2024 How to Report A Crime in NYC?

Witnessing a crime can be an overwhelming experience. You may not immediately know how to handle the situation. You may even be terrified or afraid for your life. Reporting a crime may seem a simple process, but that may not always be the case. Reporting an emergency and reporting a crime can be very different situations. It is important to know how to report a crime in NYC, especially if you witness something you may be scared to report.

How to Report a Crime in Progress in New York City

The most well-known and obvious way to report a crime in New York City is to simply call 911. If you are witnessing a crime in progress, you should call 911 as soon as you possibly can. The sooner you report the crime, the sooner law enforcement can arrive and put a stop to it or provide immediate aid. When you report an emergency by calling 911, stay calm and provide as much detail as you notice.

When reporting a crime to a 911 dispatcher, try to be aware of your surroundings so you can provide as much information about the location. If you know the exact address, tell them that. If not, describe the area as well as you can, including notable landmarks, restaurants, stores, and street names you can see. If you are aware of any injuries or fatalities, tell the dispatcher so they can send out EMTs to your area.

If you witness a perpetrator committing the crime, give the dispatcher as much detail as you possibly can. This includes height, weight, race, clothing, hair color, skin color, eye color, tattoos, or any scars. The call is likely being recorded for future use, so be as thorough as you can. If you saw them get in a car and drive away, try to recall as much detail about the car as you can, including the make and model, color, bumper stickers, and visible damage.

How to Report a Crime Not in Progress

If you want to report a crime you learned about that has no immediate danger, you can report it to your local police precinct or file a report online, depending on the crime in question. If you wish to report a crime involving sexual violence, you may want to contact the Special Victims Unit hotline, which is staffed 24 hours a day.

To file a police report online, you must first register for an NYPD Online account to fill out an online police report. Then, fill out your report with as much detail as you can provide. You will then receive a receipt for your report through the email address you provided. Your report will be reviewed by NYPD officers and investigated for validity. You will then be emailed an official police report number, also called a complaint number, after five business days.

If your report checks out, an officer of the NYPD will reach out to you for additional information. You may be required to participate in an official investigation. You should keep in mind that filing a false police report is a crime and could result in significant legal penalties for you. Don’t lie to the police or waste their time with a fake report. They will likely want to pursue charges against you.

FAQs

Q: How Long Do You Have to Report a Crime in New York?

A: You have as long as you need to report a crime in New York. There is no official time limit for how long you have to report a crime, but it is recommended that you report the crime as quickly as possible. The longer you wait to report a crime, the harder it can be to investigate it properly. Evidence can get lost, witness memory starts to fade away, and the crime scene can become tainted.

Q: How Do I Report a Crime Anonymously in New York City?

A: If you want to report a crime anonymously in New York City, it is recommended that you reach out to the Crime Stoppers tip line or submit a tip through the Crime Stoppers app. Crime Stoppers is a national organization dedicated to identifying and stopping crimes throughout the country. They have a partnership with the NYPD. They even offer potential rewards for information that leads to the arrest of certain violent felons.

Q: How Do I File a Criminal Complaint in New York City?

A: There are multiple ways you can file a criminal complaint in New York City. First up, you can reach out to the Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) by phone to speak with an investigator. You can call 311 for non-emergency services and to connect to local government services to report things like noise complaints, traffic complaints, or vandalism. You can visit your local police precinct and plead your case to an officer.

Q: Who Investigates Police Misconduct in New York?

A: Police misconduct in New York is investigated by the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office (LEMIO). LEMIO works their hardest to safeguard public safety and prioritize civil rights by investigating and preventing law enforcement misconduct. Police misconduct is also investigated by the Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB), who looks into allegations of police corruption and crimes committed by police officers. The NYC Commission to Combat Police Corruption works to provide transparency in these investigations.

If You Need a Lawyer, Reach Out to Greco Neyland, PC

Choosing to report a crime in New York City is a big decision, and it’s not one you should make lightly. Choosing to get involved can have a drastic effect on your life. It could even put you under police suspicion yourself. If that happens, you should immediately reach out to a criminal defense lawyer who can stand up for you and protect you from harassment.

The legal team at Greco Neyland, PC understands how difficult it can be to have police think you are guilty of something. We can help provide you with a defense strategy, handle the police on your behalf, and make sure your interests are protected. Contact us to speak with a team member about a consultation today.