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Police

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.

On this page:

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

  • 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 property - Valued under $500 and has a known serial number, identification number or name affixed to it (excluding firearms). Any lost property valued between $500 and $10,000 (excluding firearms).
  • Metal/grease/oil theft
  • Theft - Loss less than $10,000. Not vehicles, license plates, or firearms. Not taken from within residence or place of 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, where the person may be found or the license plate number of the vehicle used by the person.
  • Cases WITH video evidence in your possession, such as cell phone footage
  • 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)
  • Robbery incidents
  • Stolen electric bicycles WITH serial numbers
  • Stolen vehicles
  • Stolen license plates
  • Theft or Vandalism - Loss over $10,000
  • 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.

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 suspect information or video evidence in your possession, such as cell phone footage, 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.

PDF icon View Sample Narratives

Start Online Report

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