Hello everyone-
I wanted to answer some questions about using our “on-line” reporting I’ve been advocating in recent months. Some people have expressed frustration with trying to use our on-line reporting systems. Below are some tips and guidelines for when to use on-line reporting, versus calling the non-emergency line (and of course 911 for emergencies).
Here are the minimum requirements to use the on-line reporting system. These requirements must be met to enter a report.
• The incident must not be an emergency
• The incident must not be an in-progress crime
• This incident occurred either within unincorporated King County or within city limits of Burien or Sea-Tac.
• There are no known suspects
• There was no evidence left behind
• This did not occur on a state freeway
• This did not occur on Sound Transit or a Metro bus, or at a Park & Ride
• You are the victim of the crime
• You have a valid e-mail address
All of the above must be “true” before you can file an on-line report.
For example: If your neighborhood experiences a mail theft, you cannot use the on-line reporting system unless you were one of the residents who had mail stolen. Even if you witnessed the mail theft, yet were not a victim, you cannot use the online reporting. A more appropriate way to report the above mail theft, if you are not the direct victim, is to call the non-emergency line at 206-296-3311 (if the mail theft is not in progress. Of course, call 911 if the mail theft is in-progress / just occurred (within 10 minutes.)) Although mail theft was used in this example, the guidance applies to any criminal activity.
It should be noted, a victim’s address does not have to be in King County Sheriff's Office jurisdiction to report a crime. Reporting a crime only requires the crime occurred in King County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. If you are not sure of the jurisdiction (or do not meet any other online reporting criteria) you will be notified.
A date of birth is required by the person making the online report to ensure the documentation of the victim’s age for National Incident-Based Reporting System requirements. (Remember only the victim of a crime can use the online reporting system.) Additionally, a driver’s license or state identification card number is requested (to avoid duplication in our report system). The driver’s license or ID card does not have to be from Washington State.
In general, on-line reporting is a great way to save you time in reporting crimes that are not in progress, there is no suspect information, or there is no evidence to be collected. You can also report narcotic activity in your neighborhood or make a traffic complaint using the on-online reporting. For on-line reporting go to:
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/sheriff.
On-line reporting is available in English, Cambodian, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese. More languages are coming in the future.
Remember, to report any suspicious activity or a crime that is not in-progress, call the non-emergency line at 206-296-3311. For crimes that have just occurred or in-progress, please call 911, immediately.
Finally, many people ask about abandoned vehicles in their neighborhood. Report abandoned vehicle to 206-205-0969 or suspicious vehicles to the police non-emergency line at 206-296-3311.
Abandoned inoperable vehicles with significant damage (aka “Junk vehicles”) can be reported on-line:
https://kingcounty.gov/depts/dnrp/solid-.
Thank you as always for your assistance and support! We encourage you to report any and all crime.
The information gathered from reporting crime, directly contributes to the management of limited police resources.
Very Respectfully,
Jimmy
James G Mitchell
Deputy, KCSO
West Hill Community Crime Prevention Officer
(206) 296-3311 (police non-emergency)
(206) 477-1240 (storefront direct)
(206)-255-7647 (voice mail)
View what's happening on crimereports.com
https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/sheriff.
"See Something. Say Something. Call 206-296-3311 or 911 for emergencies"