Submitting a police report in Houston has become more convenient than ever. The Houston Police Department (HPD) provides an Hpd Online reporting system, designed to allow citizens to file certain types of police reports from the comfort of their home, workplace, or any location with internet access. This online system streamlines the reporting process for specific incidents, saving you time and offering a straightforward way to document non-emergency situations.
Upon completion of your online report, you will immediately receive a temporary incident number, confirming your submission. Your report is then directed to the relevant HPD investigative division for review. Once approved, you will receive an email containing your permanent incident number and a copy of the official report, which you can easily print for your records.
Please remember, the hpd online reporting system is strictly for non-emergency situations. It is crucial to understand that this online portal should never be used to report emergencies, crimes in progress, or incidents involving injuries. In case of an emergency, always dial 9-1-1 immediately. For situations requiring a police officer’s response that are not emergencies, please call 713-884-3131.
Before proceeding with an hpd online report, it is important to be aware that filing a false police report is a criminal offense. Furthermore, this online form is specifically designed for a limited set of crimes, detailed below, and must meet certain conditions to be accepted through the online system. The HPD is continuously working to expand the categories of crimes reportable online in the future.
When Can You File an HPD Online Police Report?
The hpd online reporting system is available for the following types of incidents:
Lost Property
Report missing or lost property through the online system. However, it is important to note that lost firearms cannot be reported online.
Theft (Non-Vehicle Related, Value Up to $30,000)
If you have experienced theft of property, not involving a vehicle, and the total value is under $30,000, and there are no known suspects or witnesses, you can file a report online. For thefts exceeding $30,000 or involving vehicles, please contact 713-884-3131. Example: Reporting a stolen bicycle from your yard falls under this category.
Theft of Services
Use the hpd online system to report instances where you paid for a service but did not receive it, or conversely, provided a service but were not compensated.
Vandalism/Criminal Mischief (Non-Vehicle Related, Damage Up to $5,000)
Report damage or vandalism to your property, not involving a vehicle, where the damage is valued at $5,000 or less, and there are no suspects or witnesses. Example: Reporting intentional property damage such as graffiti. Do not use this category for burglaries of homes, buildings, or vehicles; these should be reported by calling 713-884-3131.
Environmental Crimes “Illegal Dumping”
Report the illegal disposal of trash, garbage, waste, or sewage on public or private land that is not permitted through the hpd online system.
Eligibility Requirements for Online Reporting
To utilize the hpd online reporting system, you must meet the following criteria:
- Valid Email Address: You must have access to a valid and functioning email address to receive updates and your official report.
- Direct Victim: You must be the actual victim of the theft, loss, or criminal mischief. Reports cannot be filed online by witnesses, relatives, friends, or other third parties.
When is Online Reporting NOT Appropriate?
The hpd online reporting system is not suitable for the following situations:
- Incident Location: If the crime, loss, or incident occurred outside the city limits of Houston, Texas.
- Evidence Present: If any physical evidence exists at the scene, such as fingerprints, burglary tools, or anything requiring police collection or processing.
- Suspect Information: If you have any suspect information, such as license plate numbers, surveillance photos, or physical descriptions of suspects.
- Emergency Situations: If an emergency exists. In an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
- Forced Entry or Break-in: If any type of force was used to gain entry or a break-in occurred. Contact 713-884-3131 to report a burglary.
- Injuries: If any injuries were sustained during the incident.
- Stolen Vehicles: This form cannot be used to report stolen vehicles. Contact 713-884-3131 to report auto theft.
- Vehicle Crashes: This form cannot be used to report crashes (accidents or motor vehicle collisions), including hit and run incidents.
The subsequent screens will guide you through questions to confirm if your incident qualifies for an hpd online police report.
