What Is a Police Incident Report?
A police incident report summarizes an event that involves a crime, such as theft, vandalism, or assault. It gives all the facts, including the location and what happened. It also explains if anything was damaged or if anyone was injured.
Someone who’s in charge, like a supervisor or security personnel, completes a police incident report. They speak with witnesses to get the most accurate details possible.
Our police incident report template helps you collect all the facts to support insurance claims and court cases. It also helps police as they try to figure out what went wrong. Use this online form to create accountability and prevent similar issues in the future.
Reporting Other Incidents
If you need to report an event that wasn’t a crime, use another type of incident report, such as a near-miss incident report. You can also use a security incident report to document a security incident.
How to Get a Police Incident Report Form
Legal Templates offers a police incident report form for collecting information about a law violation. It lets an authority figure document what happened and provides witness statements.
Note: A police incident report form isn’t the same as a police report form. A police incident report lets on-site personnel record what happened with the parties involved, but a police report is the official document that police officers fill out. It often becomes part of the public record and is used for official legal processes.
How to Write a Police Incident Report
When you witness criminal activity, follow these steps to write a police incident report.
1. Name the Reporting Person
Identify the person reporting the police incident. This person should be someone who’s responsible for overseeing the event or scene.
2. Describe the Incident
Describe the incident as it took place. Use your personal account and witness statements to create an accurate account. Be sure to name any witnesses and provide their contact details.
As far as the incident goes, provide details of the date, location, and event description. Give identifying information about the victim(s) and other people involved. Be sure to note any property damage or injuries.
Stay Neutral
Avoid speculation when filling out this form. Instead of naming potential suspects, stick to the known facts.
3. Explain the Action Taken
Specify if law enforcement came to the scene and describe any action they took. Also, explain if anyone received medical treatment related to the crime.
4. Provide Evidence & Date
Note if any party was able to collect or observe any evidence. Indicate if you want to attach supporting documentation. List the date that you’re completing the report to provide context.
Police Incident Report Sample
View a free sample of a police incident report. When you’re ready, fill out your own via our police incident report template. Provide pertinent information to the police by getting the final copy as a PDF or Word file.
How to Report an Incident to the Police
Report illegal activity to law enforcement officers as soon as possible. Depending on the type of crime and where you live, the law enforcement agency you report to may differ.
If you’re experiencing an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, visit USA.gov to report crime online. You can also submit a statement to your local sheriff’s office or police department.
If you filled out our police incident report when a crime occurred, you can use the details on it to support your official telling to the police.
Summarize a Police Incident with Legal Templates
If illegal activity happens on your watch, record it with our fully customizable police incident report template. We help you collect all the details so you can keep an internal file. Plus, you can have the information readily available if needed to aid police efforts or legal cases.
