Report or Help Solve a Crime
FAQs Concerning Reporting or Helping to Solve a Crime
Do you want to know how to report a crime or suspicious activity? Have you seen some drug activity and want to report it anonymously? Would you like to provide information that might help solve a crime? You can find out how to handle all these situations and more.
I want to know . . .
- How do I report a crime or suspicious activity?
- Can I report illegal drug activity anonymously?
- How do I report an illegal firearm?
- How do I report a firearm offense?
- How do I file a citizen crime report?
- What can I do to help solve a crime?
- How do I report a Special Victim crime?
- How do I report prostitution activitity?
- What should I do if I see someone spraying graffiti or committing some other minor violation?
- How do I report a crime or report a traffic accident?
- How do I check on the status of my crime investigation?
How Do I Report a Crime or Suspicious Activity?
If you are concerned about unusual occurrences or people in your neighborhood, call our non-emergency number: (510) 777-3333.
This kind of information is very helpful:
- The time you noticed the person or activity
- How they were dressed
- How they walked
- Car make, model, color and license plate number.
- Call 9-1-1 when an IMMEDIATE police, fire, or medical response is necessary to protect lives or property.
After a crime has occurred, call (510) 777-3333 to report it. (For example, if you return home and find that your home has been burglarized and the suspect is gone.)
You can also file a Citizen Crime Report online. The online system allows you to get a police report case number and print a copy of the police report to keep for your records at no cost. The Online Citizen Reporting System can only be used to report:
- Lost Property
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Vehicle Burglary
- Vehicle Tampering
You cannot use the Oakland Police Department Police Online Citizen Reporting System to report:
- Residential Burglary
- Commercial Burglary
- Auto Theft
For these types of crime, call (510) 777-3333 to make a report.
Notes: Please make sure to turn off your pop-up blocking software before filing the report.
Remember, if you file an online report, no fingerprints can be taken.
Can I Report Illegal Drug Activity Anonymously?
Yes, you may leave a confidential, anonymous message on our recorded hotline. The information you provide will be used for police investigative purposes and will not generate an immediate police response.
- Call 238-DRUG = (510) 238-3784
How Do I Report an Illegal Firearm? How Do I Report a Firearm Offense?
- Call our anonymous hotline: 535-GUNS = (510) 535-4867
Or call the Weapons Unit: (510) 238-3728
How Do I File a Citizen Crime Report?
You can submit information online and print your own copy of the police report. All cases filed using the Citizen Crime Report will be reviewed. You can report the following:
- Lost Property - Things missing (not stolen) from home or lost in a restaurant.
- Theft - Anything taken without your permission or that you know has been stolen. (Except in the case of stolen vehicles, residential theft or commercial burglary, as listed in the note below.)
- Vandalism - Changing, modifying or defacing property (public or private). Examples of vandalism include graffiti, knocking over mail boxes, or throwing rocks through windows.
- Vehicle Burglary - Anything stolen from a motor vehicle, whether equipment or belongings.
- Vehicle Tampering - Acts of tampering with or vandalizing a motor vehicle, including keying, breaking windows, or attempting to remove parts.
You cannot use the Oakland Police Department Police Online Citizen Reporting System to report:
- Residential Burglary
- Commercial Burglary
- Auto Theft
For these types of crime, call (510) 777-3333 to make a report.
Notes: Please make sure to turn off your pop-up blocking software before filing the report.
Remember, if you file an online report, no fingerprints can be taken.
What Can I Do to Help Solve a Crime?
Call Bay Area Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-TIPS = 1-800-222-8477
How Do I Report a Special Victim Crime?
- Call the Sexual Assault Tip Line: (510) 637-0298. All messages received are addressed within 24 hours during normal business days.
- Or call the Special Victims Unit: (510) 238-7910.
The Special Victims Unit investigates all cases involving:
- Sexual assault.
- Physical abuse of children.
- Sexual abuse of children.
- Sexual exploitation of children (child prostitution, child pornography, child sex rings, Internet crimes against children, and sexual tourism of children).
How Do I Report Prostitution Activity?
- Call our Prostitution Tip Line at (510) 238-2373.
- You can also email us at: youthandfamilyservices@oaklandnet.com.
What Should I Do If I See Someone Spraying Graffiti or Committing Some Other Minor Violation?
- Call police non-emergency at (510) 777-3333. An officer will be dispatched as soon as possible.
- Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with as much information as possible about the suspect(s), such as:
- Sex, race, clothing
- Approximate age, height and weight
- Car make, model and license
How Do I Report a Crime or Report a Traffic Accident?
- If it is not an emergency, call police non-emergency at (510) 777-3333.
- If it is an emergency (crimes in progress or traffic accidents in which someone is injured), call 9-1-1 (cell phone = (510) 777-3211)
How Do I Check on the Status of My Crime Investigation?
- Call the Criminal Investigation Division at (510) 238-3744.
- Provide the last name of the complainant, the type of crime, and the report number, if known.
- An assigned investigator will assist you.
