How To Make Online Police Report

How To Use The Citizens Online Reporting Tool

How to File a Police Report Online

COVID NOTICE: Filing a Police Report During Coronavirus

Please Note

At this time, the online police reporting application may only be completed in English. If you need to file a police report in any other language, please call 3-1-1 or 9-1-1, instead. Interpreters are available to assist. If this is an EMERGENCY, CALL 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY

Whats The Difference Between A Misdemeanor Vs Felony

The definition varies with jurisdiction, but in most states, a felony is a crime that carries a sentence of more than one year in jail. Colloquially known as true crimes, most jurisdictions consider felony offenses as the most serious of offenses. Thus, persons convicted of felony charges typically serve a sentence in a correctional facility under the supervision of the state department of corrections or the Federal Bureau of Prisons if the felony is a federal crime. The security level at these facilities is high, given the nature of the crime and the offender. Besides jail time, non-sentencing alternatives for felonies are typically punitive, and the conditions for parole upon release are strict. Common felonies include:

Murder in the first degree
Human trafficking
Multiple DUI or aggravated DWI, or drunk driving

Compared to felonies, misdemeanors are less serious crimes. In most states, misdemeanors are offenses punishable with less than one year in a county or municipal jail. If the offense is not serious enough for imprisonment, the court will impose sentencing alternatives like fines and probation.

In cases where the offense mandates jail time, the offender will serve time at lower security facilities at a county level rather than state facilities that are higher security. Some states even allow misdemeanor offenders to serve time at home under supervision. Common misdemeanors include:

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Filing A Report In Person

1Locate the nearest police department. The police department nearest you, or nearest to the place where the incident occurred, will likely have jurisdiction over the incident. To identify the correct police department, you can search online, or call 311 if that service is available in your area.XResearch source

City or metropolitan police departments typically have jurisdiction within the city limits, while the county sheriff’s department will have jurisdiction over incidents that take place in the county or outside the city limits.

There may be dual jurisdiction in some areas, such as if you live in a metro area where city and county governments have been consolidated. In that case, just find the precinct office the shortest distance from you. If you’re in the wrong place, they’ll tell you where to go.

2Gather information about the incident you want to report. When you file a police report in person, you’ll typically need information or evidence about the incident itself.XResearch source

If you took photos or video on your phone, take your phone with you to the police station. The police typically won’t have to confiscate your phone. They can download your photos or video to their computer system.

In cases of property loss or damage, gather any financial statements, insurance claims, or other documents to take with you.

Typically you’ll have a shorter wait time if you go earlier in the morning, as opposed to in the afternoon.

Checklist For Reporting Crime:

The ability of the police to locate and arrest criminals often depends on the thoroughness and accuracy of the report. Use the following list to assist you in reporting your crime:

Date and time crime occurred
Location: exact street address and nearest cross street
Number of persons injured and types of injuries
Vehicle information – type, license number, color, year, make, model, additional people in the vehicle, and unusual characteristics
Suspect information – race, gender, age, height, weight, hair color, hair length/style, eye color, facial hair, clothing type/color, other characteristics and information on where they went after the crime was committed

Using Online Police Reports

The following reports are appropriate for filing an Online Police Report:

Additional Loss List
Attempted Auto Theft or Vehicle Tampering
Vehicle Burglary
Harassing Phone Calls

To use the online reports form, please confirm:

It is NOT an emergency.

The incident does not involve domestic violence, child abuse, elder abuse, or a stolen vehicle.

The incident occurred within Stockton city limits.

If you answered “yes” to all of the above questions, you can FILE YOUR REPORT HERE

Upon completing the report, print a free copy of the report for your records and look for:

Confirmation text: “Your report has been submitted.”

Temporary case number

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What Do I Do If I Have Problems Or Am Not Able To Complete An Online Crime Report

If you are having technical problems we suggest you try submitting your report using a different computer if possible. Check that your pop-up blocker is not preventing pop-up windows, and that JavaScript and cookies are enabled in your browser.

You may be able to file your report by phone by calling police communications at 408-277-8900 Monday through Friday, from Noon to 4:00PM or, you may visit the police administration building and make your report to an officer at the information desk.

Online Crime Reporting System

The Online Crime Reporting System is designed to make it easier and more convenient to file a police report without leaving home however, not every crime can be reported using this system.

In the event of an emergency, if a crime is in progress or someone is hurt or threatened, 911 should be called or texted immediately.

The following incidents can be reported on the Online Crime Reporting System:

Property Damage- Accidental

Users who can answer “yes” to any of the questions below may call 216.621.1234 to file a report or visit the FAQ’s for more information.

Did the crime or incident occur outside Cleveland City limits?
Was someone injured as a result of this crime or incident?
Is there information about the person, even if vague, who might have committed the crime ?
Is the license plate number known for the vehicle the suspect was or may be in?
Did the crime involve the use or threat of a weapon ?
Did the crime involve drugs in any way?
Are there serial numbers for stolen items?
Was there house or garage break-in?
Was this a motor vehicle accident?

Filing a false police report is a crime. Users must be 18 or older to use the Online Crime Reporting System. Prior to beginning the online filing, user should have a valid email address, pop-up blocking software should be turned off, and all the information related to the incident should be available.

Reports can be filed here

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Police Incident Report Copy Request Forms

If you elect NOT to use the portal, requests may still be submitted using U.S. Mail and email using the Incident Report Request Form. However, those requests will be manually entered and tracked in the Incident Report Request Portal by a member of CISU. You do NOT need to complete the Incident Report Request form if you submit your request via the portal.

Our request forms are available in several languages. Select your language, download and fill out the request form in your preferred language. The completed form may be either mailed or emailed to SFPD for processing. Instructions are included on all forms.

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How Do I Obtain Criminal Records

NBPD Online Police Report Tutorial

Interested persons who wish to look up criminal records have two options. The first is submitting an official request to the record custodian. Most record custodians have record request protocols that allow public requesters to make in-person visits, send mail requests, or conduct an online search for the criminal records of interest. Of these three means, online search is the fastest. However, in-person and mail requests for criminal records are characteristically slow. The other alternative is to use independent, third-party search services for on-demand access to criminal records. Free public criminal record checks are possible too. However, the information obtained is typically limited or incomplete.

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How Do I Find Police Records

If you want to find police records quickly and easily, the fastest way to do so is to do a search on SpyFly. You can have access to some of the largest databases in the country that are filled with public information. Other ways that you could find police records are to:

File a request with the local police department
File a request with your county recorders office
File a request with the state department that you live in

Sometimes you can get access to records within a couple of months, and sometimes it can take years, depending on where you are searching for them.

Filing A Telephone Report

1Check if your police station allows telephone reports. Many police stations do not allow telephone reports, as this is a security issue. Since filing a false report is a crime, they need to have the filer sign a document and verify that they are who they say they are.

2 Police departments have a non-emergency number that you can call if you want to file a police report over the phone. Do not call 911 unless there is an active crime in progress or people’s lives are endangered.

You typically can find the non-emergency number through an online search, in a telephone book, or by calling 311 , if that service is available in your area.

3Provide your name and location. Identify yourself to the dispatcher who answers the non-emergency number and let them know that you want to file a police report. They will ask for your name and address, as well as the address of your current location if it differs from your place of residence.XResearch source

You may be able to file a report anonymously over the phone. However, if you don’t provide your name and contact information, police will not be able to follow up with you about the report.

You should always provide your name and contact information if you suffered a loss as a result of the incident you’re reporting, such as if your property was damaged.

If you have any photo or video, or documents related to the incident, let the dispatcher know. They will tell you what you need to do with them.

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Please Confirm The Following To Find Out If Online Filing Is Right For You:

This is not an emergency
This is not an in-progress crime
This incident occurred within the Federal Way city limits
There is no known suspect or evidence that could lead to the identification of a suspect
This did not occur on a state freeway
You are the victim of the crime
You have a valid e-mail address

Question: What do I do if online incident reporting is not right for me?Answer: If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If non-emergency call 253-835-2121.Question: What if this happened in another city can I file a report using this system?Answer: No, If a crime took place outside of the City of Federal Way please call the police department for that city or go to Valley Communications, for online links to nearby cities.Question: What if this happened on a state Freeway?Answer: If this took place on a state Freeway please call the Washington State Patrol Office nearest you.

Question: What is a known suspect?Answer: A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect were in.

Whats In A Police Report

At the scene of the car accident, if you pay close attention you may notice the investigating officer inspecting vehicles, talking to people, measuring distances, writing notes, and taking photographs. The officer is taking some or all of these steps in preparation for drafting the police report. In short, the police report is a summary of the police officers investigation of the accident. The report will often contain some or all of the following information:

approximate date, time, and location of the collision
identifying information for parties involved in the car accident, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance information
identifying information for witnesses

Police record checks.
Letters of good conduct.

Some reports may contain confidential information and are not available to everyone. See the applications to learn about who can apply.

How To Fill Out A Police Report

For those wondering how long do I have to fill out a police report, there is usually a time limit to file a report with a citys police department. So, if you did not create a report at the time of the accident or crime, you will need to find out how to fill out a police report.

Most often, you will be asked to make a police report for an accident at the scene. However, there are other options if an officer is not dispatched or you experienced a hit and run or simply decided not to call the police.

To ensure the most clarity, it is best to complete a report in person with a police officer, which you can do at the nearest police station. You can also submit an accident police report online. It is advised that you file the report in the same city that the accident occurred.

At the very least, when thinking about how to do a police report correctly, make sure to submit your personal information, details about the surroundings and your vehicle. These are specifications in police investigations even if you do not have information on the burglar or other party.

If This Is An Emergency Please Call 911

The online citizen police report system allows you to submit a report immediately and print a copy of the police report for free. You can use this report to file with your insurance company.

All cases filed within this system will be reviewed, but for a number of reasons most will not be investigated. However, if further investigation of your case is needed, you may be contacted for follow-up or additional details.

Filing a False Police Report is a First Degree Misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000.00 and/or imprisonment not to exceed one year.

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Crimes That Cannot Be Reported Online

This includes:

Cases WITH known suspect names.
Cases WITH video evidence in your possession such as cell phone footage
Crimes outside the City of San Diego, such as on freeways or on a university campus. Find contact information for other agencies.
Residential burglaries
Robbery incidents
Stolen electric bicycles WITH serial numbers
Stolen vehicles
Theft or Vandalism – Loss over $10,000
Traffic collisions – SDPD only responds to injury accidents.

Report the crime by:

Calling the SDPD Non-Emergency Line at , or
Going to your nearest police station. Police station hours of operation may vary. Check hours before you go.

Report: Mischief Theft Vandalism Graffiti Or Lost Items

Making a Police Report

5 TYPES OF REPORTS MAY BE DONE ONLINE.

Theft	Theft in or on a vehiclePurse snatching Pickpocketing
Mischief
Item was not stolen but you can no longer find it
Graffiti

After submitting the report, a temporary number will be automatically sent to you by email. All communication will be done by email. Your report will be reviewed and if any changes are required, you will be sent a request for changes. Once the report is corrected and approved, you will receive an official event number by email, as well as a PDF copy of the report.

Make sure you have a valid email address as well as the date and location of the crime and information on the vehicle involved, if applicable.

If you meet these criteria and the type of incident that occurred appears on the list above, you may file your report.

To report a theft or loss of packages, please note that some companies require a report in English only. We offer the service in the language of your choice. Note, however, that once the report has been submitted, it is no longer possible to change the language.

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You Can Also Go Online To File A Supplemental Report

File a supplemental report if you want to add information to your original report or to a report that has previously been filed by an SFPD officer. To file a supplemental police report, click on the “File a Police Report” link above, select the appropriate incident type, follow the prompted questions, and select ‘supplemental report’ when prompted.

Use the supplemental report method to report:

Additional property losses from the same crime
Additional details to describe stolen property, such as a serial number.

When you have finished entering your report, a temporary report will be emailed to you. This report will not be official until it is approved. Once that happens, we will email you an official copy.

Get A Copy Of Your Police Records

You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you. This is called a subject access request.

You might need a subject access request if you move to another country.

A subject access request has records from:

police forces in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey and the Isle of Man
the British Transport Police

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How To Clear Your Criminal Record

Expungement, sealing, and pardon requirements change dramatically from state to state. Not all offenses are eligible for expungement or sealing. While most offenses are usually eligible for pardons, as stated above getting a pardon is usually very hard. Violent crimes, sex crimes, and crimes against children are usually not eligible for expungement. They will stay public on your record forever. The exception is if you were found Not Guilty of such an offense, in which case you can sometimes apply to have the record of the arrest and charge expunged. New Hampshire, for example, allows a person whose case was dismissed or who was found not guilty of any offense to apply for an expungement free of charge.

Remember that the steps to go about clearing a criminal record are very complicated and will depend on which state you live in. You will first want to check your record and then make sure you research your states expungement/sealing laws to understand what options may be available to you. Finding out how long do criminal records last can help you to recover your good name and open new opportunities for you.