How to File a Police Report

The Santa Monica Police Department provides an alternate way to file police reports for minor incidents that are not in progress.

If this incident is in-progress or the crime has just occurred, immediately call 911.

For any other incident requiring an in-person response, please call the non-emergency dispatcher at 310-458-8491.

Online reports are intended for offenses that do not require a police response. Completing an online report is for documentation and/or insurance purposes only and will not result in a police officer responding to the scene. This does not preclude follow-up investigation by a detective or other Police Department personnel if further investigation is needed.

Continue the Process:

The below listed crimes/ incidents can be reported utilizing our online reporting tool:

  • Theft from building
  • Theft from vehicle
  • Theft of motor vehicle parts or accessories
  • Theft of bicycles
  • Destruction, damage, or vandalism of property
  • Graffiti
  • Pickpocketing
  • Purse snatching
  • Shoplifting
  • Identity Theft
  • Theft from coin-operated device
  • Lost property
  • Intimidating/annoying phone calls
  • Supplement previously submitted reports.

Residents can utilize the supplemental report feature to add more information to police reports that have been submitted online or reported in person to a police officer or other police employee.

  1. Confirm you meet the criteria for filing a report online.

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    Police reports can be filed online only when they meet the following criteria: 

    • The suspect was not seen or cannot be described
    • There is no physical evidence to be examined or collected such as fingerprints or DNA
    • The incident occurred within the city limits of Santa Monica

  2. Complete the online form.

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    To complete the online form, click here.

    After the Report Is Submitted

    • After completing your report, it will be forwarded to the Santa Monica Police Department for review. You will also receive a temporary case number for your records.
    • You may be notified by email if any further information is needed prior to your report being approved.
    • Upon approval of your submission, you will receive an email advising that your approved report is ready with the official case number.

    To request a copy of a police report, click here.

If your report cannot be completed online, please call the Communications Center at (310) 458-8491. The dispatcher that answers your call will ask a host of  questions to determine whether a report is necessary and how you should go about completing the report. Depending on the situation, you may be directed to come to the Public Safety Facility, or wait for an officer to be sent out to the incident location within Santa Monica. 

  1. Call (310) 458-8491

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If you are advised to come to the Public Safety Facility at 333 Olympic Drive, go to the front desk in the lobby of the first floor (entrance is on Olympic Drive) and let the officer know that you need to file a police report. Please keep in mind that Monday through Friday, the hours between 9am to 5pm are the busiest times for the Public Safety Facility. While we do our best to accommodate everyone as quickly as possible, you may encounter a long wait during these times.

  1. Visit 333 Olympic Drive, Santa Monica, CA 90401

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