How to Report a Crime in Peoria, Arizona

Covering 176 square miles of the Sonoran Desert and boasting the state's second-largest lake, Peoria, Arizona, was listed as one of the "Best Places to Live" by Money magazine in 2008. With a population of over 150,000 people, Peoria has a fairly low crime rate. The personal crime risk in this city is just above half the national average, and when compared with the rest of Arizona, the percentages are even better. However, despite the relative safety, crimes still happen. When they do, it's important to understand the correct way to report them.

Instructions

• 1

  Call 9-1-1 if there is a crime in progress or an emergency. Listen to the operator, provide all necessary information and hang up the phone only after the call has ended. This ensures that the proper departments and authorities are notified and helps speed up the response process.

• 2

  Call the Peoria Police Department directly to report crimes against people, vehicle thefts and major traffic incidents (http://www.peoriaaz.gov/content2.aspx?ID=14413). Crimes against people include violent crimes, such as assault and kidnapping, and sex crimes, such as rape and molestation. Vehicle theft refers to all vehicles, from cars to trailers to boats. Major traffic incidents include those in which injuries resulted and those involving alcohol, drugs or other illegal activities.

• 3

  Report less severe crimes to the Peoria Police Department by calling or reporting online. Less severe crimes include burglary, criminal-inflicted damage to property, and traffic incidents in which no injuries occurred and neither drugs nor alcohol played a role.

  To report crimes online, guide your Internet browser to the Peoria Police Department website. Scroll your mouse over the "How Do I?" tab. When the drop-down list appears, drag the cursor over "Report," then, in the second drop-down list, click "Crimes." Read the information that comes up on the Online Crime Reporting page to make sure the crime you wish to report matches the Online Reporting criteria. If it does, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the blue "Continue to the Report Instructions" link. Take careful note of the instructions before filling out your report. They must be filed exactly according to protocol. When you have memorized or copied down the instructions, click "Continue to the Report Form." Fill in all the required information on the next page. After filling out the form completely, click "Submit Report."