How to Report a Crime

The University of California Police Department is the primary agency for reporting and investigating all crimes that occur on Berkeley campus property. UCPD coordinates responses to crime in adjoining jurisdictions, when requested to do so.

In the event of an emergency, call 911 from anywhere on campus, or call 642-3333 from a cellular phone. To report a crime that is not in progress, or for information, call UCPD at 642-6760. UCPD has personnel available at all times to receive requests for assistance or reports of crime. There are some very good reasons, in addition to prosecuting criminal activity, to promptly report crime.

• Information about certain types of crime may affect the safety of others. These crimes include murder, rape, sexual assault (identity of victims is kept confidential), burglary, robbery, and motor vehicle theft. Timely notification about these crimes will be made to the campus community through the Public Information Office.
• Your report will help UCPD maintain accurate records of the incidence of crime on campus.

"Is This An EMERGENCY?"
When you call the police to report a crime, the dispatcher will first ask you the question above. For your safety, be prepared to answer all the questions the dispatcher asks you - and be specific - Don't downplay the importance of your call. Here are points to immediately consider when reporting a crime:

• Is anyone's life or safety threatened?
• Does anyone need medical assistance or an ambulance?
• Is the suspect still there? (If so, make sure the dispatcher knows this.)
• Does the suspect have a weapon? What kind?

Crimes in progress or involving life threatening circumstances receive the highest priority response. If the crime is still in progress, do what you can to ensure your own safety first. If you are outside your home, get to a public area - an open store, a restaurant or hotel. If at home, go to a safe area of the house, or go outside.

What Police Will Want To Know When You Call
Police need to know basic information about the crime. Expect to hear these types of questions:

where:

• Where are you now?
• Where did the crime happen?
• If the suspects are gone, where did they go? In what direction?
• Did they use a car or some other transportation? Did you get the license number?

what:

• What exactly happened or is happening? Describe the situation in complete detail. (e.g. "Someone has just broken my window and is inside my house...")
• What are the suspect's physical characteristics? (race, sex, height, weight, hair color, etc.)
• What was the suspect wearing? (distinctive colors or clothing?)

when: When did the crime happen - Is it still in progress (This is very important - it may determine the level of response.)

who: Who are you? What phone number are you calling from?

REMEMBER, don't hang up the phone until the dispatcher tells you to do so. You may be put on hold while the dispatcher contacts emergency vehicles.