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File a Police Report
If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1
Filing a false police report is a crime!
Anyone who knowingly makes a false report is guilty of a misdemeanor per 148.5 (a) of the California Penal Code.
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The San Diego Police Department provides a variety of ways that you can report crimes that occurred within the City of San Diego, including an easy online reporting system.
Crimes that Can Be Reported Online
- Catalytic converter theft
- Fraudulent use of credit/debit/EBT card
- Harassing communications (electronically sent only, such as email, text, phone, or social media)
- Hit and Run (no evidence or injuries)
- Identity theft
- Lost or stolen property - excluding firearms, passports, or ID cards.
- Metal/grease/oil theft
- Theft (not vehicles, license plates, or firearms. Not taken by means of forced entry to residence or business)
- Theft from vehicle (not a stolen vehicle)
- Vandalism or graffiti
- Vehicle tampering, including vandalism
Crimes that CANNOT Be Reported Online
- Cases WITH known suspect names. A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person who committed the crime.
- Cases WITH physical evidence requiring impounded or testing by police. You may attach photos to your online report. If you have video evidence, it may be sent to a detective when you are contacted after your online report is approved.
- Crimes including physical violence, assault, or robbery.
- Crimes outside the City of San Diego, such as on freeways or on a university campus. Find contact information for other agencies
- Hate Crimes
- Lost / Stolen passports
- Residential burglaries (theft from a building)
- Stolen vehicles
- Stolen license plates
- Traffic collisions - SDPD only responds to injury accidents.
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:
- Type of 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 (e.g., dents, bumper stickers)
- Suspect(s) information - race, gender, age, height, weight, hair color, hair length/style, eye color, facial hair, clothing type/color, other characteristics (e.g., tattoos, missing teeth, scars, glasses) and information on where they went after the crime was committed
- Weapons used
What Happens After I File a Report Online?
- You will be given a temporary police report number.
- Your report will be reviewed, and when approved, a Case Number will be assigned to your report.
- If further investigation is necessary, you will be contacted via email or telephone. If contacted, you will have seven days to reply.
- You will be provided a copy of the police report to keep for your records.
- Check your junk mail if you don't receive a confirmation within one week.
File a Report Online
Please read the following statements:
- You must have a valid email address.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- The crime must have occurred within the City of San Diego. Find contact information for other agencies
- Crimes with known suspects, crimes with physical evidence requiring impound or testing, violent crimes, stolen vehicles, and stolen license plates, cannot be reported online.
Important
To ensure your report is accepted and able to be processed quickly, review sample narratives of common online reports to know what information to provide.
Other Ways to Report a Crime
- Call the SDPD Non-Emergency Line at 619-531-2000
- Go to your nearest police station. Police station hours of operation may vary. Check hours before you go.
Submit a Tip About a Crime
- Submit an anonymous tip about a crime to Crime Stoppers
- Drug-related activity tip - This form is not to be used to file a police report for a crime that has already been committed. Only for suspected drug activities.