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File A Police Report

This article provides information on filing a non-emergency police report with the South Bend Police Department. It outlines the three available reporting methods—phone, in-person, and online—and provides guidance on the types of incidents that are eligible for each method.


Where can I File a Police Report?

The South Bend Police Department offers three ways to file a report:


When can I File A Police Report?

Non-emergency police reports can be filed by phone or in person during the following times:

  • Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • Observed City Holidays (see list here) 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    • Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

Online reporting is available anytime.


What types of reports can I file by phone?

Records specialists can take the following incident reports by phone:

  • Larceny, including vehicles
  • Vandalism (Except gang graffiti)
  • Harassing phone calls
  • Found/lost property
  • Gas drive offs
  • Preliminary reports for Child Protective Services
  • Supplemental reports (Additional information for a report already taken)

For some incident types, the Records Specialists will need to send an Officer to the scene. If the incident you call about cannot be reported by phone, the Records Specialist will advise you on the appropriate steps. The following types of calls require an officer to initiate a report:

  • Domestic violence
  • Assault resulting in serious injuries
  • Burglary (Including garage break ins)
  • Robbery
  • Accidents and public accidents
  • Rape
  • Homicide
  • Arson
  • Cancellation of runaway (Must bring person to police department to identify)
  • Cancellation of Motor Vehicle Theft
    • Officer must be dispatched, OR
    • Complainant AND Vehicle must be present at the South Bend Police Department


What types of reports can I file in-person?

The following types of reports can be done at the front desk in person:

  • Motor vehicle theft
  • Assault not involving serious injuries
  • Threat reports
  • Fraud
  • Missing persons and escapees
  • Shoplifting reports
  • Report a runaway
  • Cancellation of missing person report


What types of reports can I file online?

The following types of reports can be done online through the Citizens Online Police Reporting Tool:

  • Harassing Phone Call(s)
  • Lost Property
  • Minor Vehicle Accident
  • Miscellaneous Complaint
  • Theft
  • Traffic Complaint
  • Vandalism
  • Vehicle Larceny
  • Vehicle Tampering

Online report filing is right for you if: 

  • This is not an emergency.
  • This incident occurred within the South Bend Police Department city limits.
  • There are no known suspects
  • This did not occur on a state freeway.