Report a crime

Find out who to contact to get immediate help in an emergency, file a police report, and report different types of crime.

What to do in an emergency

To report an emergency outside your area, you must contact the local law enforcement agency where the emergency is taking place. Search online for that local law enforcement agency’s website to find their 10-digit phone number.

How to file a police report or report crime anonymously

To file a police report, search online for the local law enforcement agency’s contact information where the crime occurred.

Most local law enforcement agencies accept anonymous tips or crime reports online or by phone. To learn more, contact your local police department.

How to report a crime

Crimes involving children

Child abuse and neglect:

• Call 911 in an emergency.
• Contact your state child protective agency.
• Contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:
  • Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
  • Text 1-800-422-4453.
  • Report abuse through live chat.

  Child pornography

  • File a report online at CyberTipline.org.
  • Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

  Kidnapping inside the U.S.

  • Call 911 in an emergency
  • Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) and learn what to do if your child is missing.

  International kidnapping

  • If your child is still in the U.S., call 911. And learn from the Department of State how to stop a child abduction in progress.
  • If a parent or legal guardian has abducted your child and taken them abroad, contact:
    • Your local law enforcement
    • The Department of State Office of Children’s Issues

    Human trafficking

    • File a report online at CyberTipline.org.
    • Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

    Domestic abuse

    • Call 911 in an emergency.
    • Contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline:
      • Call 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233).
      • Text “START” to 88788.
      • Report abuse through a live chat on their website.