Using the online reporting system allows you to submit a report immediately and print a temporary copy of the report for free.  Please confirm the following to find out if online reporting is right for you:

• Is this an emergency?
• Did this incident occur outside of the city limits of Palo Alto? 
• Did this occur on a state freeway?
• Are you under 18 years old?

If you answered "no" to all the questions above, you are ready to file your report online.  Please make sure to turn off your pop-up blocking software before filing the report.  If you answered "yes" to any of the questions above, please refer to our Online Reporting Frequently Asked Questions page.

Reports can be filed online from a computer or any Internet-enabled mobile device 24/7 by clicking the "Start Online Report" link below or by calling 833-290-3185 from an Internet-enabled mobile phone to receive a text with a link.

Please note that the crime you are reporting online must meet the following guidelines:

• The reporting party must be the victim.
• The crime/incident must have occurred within the City of Palo Alto.
• Crimes with suspect information or physical evidence (gloves, pry tools, etc.) needing collection may NOT be reported using this system. 
• Stolen vehicles, stolen license plates, and stolen firearms may NOT be reported using this system.
• For thefts, the value of the total loss must be less than $5000.

It is a crime to file a false police report.

Using the Palo Alto Police Department's online reporting system, you can report the following types of incidents:

• Auto burglary or thefts from vehicles
• Vandalism of personal property (if not classified as a hate crime)
• Lost property (personal property that has been lost or misplaced within Palo Alto)
• Harassing phone calls (hang-ups, obscene language, etc.)
• Minor traffic collisions (non-injury, property damage only)
• Hit and run non-injury traffic collisions
• Thefts of bicycles
• Thefts of vehicle parts (such as a catalytic converter or hood ornament)
• Identity theft involving credit card fraud
• Phone scams
• Child custody order violation 
• Traffic complaint
• Shoplifting where no prosecution is desired
• Supplement (for an approved online report or an existing Palo Alto Police report)

After submission of a report, you will immediately receive a temporary report number and be able to print a copy of the report you made for your records.

All incidents reported will be reviewed and, upon approval, will become an official police report.  If further investigation of your report is needed, you will be contacted by an officer via email or phone

Please click on this link for further information: Online Reporting Frequently Asked Questions