How to Tips: Should I File a Police Report?

Have you ever had a crime committed against you such as your car broken into, your lawn mower stolen, lost your wallet or had your bicycle stolen and you were not sure if you should call the Police?

Do you call the Police to report the crime or just let it go?  Am I obligated to call the Police?  Can I just cut my losses, forget about it, move on and not get the Police involved?

These questions are very common for most people who have had a crime committed against them.  Of course there are crimes that you truly should report just to protect yourself such as the loss of your wallet because there is a chance your identity could be stolen.  Some say that if there is ‘no follow up or evidence then why waste your time and the time of the Police.

It’s my hope that this article will help clear any confusion and help you decide if you “Should or Shouldn’t file a Police Report”….consider these helpful tips. 

How Are Police Reports Used?  

Catching Criminals

First of all, it’s important to know that Law Enforcement and the community must work together as a “Partnership” in order to sufficiently combat crime so, reporting crime helps the Police in many different ways.

If someone has committed a crime against you the best way to start action against that person is to file a “Preliminary” Police report.  You file a Preliminary report by calling the Police to respond to your home or you can go to the Police station to speak with a Police Officer or Detective.

After the preliminary report is taken the report generates an investigation by a Police Detective who will follow up with you within a few days.  The Detective will gather more details and evidence about the incident and then determine if there is enough evidence to file the case with the City Attorney’s Office. 

Tracking Crime

Police Departments use Police reports to track crime.  It’s really the only true way to know where crime is being committed.  Picture for a moment a map of the surrounding area you live in.  The Police use a tracking system that pin points all the crime that is reported and places a red dot on the map.  In a short period of time it will become obvious to the Police where most of the crime is being committed and then Police resources will be directed to patrol more in that area.