Filing a police report doesn’t always require a trip to the police station. The Houston Police Department offers an online police reporting system, designed to provide a convenient way for residents to report certain non-emergency incidents from their homes, workplaces, or anywhere with internet access. This online system streamlines the process for reporting minor crimes, saving you time and effort. After submitting your report online, you will receive a temporary incident number immediately. Your report will then be reviewed by the relevant Houston Police Department division. Upon approval, you will receive an email containing your permanent incident number and a copy of the filed report for your records, which you can easily print.
However, it’s crucial to understand the appropriate use of this online system. This online reporting tool is strictly for non-emergency situations only. If you are facing an emergency, witnessing a crime in progress, or dealing with any situation involving injuries, immediately call 9-1-1. For situations requiring a police officer’s response that are not emergencies, please call 713-884-3131.
Before you proceed with filing an online police report, it is essential to be aware that submitting a false police report is a crime. Furthermore, this online form is specifically designed for a limited set of crime categories and under particular conditions. The Houston Police Department is continuously working to expand the types of incidents you can report online in the future.
What Types of Incidents Can You Report Online?
The online police reporting system is intended for specific types of non-violent crimes that meet certain criteria. Currently, you can use this form to report the following incidents that occurred within the city limits of Houston:
- Lost Property: If you have lost an item and need to document it with the police department, you can file a report online. It’s important to note that lost firearms cannot be reported through this online system.
- Theft (Non-Vehicle Related, Value Up to $30,000): For thefts where the total value of the stolen items is under $30,000 and does not involve a vehicle, and where there are no known suspects or witnesses, you can use the online form. For example, if your bicycle is stolen from your backyard or personal belongings are taken from your property, and the total value is less than $30,000, this online system is suitable. If the value exceeds this limit, you must report it through other channels.
- Theft of Services: If you have paid for a service that was not rendered, or if you provided a service for which you were not compensated, you can report this as theft of services online. This could include situations like contractors not completing work after payment or clients failing to pay for services provided.
- Vandalism/Criminal Mischief (Non-Vehicle Related, Damage Up to $5,000): If your property has been intentionally damaged or vandalized, and the damage is valued at $5,000 or less, and it is not related to a vehicle, you can report it online. This applies to situations where there are no suspects or witnesses. For instance, graffiti on your fence or damage to your mailbox falls under this category. It is crucial to remember that incidents like burglary of a home, building, or vehicle should not be categorized as Criminal Mischief/Vandalism and should be reported through different methods.
- Environmental Crimes – Illegal Dumping: The unlawful disposal of trash, garbage, waste, or sewage on public or private land is considered illegal dumping. You can report such environmental crimes through the online system when it occurs within Houston city limits.
Who Can File an Online Police Report? – Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the integrity and proper processing of online reports, certain eligibility criteria must be met:
- Valid Email Address: You must have access to a functioning email address to use this system. This email will be used to send you updates about your report, including the permanent incident number and a copy of the submitted report.
- Direct Victim: You must be the actual victim of the theft, loss, or criminal mischief to file a report online. This system is not designed for witnesses, relatives, friends, or individuals reporting on behalf of someone else. The victim must be the one submitting the report.
- Incident Location: The crime, loss, or incident must have occurred within the city limits of Houston, Texas. Incidents outside of Houston’s jurisdiction cannot be reported using the Houston Police Department’s online system.
When Should You NOT File a Police Report Online? – Exclusions
While the online system offers convenience, it is not suitable for all situations. Here are scenarios where you cannot use the online police report form and must contact the Houston Police Department directly:
- Incident Outside Houston City Limits: As mentioned, if the incident occurred outside of Houston, you cannot use this form.
- Evidence Present: If there is any physical evidence at the scene, such as fingerprints, burglary tools, or any items that require police collection or processing, you must contact the police directly instead of filing online. Online reports are for incidents where no evidence collection is needed.
- Suspect Information Available: If you have any suspect information, such as a license plate number, surveillance photos, or a physical description of a suspect, the online system is not appropriate. These situations require further investigation that is initiated through direct reporting.
- Emergency Situations: Never use the online system for emergencies. In case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. Online reporting is for past, non-urgent incidents.
- Forceful Entry or Break-in: If any type of force was used to gain entry, or a break-in occurred (burglary), you must contact 713-884-3131 to report the incident. Burglary requires a different reporting process than online filing allows.
- Injuries Involved: If anyone sustained injuries as a result of the incident, you cannot use the online form. Incidents involving injuries require immediate police dispatch and cannot be reported online.
- Stolen Vehicles: Do not use this form to report a stolen vehicle. Contact 713-884-3131 to report auto theft. Vehicle theft requires immediate attention and specific procedures.
- Traffic Crashes/Hit and Run: This online form cannot be used to report traffic crashes (accidents or motor vehicle collisions) or hit and run incidents. These incidents often require on-scene investigation and cannot be adequately addressed through online reporting.
By understanding these guidelines, Houston residents can effectively utilize the online police reporting system for appropriate non-emergency situations, while ensuring that serious crimes and emergencies are handled through the proper channels.
