Where Do I Call to Make a Police Report?
Making a police report is an important step in reporting a crime, incident, or emergency situation to the authorities. However, with the numerous emergency numbers and police departments across the world, it can be confusing to know where to start. In this article, we will provide a clear guide on where to call to make a police report, depending on your location and the type of incident.
General Guidelines
Before we dive into the specific guidelines, here are some general tips to keep in mind:
- Call the emergency number: In most countries, the emergency number is 911. This number is available 24/7 and can be used to report emergency situations, such as life-threatening injuries, crimes in progress, or natural disasters.
- Know the police department’s non-emergency number: Most police departments have a non-emergency number that can be used to report non-urgent incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or minor accidents.
- Be prepared: When calling to make a police report, have the following information ready:
- The location of the incident
- A detailed description of the incident
- Any relevant witness information
- Any photographs or videos of the incident
- Your name and contact information
United States
In the United States, the procedures for making a police report vary from state to state. Here are some general guidelines:
- Federal agencies: If the incident occurred on federal property, such as a national park or a military base, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
- State and local police departments: If the incident occurred on state or local property, contact the National Crime Prevention Council at 1-800-THE-LINE (1-800-843-5463) to find the contact information for your local police department.
- 911: As mentioned earlier, 911 is the emergency number for most areas in the United States.
Canada
In Canada, the procedures for making a police report vary from province to province. Here are some general guidelines:
- 911: In Canada, 911 is the emergency number for most areas.
- Provincial police services: If the incident occurred on provincial property, contact the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at 1-800-855-6229 for Ontario, 1-866-443-5186 for British Columbia, or 1-855-212-4288 for Alberta.
- Municipal police services: If the incident occurred on municipal property, contact the local police department’s non-emergency number.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the procedures for making a police report vary from country to country. Here are some general guidelines:
- 999: In the UK, 999 is the emergency number.
- 101: If the incident is not urgent, contact the National Police Chiefs’ Council at 101 to find the contact information for your local police department.
Australia
In Australia, the procedures for making a police report vary from state to state. Here are some general guidelines:
- 000: In Australia, 000 is the emergency number.
- State police services: If the incident occurred on state property, contact the local police department’s non-emergency number.
Other Countries
If you are in a country where English is not the primary language, you can still make a police report using the following methods:
- Local emergency number: Look up the local emergency number for your country. This number is usually 112 or 119, but may vary depending on the country.
- Embassy or consulate: Contact your country’s embassy or consulate for assistance. They may be able to provide you with the necessary information to make a police report.
Table: Police Report Numbers by Country
| Country | Emergency Number | Non-Emergency Number |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 911 | Varies by state and local police department |
| Canada | 911 | Varies by province and local police department |
| United Kingdom | 999 | 101 |
| Australia | 000 | Varies by state and local police department |
| Other Countries | Varies by country | Varies by country |
Conclusion
Making a police report is an important step in reporting a crime, incident, or emergency situation to the authorities. By knowing where to call and what information to have ready, you can ensure that your report is taken seriously and properly investigated. Remember to call the emergency number in case of an emergency, and the non-emergency number for non-urgent incidents.
