What Happens

After A Crime Has Been Reported

Often, in the first hours, days, or weeks after a crime has been reported, you

may feel lost or confused about what happens next. You may expect the officer

to call and keep you informed about the case. Unless there are unusual

circumstances, the case will usually be processed as follows:

1.

The officer will take the information from you needed to file a police report. The

Officer will do as much follow-up as possible during his tour of duty, depending

on the level of calls for service.

2.

At the end of his shift, the officer will enter all the information he has gathered on

your incident in the Police Department computer. The computer assigns an incident

number which identifies your case.

3.

Each morning the Detective Section reviews the incidents from the previous shifts

to determine what reports will need follow-up by that section. Not all cases are

investigated by detectives. The majority of crimes can and will be investigated by the

original officer. The detectives will investigate the more serious offenses, i.e.,

homicide, suicides, major burglaries and breaking and entering, but not all cases

require a detective for the investigation. The detectives are a resource to the

investigating patrol officer, and your primary contact in most crimes will be the

original responding officer.

4.

If there is a workable suspect, information or clues left behind by the suspect,

the officer(s) will attempt to work your case. If there are no suspects or clues, the

case will be filed as an open case. Usually you will not hear from an officer unless

new evidence develops.

5.

If you or your insurance company needs a copy of the police report, it can be obtained

from the Police Department for a fee of $.50 per page. Most reports are available within

3-4 working days. However, it is best to call 229-8560 to see if your report is available

before coming to the police department.