

Descriptions of any suspects (height, weight, clothing, distinguishing features)

Information about any witnesses

Photos, videos, or other evidence you may have

Step 3: Get Your Report Number

Always ask for the case number or report number. This is critical for:

Filing insurance claims

Following up with detectives

Obtaining copies of the report later

What to Bring

Government-issued photo ID

Any evidence of the crime (photos, receipts, screenshots)

Contact information for witnesses

Serial numbers or descriptions of stolen property

Insurance policy information (if applicable)

Following Up on Your Report

After filing, you can typically:

Request a copy of the written report (usually available within 3-7 days)

Contact the assigned detective for case updates

Provide additional evidence or information as it becomes available

Check your department's online portal for status updates

Special Situations

Identity Theft: File with local police and also submit a report at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC report and police report together create an Identity Theft Report that gives you important recovery rights.

Domestic Violence: Officers are typically required to provide you with information about protective orders and victim services. Many jurisdictions have mandatory arrest policies for domestic violence calls.

Online Crimes: In addition to local police, report internet crimes to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures vary by jurisdiction.