Submit a Police Report Online: Your Guide to San Diego E-Reporting

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key, and reporting a crime to the San Diego Police Department is no exception. For non-emergency situations, you can easily Submit A Police Report Online, saving you time and effort. This guide will walk you through the process, outlining what types of incidents qualify for online reporting and how to ensure your report is properly filed. Remember, if you have an emergency, always call 9-1-1. Filing a false police report is a crime and can lead to prosecution under California Penal Code 148.5 (a).

Understanding Online Crime Reporting Eligibility

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has streamlined the process for reporting certain crimes through their online system. This system is designed for specific incidents where there are no known suspects and no immediate danger. Before you submit a police report online, it’s crucial to understand what types of crimes are eligible.

You can use the online system to report the following incidents that occurred within the City of San Diego:

Catalytic Converter Theft: Report the theft of your vehicle’s catalytic converter.
Credit/Debit/EBT Card Fraud: Report unauthorized use of your credit, debit, or Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
Harassing Communications: File a report for harassing messages received electronically, such as through email, text, social media, or phone.
Hit and Run (No Injuries or Evidence): Report a traffic accident where the other driver left the scene, and there are no injuries or significant evidence.
Identity Theft: Report instances where your personal information has been stolen and used fraudulently.
Lost or Stolen Property: Report missing personal property, excluding firearms, passports, or ID cards.
Metal/Grease/Oil Theft: Report the theft of metals, grease, or oil.
Theft (Excluding Specific Items and Circumstances): Report general theft, excluding vehicles, license plates, or firearms, and incidents not involving forced entry into a residence or business.
Theft from Vehicle (Not Stolen Vehicle): Report theft of items from your vehicle, provided the vehicle itself was not stolen.
Vandalism or Graffiti: Report damage to property, including graffiti.
Vehicle Tampering: Report instances of tampering with a vehicle, including vandalism.

Crimes Not Eligible for Online Reporting

While online reporting offers convenience, certain situations require different reporting methods. You cannot submit a police report online for the following types of incidents:

Cases with Known Suspects: If you know the identity of the person who committed the crime, you must report it through alternative methods.
Cases with Physical Evidence: If the crime involves physical evidence that needs to be collected or tested by the police, online reporting is not suitable. While you can attach photos to your online report, for significant evidence, other reporting methods are required. Video evidence can be submitted later if your online report is approved and a detective contacts you.
Crimes Involving Violence: Crimes that include physical violence, assault, or robbery must be reported through other channels, potentially requiring immediate police response.
Crimes Outside San Diego City Limits: If the crime occurred outside the City of San Diego, including freeways or university campuses within the city, you need to contact the appropriate law enforcement agency for that jurisdiction.
Hate Crimes: Reports of hate crimes require specialized attention and cannot be filed online. Contact the SDPD directly for hate crime reporting.
Lost or Stolen Passports: Missing passports require specific reporting procedures and are not eligible for online reports.
Residential Burglaries: Theft from a residence (burglary) typically requires in-person reporting.
Stolen Vehicles or License Plates: Theft of vehicles or license plates needs to be reported through alternative methods.
Traffic Collisions with Injuries: SDPD only responds to traffic collisions involving injuries. For injury accidents, do not report online. For non-injury collisions without hit and run, information can be exchanged between parties involved.

Checklist for Filing Your Online Police Report

To ensure your report is effective and assists the police in their work, gather the following information before you submit a police report online:

Type of Crime: Clearly identify the type of crime you are reporting.
Date and Time of Occurrence: Provide the precise date and time the crime took place.
Exact Location: Give the exact street address and the nearest cross street where the incident occurred.
Injury Information (If Applicable): Note the number of injured persons and the types of injuries sustained.
Vehicle Details (If Applicable): If a vehicle is involved, provide the type, license plate number, color, year, make, model, any additional occupants, and any distinctive features like dents or bumper stickers.
Suspect Description (If Available): If you have any information about the suspect(s), include details such as race, gender, age, height, weight, hair color/style, eye color, facial hair, clothing description, and any unique characteristics like tattoos, scars, or glasses. Also, note the direction they went after the crime.
Weapons Used (If Applicable): If a weapon was involved, specify the type of weapon.

What to Expect After You Submit Your Report

Once you submit a police report online, here’s what happens next:

Temporary Report Number: You will immediately receive a temporary police report number upon submission.
Report Review and Case Number Assignment: Your submitted report will be reviewed by the SDPD. Upon approval, a permanent Case Number will be assigned to your report.
Further Investigation (If Necessary): If your report requires further investigation, you will be contacted by email or telephone. It is important to respond within seven days if contacted.
Report Copy for Your Records: You will be provided with a copy of the official police report for your records.
Check Junk Mail: If you do not receive a confirmation or communication within one week, check your email junk or spam folder.

Ready to File? Start Your Online Report Here

Before you begin, please ensure you meet the following criteria:

You have a valid email address.
You are 18 years of age or older.
The crime occurred within the City of San Diego.
The crime meets the criteria for online reporting (review “Crimes that CANNOT Be Reported Online” above).

If you meet these criteria, you can proceed to submit a police report online by clicking the link below. For examples of how to write effective online reports, review the sample narratives provided by SDPD to understand the required information.

Start Online Report

View Sample Narratives

Other Ways to Report a Crime and Submit Tips

While this guide focuses on how to submit a police report online, remember there are other ways to contact the San Diego Police Department. For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1. You can also contact SDPD through non-emergency phone lines or in person at a police station.

If you have information about a crime and wish to remain anonymous, you can also submit a tip about a crime to the San Diego Police Department. This can be done through various methods, often detailed on the SDPD website.