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The criminal justice process - Reporting
The first step of the criminal justice process is reporting a crime.
Choosing to report a crime is a personal decision. Understanding how to report and learning more about what to expect can take away some of the unknowns and may help you feel more prepared.
How to report a crime
All investigations and cases handled by King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO) must be reported to law enforcement first.
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- Contact your local police/sheriff department.
- Call the non-emergency number or
- Go into you local precinct and speak with an officer.
- Go to a medical center. If you are being treated for injuries resulting from your crime, you can tell a medical professional that you would like to report a crime.
- Sometimes witnesses report a crime for you. You may still be asked to give a statement as to what happened.
- You have a right to access immediate medical assistance before providing a statement to law enforcement
- Keep the police report number. Be sure to ask and keep the police report number. It may be helpful in the future.
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Watch the video: Criminal Justice Process: Investigation and Pre-Filing
Crime victims
Choosing to report a crime can be hard. Please consider calling some of our community providers for extra support during this process.
- Watch the "How to Request a Police Report" video on our website to learn more
- Keep a copy of your statement. If you plan on filing other motions in court, such as a civil protection order, you may be asked to provide a statement again. The court may not have access to your statement from the police report, unless you file a copy of the police report in your case.
- It may be helpful to buy a notebook or keep notes throughout this process.
- We recommend keeping records of any out-of-pocket financial losses such as replacement costs, impound fees, property damage repairs, or medical expenses not covered by insurance or Crime Victim's Compensation for future Restitution claim.