Reporting a Crime

WHEN SHOULD I REPORT A CRIME?

If you have just seen or experienced a crime, or one is in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately.

If the crime happened a while ago and there is no direct danger to you or another person, please call the police
non-emergency line at: (206) 625-5011.

IS A CRIME EVER TOO SMALL TO REPORT?

Seattle has one of the highest rates in the nation of crime victims who report crimes. This high rate of reporting is very important for three reasons:

• It helps investigators do their job, because more trends can be discovered.

• It gives a far more accurate picture of true crime in the city.

• It shows criminals that crime is not tolerated, and is taken seriously.

If you were a victim of any crime; even if it was small and happened a few months ago, we encourage you to report it. Use the non-emergency number for crimes that are no longer in progress.

WHAT IF I SEE ACTIVITY THAT SEEMS SUSPICIOUS?

There are many types of activity that can be recognized as suspicious. Learn more about recognizing and reporting supicious activities.

WHAT IF THERE IS A LARGE-SCALE EVENT?

During a big emergency that effects an entire region or area, such as flooding or an earthquake, it is vitally important that you do not overload the 9-1-1 system for non-essential calls. Calling only to report "there was an earthquake" when you personally are not facing a life-threatening or dangerous situation can tie up the 9-1-1 trunk lines. If this happens, people with true emergencies may receive a busy signal when they dial 9-1-1.  [More . . . ]

REPORTING CRIME
IS IMPORTANT

Don't assume that your neighbors have already reported a crime or that the police already know. Report criminal or suspicious activity each and every time it occurs.