How to Report a Crime Online

In an age when people can shop, order take out and do banking online, people are turning to their keyboard when they suspect criminal activity. For those who are nervous or fearful of reporting a crime, the computer can be less intimidating and easier to use than calling in a complaint. Reporting a crime online is a great way for authorities to stay connected with the public and can lead to important criminal investigations.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if the crime you wish to report is an emergency. An active crime scene that is life threatening to anyone is an emergency and should be reported immediately to police by calling 911.

• 2

  Determine the nature of your criminal complaint; is it better suited for the attention of the federal, state or local authorities. The FBI has an online tip reporting page for possible terrorism crimes. Most State Police agencies have their own Web page where people can report crimes, as do some local authorities.

• 3

  Search for the designated Web page of the authority you wish to report a complaint to. To find your State Police Web page, try visiting your State Web page, for example www.ny.gov, and look for links to law agencies. Also, search engines like Google are great for finding the website of local authorities.

• 4

  Read the submission guidelines thoroughly before submitting a complaint. These guidelines will stipulate which types of crimes can be reported online and will differ agency to agency. For certain crimes, a police agency may wish to have you call the station, or even speak to an officer in person.

• 5

  Fill out the online form. Be sure to include your contact information, and as many details of the alleged crime as possible. Authorities may not be able to investigate the matter if the information reported is unclear, or inaccurate.