You can typically use the online portal if: * The incident occurred within New York City. * There is no known suspect or immediate danger. * The incident falls under eligible categories, such as lost property, minor theft (petty larceny), or criminal mischief/property damage. To use this method, visit the official NYPD website and navigate to their online reporting section. Follow the prompts to enter the details of the incident. Once submitted, the report is reviewed, and you will receive a temporary tracking number followed by an official police report number once approved. ### Calling 311 For non-emergency situations that do not fit the online reporting criteria, calling 311 is the standard method in New York City. The 311 operator can route your concern to the appropriate local agency or precinct. If you are calling from outside New York City, you can reach the city's non-emergency services by dialing the designated 311 out-of-state number, which can be found on the official NYC 311 website.
### Visiting the 79th Precinct in Person If you prefer to speak with an officer directly or need to file a report that cannot be completed online, you can visit the 79th Precinct station house. The precinct is located in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. Before visiting, it is recommended to verify the current address and desk hours on the official NYPD precinct directory website. When filing in person, be prepared for potential wait times depending on the volume of activity at the station. ### Calling the Precinct Directly For administrative inquiries or to follow up on an existing issue, you can call the precinct's administrative phone line. Because precinct phone numbers and staff assignments can change, always verify the current contact number on the official NYPD website rather than relying on third-party directories. ## Information Needed Before Starting
To ensure your report is processed efficiently, gather all relevant details before contacting the police or submitting an online form. You will generally need to provide: * Your full legal name, contact information, and identification. * The exact date, time, and location where the incident occurred. * A clear, factual description of what happened. * Information regarding any lost or damaged property, including serial numbers, approximate value, and physical descriptions. * Any photos, video footage, or documents related to the incident. ## Important Limitations Non-emergency reporting channels should never be used for crimes in progress or situations involving immediate danger. If you require urgent medical assistance, see a crime occurring in real time, or face an immediate threat to life or property, call 911 immediately. Additionally, filing a false police report is a crime. Ensure all information provided in your report is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
## How to Verify Precinct Information Because municipal boundaries, contact numbers, and reporting policies can update, always verify details directly through official city channels. The official NYPD website (nyc.gov/nypd) and the NYC 311 portal are the most reliable sources for up-to-date precinct locations, contact numbers, and online filing tools.
