File a Police Report

There are multiple ways to report a crime to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary:

Calls for service to the RNC can be attended to by person or can be handled by an alternative means. The type of response is determined by the information received from the person making the complaint.

Witness Information

It is highly valuable to police if you provide your contact information (name, address, and telephone number) so you can be contacted again if additional information is required and so a record and history of your complaint(s) can be filed.

Information provided by a complainant is a valuable source of information for police when investigating criminal activity in a specific neighbourhood. It can be used to identify crime trends and assist with crime prevention strategies.

Police officers rely on reported information as a starting point for any investigation – accuracy is important. If you are a witness, write down what you saw, heard, or even smelled; your memory is most accurate moments after an occurrence. If a person or vehicle is leaving an area, their direction of travel is vital. Please approach police once a situation is safe – the information you provide might be the “missing piece” in solving the problem. If you do not know the answer to a question, let the police officer know. “I don’t know” is better than guessing.

Tips when calling to report an occurrence:

For people:

  • Basic description: height, weight, and build.
  • Clothing description: writing, distinct patterns or colours. Colour and style of shoes
  • Physical description: distinct marks, scars, jewelry or tattoos. Permanent markings help with identification. If possible, hair colour, length and style; eye color.
  • Interaction: Try to recall exactly what was said and how it was said.

For vehicles:

  • Make, model, and colour.
  • License plate (if possible; a partial is OK too).
  • Identifiable markings or damage (stickers, rusting, and tint).
  • Number of visible occupants
  • If impaired: a driving pattern (i.e.: weaving in lanes, speeds, etc).
  • Direction of travel.

For residences or locations:

  • Entrances and lane ways.
  • If a break and enter: entrance used to gain access or exit; other entrances and how entrance(s) are approached.
  • Is there movement in the location? Are there any lights on? Can you see the individual(s) and what are they doing?

Online Reporting

If this is an emergency and you need a police officer, please call 911 immediately. RNC Online incident reporting is intended for non-emergency complaints.

To use the online reporting system, the incident must have occurred within the jurisdiction of the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and does not require immediate police response. Jurisdictions include:

  • Northeast Avalon (St. John’s and metro region)
  • Corner Brook Region
  • Labrador City, Wabush, Churchill Falls

What Can Be Reported Online:

  • Lost property
  • Theft under $5,000
  • Theft from a motor vehicle
  • Property damage
  • Damage to a vehicle
  • Motor vehicle accidents

After you submit a report online you will receive an email message to confirm receipt of your report. Reports are addressed in the order they are received.