How do I Report a Crime?
There are different ways to report a crime. You should choose the option that is best for you. If you decide to report the crime to law enforcement, you can either call 911 or Central Dispatch. Some crimes, like human trafficking, elder abuse, or financial fraud, can also be reported to other types of agencies.
Call 911 if this is an emergency
Your safety is important. If this is an emergency situation, dial 911 right away. Don't wait to report the crime later.
Make sure you have all the information ready
Dispatch will ask you for some information about the crime you're reporting. Make sure you have all of this readily available:
- Street address where the crime took place– the exact address, intersection, place name (for example shopping center, school, hotel, etc.)
- City, State, and Zip Code
- Date of the Incident
- Time of the Incident
- The nature of the emergency (what is going on right now, description of people and/or vehicles involved, any weapons involved, how long ago did the incident occur)
- If it is a medical emergency, you will be asked questions about the patient’s physical condition
- Your (the caller’s) name and telephone number – a request to remain anonymous will be honored
- Whether you want an officer to respond to see you
- To be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. Call takers can provide step-by-step information about what to do until help arrives.
Call the non-emergency line
To report a crime, give Central Dispatch (non-emergency) a call. Their phone number 989-831-5253. They will determine the best fit for your needs whether that be an officer visit to you, a call back from an officer, or another agency all together.
Make sure you have all the information ready
Dispatch will ask you for some information about the crime you're reporting. Make sure you have all of this readily available:
- Street address where the crime took place– the exact address, intersection, place name (for example shopping center, school, hotel, etc.)
- City, State, and Zip Code
- Date of the Incident
- Time of the Incident
- The nature of the call (what is going on right now, description of people and/or vehicles involved, how long ago did the incident occur)
- Your (the caller’s) name and telephone number – a request to remain anonymous will be honored
- Whether you want an officer to respond to see you
- To be prepared to follow any instructions the call-taker gives you. Call takers can provide step-by-step information about what to do until help arrives.
Come to the Public Safety Department
Visit us at 415 S. Lafayette St. to report a crime. It is important to know that your crime must have happened in the City of Greenville limits proper for us to help you. If you are unsure if we are the place to go call us at 616-754-9161 or Central Dispatch (non-emergency). If you visit the station in person, keep in mind you may have to wait until an officer is available to take your report
Some crimes can also be reported to other agencies
Calling 911, Central Dispatch, or Greenville Public Safety, might not be the best fit for your situation. Please look at the information on the specialized agencies below and see if these reporting sites might be a better fit.
- Adult Protective Services
- Find your local APS
- See information on Elder Abuse
- Child Protective Services
- Visit ChildHelp to find your local Child Protective Services phone number.
- See information on Child Abuse and Neglect
- Cybercrime or other internet crime
- Financial Fraud and Identity Theft
- See information on Financial Fraud
- Human Trafficking
- National Human Trafficking Hotline
- See information on Human Trafficking
- Information on a Missing Child or Online Exploitation of a child
- Suspected terrorism or criminal activity