Instructions

1

Call the non-emergency line of your local police department. All police departments maintain a non-emergency phone line. Calling the non-emergency line is appropriate when you wish to report evidence of a crime that has already happened and no longer constitutes an emergency situation. To find the non-emergency phone number for your local police department, check the phone book or the website for the town where the crime took place.
2

Call your state's anonymous tip line. Calling an anonymous tip line is most appropriate when you wish to report witnessing a serious violent crime and you do not wish to be identified because of concerns about your safety. Most sheriff's departments maintain an anonymous tip line. Additionally, WeTip (see Resources) maintains a nationwide anonymous crime reporting hotline.
3

Visit your local police department in person. You can visit your local police department during normal business hours to report that a crime has been committed. Unlike the other reporting methods, you can present physical evidence of the crime. Your local police department will ask you to provide a statement detailing facts about the crime you wish to report.
4

File an online crime report. Some municipalities and sheriff's departments maintain an online system for reporting non-emergency crimes. Similar to a non-emergency phone line, an online crime report system is most appropriate for reporting crimes that have already happened.