File a Police Report
Emergency: Call 911
Non-Emergency: BPD Telephone Reporting Unit (TRU) - 410-637-8849
Please note: Only crimes occurring in Baltimore City, Md., may be reported to the Telephone Reporting Unit.
BPD's TRU can take non-emergency calls 7 days a week from 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
In-Person: Visit Your District Headquarters
When to Report Online/Call BPD's Telephone Reporting Unit
Citizens can self-report crimes under the following circumstances:
- The incident is not an emergency
- There are no known suspects
- There are no known witnesses
- The crime is not in progress or just occurred (within the last 30 minutes or more)
- The incident occurred in Baltimore City
- There is no evidence to collect*
- The incident is not a hate / bias crime
- The incident did not occur on a state freeway
- The incident just occurred (Excluding crimes that happened within the last 30 minutes)*
- There was no injury or threat of bodily harm
*In the event that there is video evidence with regards to the incident, the Telephone Reporting Unit officer will advise the complainant they will receive a text message with a website link, where they will be instructed to upload their video to the site.
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.
Non-Emergencies That Can Be Reported Online/Through the Telephone Reporting Unit
- Auto Accident (Excluding tow, injury, or government vehicle)*
- Civil Matters*
- Destruction of Property / Vandalism to Vehicle or other Property
- Lost or Stolen Property
- Larceny
- Larceny from Auto
- Abandoned Vehicles*
- False Pretense (Excluding identity theft)
- Follow-up*
- Hit and Run (Excluding those with identifying striking vehicle info/ Property Damage Only- Please refer to the Crash Reporting Matrix
- Nuisance Complaint (Parking Complaints – excluding blocked driveways and handicapped spaces)*
- Out of Jurisdiction*
- Stolen Auto (Excluding keys left in ignition – citation required)*
- Unauthorized Use (Must include in report narrative that caller was advised on criminal charging procedures)*
- 911 No-Voice *
* Not handled by Online Reporting
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.
Download: Crime Victims and Witnesses Rights and Services Brochure
Victims of crime have certain rights under Maryland law. This pamphlet provides general information about rights and services available to assist you through the aftermath of the crime and through the often complex criminal justice process.
In addition to personal losses suffered as a result of a criminal act committed against you, the experience may have created stress, fear and confusion. Victim/witness assistance programs and other local victim assistance programs may provide information, support and assistance to victims outside the formal criminal justice process.