Reporting what you know Questions
Q. Can I report a crime for someone else?
A: Yes you can. The police do prefer that the victim reports the incident directly, because they will know the full details of what happened, but they will be sympathetic to other people making the initial report of the crime. Particularly, in those cases where the victim feels unable to because of the distress it has caused them.
Q. Can I report what I know about a crime at any time?
A: If it is an emergency, you should call 999. However, if it is not an emergency, you should contact your local police station. You should be able to phone them at any time on 0845 600 8000. This will connect you with a PSNI operator who will pass your call to your local station. Most police stations in Northern Ireland are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but there are a few stations which offer limited opening availability. If you are unsure, you should contact the station to check opening hours before you go.
Q. Should I keep a record of what I know or saw?
A: Yes. It is a good idea to write down what you saw or what you know at the time of the incident and keep this information in a safe place.
Q. What should I tell the police?
A: Wherever possible you should tell the police -
- As much information as you can about the incident (location, time, descriptions of those involved);
- If you know who the victim is or how they might be able to contact them;
- If you are worried about your own, or your family's, safety so that they can give you appropriate advice;
- If you think the offence was aggravated by sectarian or racial abuse or hatred or any other form of hostility such as homophobia;
- Details of any other witnesses;
- How the crime has affected you;
- If you have more information about the crime; and
- Your contact details in case the police need to speak to you again.
And later:
- If you change your address or telephone number as the police may need to contact you again. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) may also need to contact you if there is to be a prosecution in the case. If the PPS do decide to prosecute, you may need to attend court;
- If you notice any further changes since the incident, to how the crime has affected you.
Q. What will the police do after a crime has been reported?
A: This usually depends on the type of crime. Generally speaking, the police will make a judgement based on the information that is provided to them as to what investigation will be carried out. A police investigation will involve the police speaking to you about the incident and the investigating officer will discuss and agree a suitable venue where this can take place.
Normally a uniformed officer will attend the scene of any crime initially, but if the crime is serious or sensitive, then a detective will be appointed to contact you and will take over the investigation. The police also have specially trained officers to deal with specific crime such as sexual crime, hate related incidents and domestic violence. You will be able to speak to an officer of the same sex if you wish.
Q. Who else can help?
A: You may know the victim and be aware that he or she is concerned about talking to the police. In such instances, they may find it helpful to talk to someone else for support. Victim Support NI(hyperlink to Victim Support primary site - http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/vsni/vsnihome.html), which is an independent national charity, offers emotional and practical support for victims and witnesses, whether or not they decide to report the crime. Contact details for Victim Support offices and a wide range of other support services for victims and witnesses is provided in the 'Contacts Section' of this walkthrough.