File a Police Report
Emergency: Call 911
In-Person: Visit Your District Headquarters
Filing a Police Report Online
Before You Submit Your Report: You will need an email address to use the online complaint form. You can file a police report online ONLY if you answer “No” to all of the following questions:
- Is this an emergency?
- Are there any known suspects?
- Are there any witnesses who observed the incident or who could provide information leading to the identity of the suspect?
- Is the crime in progress?
- Has the incident already been reported to police by phone or in person?
- Did the incident occur less than 30 minutes ago?
- Did the incident occur outside of Baltimore City?
- Is there any evidence or fingerprints for police to collect?
- Is the incident a hate or bias crime? (A hate or bias crime is an act that appears to be motivated or is perceived by the victim to be motivated all or in part by race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, ethnic background, sexual orientation or disability.)
- Did the incident occur on a state freeway?
If you answered “No” to all of the above questions, you CAN file your report using the Citizens Online Police Reporting System.
After You Submit Your Report:
When your online report is complete, you will see this message: “Your online police report has been submitted.” You will receive a temporary police report case number and can print a copy of the submitted report.
If further investigation is needed, someone from the department will contact you. When your report has been reviewed and approved, you will receive a Permanent Report Number. You must use this Permanent Report Number to follow up on the incident you reported.
Reports for Vehicle-Related Crashes
The Baltimore Police Department responds to and investigates motor vehicle crashes according to Maryland Law and Policy 905 - Traffic Crash Investigation and Reporting. If you are submitting a report of a vehicle-related crash, be aware that some minor incidents will not require official police documentation. The chart below shows which types of incidents will receive written or online reports.
Crash Reporting Matrix
| Roadways | Roadways - Late Reported | Private Property (includes parking lots) | Government Vehicles & School Busses | Government Vehicls (Non-BPD) Involved with Deer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Damage Only (Non-Disabling) | No Report | No Report | No Report | Report Written | Report Written |
| Property Damage Only (Disabling Damage) | Report Written | No Report | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written |
| Hit & Run (No Striking Vehicle Information) | Online Report Only | Online Report Only | Online Report Only | Report Written | N/A |
| Hit & Run (Striking Vehicle Information Available) | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written | N/A |
| Personal Injury | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written |
| Serious Personal Injury or Fatal | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written | Report Written |
Maryland Code, Criminal Law Prohibiting False Reporting of a Crime
Section 9-501
1. Prohibited - A person may not make, or cause to be made a statement, report, or complaint that the person knows to be false as a whole or in material part, to a law enforcement officer of the State....
2. Penalty - A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.9-503, of the Annotated Code of Maryland.
Section 9-503
1. Prohibited - A person who makes a false statement or report of a crime or causes such a false report or statement to be made to any official or agency of this State, knowing the same, or any material part thereof, to be false and with intent that such official or agency investigate, consider or take action in connection with such statement or report.
2. Penalty - A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of not more than $500, or be imprisoned not more than six months, or be both fined and imprisoned, in the discretion of the court. Online reporting is designed to make filing a police report easier and more convenient for you; however, not every crime can be reported online. In most cases, you may report lost property, destruction of property and theft online.