How to File a Police Report in NYC
As a resident of New York City, it’s essential to know how to file a police report in the event of a crime or incident. Filing a police report can help you document the incident, provide evidence, and potentially lead to further investigation and prosecution. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to file a police report in NYC.
Types of Police Reports
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) recognizes two types of police reports:
- Incident Report: An incident report is used to document crimes that do not require further investigation, such as vandalism, lost property, or minor theft.
- CRF (Complaint Register Form): A CRF is used to document more serious crimes, such as assaults, burglaries, or felonies. CRFs are typically used to initiate a full investigation by the NYPD.
Where to File a Police Report
You can file a police report at any NYPD precinct located throughout the city. There are 77 precincts in NYC, each covering a specific geographic area. You can find your nearest precinct by visiting the NYPD’s website or by searching online.
How to File a Police Report
To file a police report, you will need to:
- Go to the precinct: Visit your nearest precinct and speak to a police officer or police officer’s aide.
- Provide identification: Show a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license, passport, or state ID.
- Describe the incident: Provide a detailed description of the incident, including:
- Date, time, and location of the incident
- Victims and witnesses
- Suspects and any suspicious individuals
- Physical evidence, such as clothing, jewelry, or any other items that may have been taken
- Fill out the report form: The police officer or officer’s aide will fill out the report form, which will include:
- Incident report number
- Description of the incident
- Names of victims and witnesses
- Suspect information (if applicable)
- Physical evidence (if applicable)
- Sign and date the report: Review the report form to ensure accuracy and sign and date it.
Additional Steps
After filing a police report, you may want to take the following steps:
- Get a copy of the report: Request a copy of the report from the police officer or officer’s aide.
- Follow up: If you don’t hear back from the police, follow up with the precinct to inquire about the status of your report.
- File an insurance claim: If you have been a victim of a crime, you may be entitled to file an insurance claim with your insurance provider.
- Seek medical attention: If you have been injured, seek medical attention immediately.
Filing a Police Report Online
In some cases, you may be able to file a police report online through the NYPD’s My NYPD portal. My NYPD is a secure online portal that allows you to report minor crimes, such as vandalism or lost property, and schedule a follow-up appointment at a precinct.
**Online Reporting Criteria
- Crimes must meet specific criteria: The online reporting system is only available for minor crimes that meet specific criteria, such as:
- Vandalism
- Lost property
- Disorderly conduct
- Petty larceny (theft of property with a value of $200 or less)
- Crimes must not be in progress: Online reporting is not available for crimes that are in progress.
- Crimes must not involve violence or imminent danger: Online reporting is not available for crimes that involve violence or imminent danger.
Filing a Police Report at a Kiosk
In addition to filing a police report in person or online, the NYPD also offers NYPD Police Reporting Kiosks located throughout the city. These kiosks allow you to file a police report 24/7.
**Kiosk Location
There are currently five NYPD Police Reporting Kiosks located throughout the city:
Location | Address | Hours of Operation |
---|---|---|
1 | 59th Street and 8th Avenue (Midtown West) | 24/7 |
2 | 125th Street and 3rd Avenue (East Harlem) | 24/7 |
3 | 33rd Street and 1st Avenue (Greenwich Village) | 24/7 |
4 | 190th Street and Broadway (Washington Heights) | 24/7 |
5 | 104th Street and 37th Avenue (Jackson Heights) | 24/7 |
Conclusion
Filing a police report in NYC is a critical step in documenting a crime or incident and potentially leading to further investigation and prosecution. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that your report is filed accurately and efficiently. Remember to always provide a detailed description of the incident, provide identification, and fill out the report form carefully.