When an incident is not an emergency and other criteria are met, online crime reporting is a quick and convenient method for making police reports. The system is available 24/7 and is accessible from any computer, tablet or smartphone. For certain designated crime categories, persons wishing to report can do so online instead of waiting for an officer to call or meet in person.
In 2022, the Winnipeg Police Service received more than 48,000 online police reports.
As of July 2023, in addition to a broad range of categories that may be reported online, four categories are now mandatory online reports and not eligible for phone or in-person police response.
New Mandatory Online Reports:
- Vehicle Hit & Runs (when unoccupied)
- Damage/Mischief to a vehicle (other than during a collision)
- Theft from a Vehicle
- Fraud involving Counterfeit Bills
Upon completing an online report, citizens are given a report number and their report is sent to the appropriate investigative unit for follow-up.
It is important to know that online reports receive the same attention as a report taken by way of traditional police response (in-person, telephone, etc.).
When reporting a crime online, the incident must not be an emergency, it must have occurred in the City of Winnipeg, and the reporting person needs an active email address.