How To Know If Someone Reported You To The Police

You Can Ask The Court For A Non

You can apply for a Non-Contact OrderNon-Contact OrderStops an offender who was sent to prison, for more than two years, from contacting you in any way. The Judge can impose certain conditions such as not living, visiting or working in particular areas.View the full glossary if you were the victim of a violent crime and the offenderoffenderPerson convicted of a crime .View the full glossary was sent to prison for more than 2 years and you dont want them to contact you once theyre released.

A non-contact order stops an offender from contacting you in any way. The judge can impose special conditions, depending on each case. Orders may stop an offender from living or working in particular areas or visiting those areas.

For more information on getting a Non-contact Orders as well as the forms and advice on how to get a lawyer to help you with these forms, visit the Ministry of Justice website

Telling Police In Person

Report the threat in person if you have documents or other evidence you want to show to the police, or if your local police department doesn’t take reports over the phone.

Blocking Your Phone Number

If you call from your home or cell phone, you can use 67 to block your line. Your number will appear as a private or restricted number on the receivers caller ID. Simply type in 67 and then the entire phone number, including 1 plus the area code if the number is long distance. However, your number will not be blocked when calling 911 or toll-free numbers.

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Reporting A Crime To The Police

There are many reasons why it may be a good idea to call the police to report a crime. You may need protection or help getting your things back. If the person is caught it may prevent somebody else from becoming their next victim. If you want to make an insurance claim or a claim for victim’s compensation you will need to report the incident to the police.

There are also some situations where the law requires you to report an incident. For example, in Saskatchewan anyone who has reason to believe that a child is abused or neglected has a legal duty to report it. As well, certain types of vehicle collisions must be reported to the police including when…

• it is a hit and run
• the vehicle needs to be towed
• anyone is injured
• it is an out-of-province vehicle
• it is an unregistered vehicle

Sometimes the decision about involving the police will be out of your hands. For example, someone else may see the crime being committed and call the police. Deciding whether to call the police can be a major decision. Once the police are involved they will make certain choices about what should happen next.

If you decide to call the police, the sooner you call the better. This gives the police a better chance of finding and preserving evidence and of catching the person who committed the crime.

File A Restraining Order

If you’re in an emergency, call 911.

If you’ve been a victim of domestic abuse and want to take legal action, you may be able to file for a protective order. Protective orders are also known as restraining orders or injunctions.

The process for obtaining a protective order differs from state to state. Your local police and court can help you get the process started. Contact your state, county, or municipal court for more information.

Generally, you have to fill out paperwork and submit it to the county courthouse. A judge may issue a temporary restraining order to protect you immediately. To get a longer-term order, your judge may want either or both a full court hearing and your abuser’s presence.

The police can enforce a protective order. If necessary, the order can include special provisions like:

• Custody of children

• Forcing the abuser to leave a home

Some states require the abuser to surrender all firearms.

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Knowing Why You Should Speak Up

Report Threats And Crime

General Public

Members of the public can report violations of U.S. federal law or suspected terrorism or criminal activity as follows:

Contact us online

• Use our Online Tips and Public Leads form to report information on criminal activity and suspected terrorist threats
• Report cyber crimes by filing a complaint with our Internet Crime Complaint Center

Contact us via telephone or mail

• Contact your local FBI office or closest international office24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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Report Cyberbullying To Law Enforcement

When cyberbullying involves these activities it is considered a crime and should be reported to law enforcement:

• Threats of violence
• Taking a photo or video of someone in a place where he or she would expect privacy
• Stalking and hate crimes

Some states consider other forms of cyberbullying criminal. Consult your states laws and law enforcement for additional guidance.

How The Police Decide Whether To Lay Charges

In deciding whether to charge the person, the police will consider your views and whether or not there is sufficient evidenceVarious things presented in court to prove an alleged fact i.e. videos, witnessView the full glossary to prove the case in court.

But if a serious offence like assault or family violence has occurred, the police can decide to lay charges even if you dont want them to.

After the police make an arrest they might:

• summons the defendant to appear at court at a later date
• arrest the defendant and release them on bailbailWhen police release someone who’s charged with a crime on the condition that they attend future court hearings.View the full glossary to appear at court at a later date
• keep the defendant in custody and then bring them to court on next available court date
• give the defendant a Pre-Charge Warning, which is a formal warning given after an arrest for a minor offence and doesn’t result in a prosecution.

The police will tell you if they charge someone and what the charges are.

If the police cannot find an offenderoffenderPerson convicted of a crime .View the full glossary for the crime or there is not enough evidence to go to court, the police will contact you to tell you the reasons why.

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What Happens When You Make An Anonymous Tip

In some cases, a tip from an anonymous source may provide police with enough information to detain a person if it contains facts that are verified by the police. In order to justify a detention, it must be based on a reasonable suspicion that: there was some activity out of the ordinary it was related to crime and, it was not routine.

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Police Report Vs Police Record

First, lets clarify something that is bound to cause some confusion: the difference between a police report and a police record. While these two items have similar names, they are in fact very different. A police report is a document filed by a police officer that essentially offers a summary of an arrest, incident, or accident. A police record, on the other hand, is usually the same as a criminal record and it includes a list and summary of an individuals history of interactions with law enforcement, including arrests and convictions.

Another point that deserves clarification is the difference between a police report and an accident report. In fact, theres not really a difference between these two items. An accident report is simply a type of police report that details the circumstances of a traffic accident. A police report, meanwhile, can include accident reports, but they cover a much broader range of incidents that may involve the police, including crimes. Note that some police departments call police reports incident reports. Remember that some accident reports may also be criminal reports, such as if the accident may have been caused by drunk driving.

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What You Can Do If The Police Have Not Helped

All survivors deserve to be believed and supported while planning next steps. If you have contacted the police and not received the help you need, here are some additional steps you can take:

• Talk with a local crisis center/shelter to see how they can help. Many domestic and sexual violence services have developed relationships with law enforcement and can help you navigate that system.
• Ask to speak with a supervisor or commanding officer within your local police department. Again, you can also ask if there is a Victim Services Unit or victim advocate associated with the police department.
• Learn more about your legal rights and find legal help in your area. This can help you continue to advocate for yourself. Womenslaw.org is a good place to start.

Our advocates understand that every persons situation is different, and you must make the decisions that feel right for you. While we are not legal advocates and cannot give specific legal advice, we can help you locate legal resources in your area and brainstorm other options for safety. Call 1-800-799-7233 at any time or chat live via our website 24/7/365.

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Am I A Victim Of Crime

Information about these crimes is available through the Office of Victims of Crime.

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How To Stay Informed

When you report the crime, the police will tell you how to contact them. You can also ask for a phone number or email address if one isn’t given to you.

If you do know the first and last name of your police officer in chargepolice officer in chargeYour main contact person with the police for your case.View the full glossary, you can email them directly by using the following email format .

Your email should include a way for them to contact you, such as an email address or a phone number. You can also call or visit the police station and ask to speak to the officer in charge.

You can ask a support person to assist you when making inquiries about your case. You can also ask for an interpreter if you dont speak English well. You can find out more about getting an interpreter at the below link:

Losing a loved one to homicidehomicideWhen a person is killed by another person.View the full glossary is an extremely traumatic experience. You’ll have a police officer assigned to you or your whnau. This officer will be able to:

• to answer any questions you have and make sure you know what is happening during the investigation
• to put you in touch with specialist support agencies
• to explain when you can see the body and whether you will be able to touch them or not
• to talk to you about financial assistance you might be entitled to.

Funeral arrangements

More information about the coronial process

Sexual violence is never the fault of the victim-survivor.

Having Trouble Reporting Online Harassment

Sometimes, small police departments wont respond even, if you do receive specific threats of violence. The department will tell you there is nothing it can do until the person threatens you offline or comes to your house. In those cases your best bet is to get in touch with the state police as well as the FBI. In a non-emergency situation, you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Unfortunately, if you do not have any proof of a threat of violence, it will be all but impossible for the police to act.

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Report Crime Anonymously: Contact Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers is an independent charity working to solve and prevent crime. Its a way for people, who for whatever reason may be reluctant to tell Police what they know, to anonymously report information about crime and criminals via an independent third party. You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously when you know about a crime that has been, or is being committed, you suspect a crime is being planned, or any other activity you think is illegal. To report a crime anonymously:

• Fill in the secure online Giving information form.

Find out more on the Crimestoppers website.

But They Can Still Find You

If the police need you as a witness, you made a false police report, or you used the police to harass an ex, no method is 100-percent anonymous. Phone records can be subpoenaed and cell phone signals triangulated, and pay phones are often within camera range of nearby businesses.

references

• 2 PC Magazine: Simple Ways to Make Anonymous Phone Calls, Secure Your Data

About the Author

With degrees in fine and commercial art and Spanish, Ruth de Jauregui is an old-school graphic artist, book designer and published author. De Jauregui authored 50 Fabulous Tomatoes for Your Garden, available as an ebook. She enthusiastically pursues creative and community interests, including gardening, home improvement and social issues.

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Get Help After A Sexual Assault

• Contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline anytime at 1-800-656-HOPE . They will connect you anonymously with a counselor at your nearest rape treatment center.

• Find state domestic violence resources online.

• Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline anytime at 1-800-799-SAFE . You can talk confidentially with an advocate or find local resources.

• Contact the Loveisrespect hotline if you or someone you know is a victim of teen dating violence. Reach a love is respect advocate anytime by phone at , by texting loveis to 22522, or by chat online.