Crime Related Information

• How do I report a crime in progress?
• I need police assistance, but it's not an emergency. Who do I call?
• Can I report a crime online?
• Where can I obtain crime prevention information?
• Where can I obtain information on Domestic Violence?
• How can I report a hate crime?
• How can I obtain a restraining order?
• What can I do about annoying or threatening phone calls?
• How can I report suspected child abuse?
• How can I report suspected elder abuse?
• How can I obtain information on sex offenders in my neighborhood?
• How can I report an identity theft, forgery or fraud?

How do I report a crime in progress?

A crime in progress is considered an emergency. Emergencies include crimes in progress or those that are about to happen, medical emergencies and crimes that have resulted in serious personal injury, property damage, or property loss. You should report emergencies by calling 9-1-1.

I need police assistance, but it's not an emergency. Who do I call?

Any criminal or suspicious activities that are not emergencies should be reported to the San Diego Police Department by calling (619) 531-2000. Emergencies include crimes in progress or those that are about to happen, medical emergencies and crimes that have resulted in serious personal injury, property damage, or property loss.

Can I report a crime online?

Under certain circumstances, the following non-emergency crimes can be reported online using the Citizens' Online Police Reporting System:

• Harassing Communications
• Lost Property
• Theft
• Theft from vehicle
• Vandalism
• Vandalism of a vehicle
• Vehicle tampering

Where can I obtain crime prevention information?

Crime prevention tips are available in the Crime Prevention and Education section of this web site.

Where can I obtain information on Domestic Violence?

More information on Domestic Violence is available in the Victim Resources section of the web site.

What is the definition of a hate crime?

As defined in California Penal Code section 13023, a hate crime is any criminal act or attempted criminal act motivated by hatred based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation or disability.

How can I report a hate crime?

Hate crimes should be reported the same way other crimes are reported. If it is a crime in progress, medical assistance is needed, or there is serious personal injury or property damage, you should call 9-1-1. If it is not an emergency, you should report the hate crime by calling (619) 531-2000.

How can I obtain a restraining order?

Information on how to obtain a restraining order is available on the Victim Resources web page.

What can I do about annoying or threatening phone calls?

Annoying or threatening phone calls should be reported the same way other crimes are reported. If you feel your personal safety is immediately threatened, you should call 9-1-1. If it is not an emergency, you should report the annoying or threatening phone call by calling (619) 531-2000, or you can file a police report online.

How can I report suspected child abuse?

Call the San Diego County Child Protective Services Child Abuse Hotline at (619) 560-2191 or (800) 344-6000 to report situations in which you suspect that a child has been abused or appears to be at risk of being abused. Your report will be investigated and steps will be taken to protect the child and preserve the family unit. The SDPD will be informed if abuse is involved. If you know abuse has occurred, you should call SDPD directly at (619) 531-2000. If the abuse is in progress, you should call 9-1-1.

How can I report suspected elder abuse?

Call the San Diego County Adult Protective Services at (800) 523-6444 to report suspected instances of neglect and psychological, physical, financial, sexual or abuse of elders and dependent adults. They will investigate and provide assistance and case management where appropriate. The SDPD will be informed is abuse is involved. If you know that abuse has occurred, you should call SDPD directly at (619) 531-2000. If the abuse is in progress, you should call 9-1-1.

How can I obtain information on sex offenders in my neighborhood?

Following the State of California's passage of Megan's Law on May 17, 1996, information on sex offenders was made available to the public. In the City of San Diego, a CD of sex offenders is available for viewing at the SDPD Headquarters Building at 1401 Broadway. You will be asked to show California picture identification and to sign a form stating that you are not a sex registrant, that you are at least 18 years old and that you are a California resident. You can search the CD for a sex registrant by name, or you can search for a list of sex registrants by zip code. You will be able to see the names and pictures of sex registrants, as well as what they were convicted of. You will NOT be given specific address information on any sex registrant. The information on the CD is updated by the California Department of Justice once a month.

How can I report an identity theft, forgery or fraud?

Visit the Financial Crimes Unit page for a Financial Crimes Report Form.