How to report to police

Reporting a crime as soon as possible can help keep you and other people safe. You don’t have to make a statement or answer questions, but it can help police investigate the crime.  
 
You can still report a crime to the police no matter how long ago the crime happened. 

If you’ve decided to report to police, there are a several ways you can do it. 

If you are in immediate danger, call 111 and ask for police.

If you don’t need to report immediately you can use the police non-emergency contact line 105.  
 
If you have trouble hearing and talking on the phone, you can sign up for the 111 TXT | New Zealand Police(external link) service for emergencies.

If you want to report in person, you can go to a local police station and speak to staff. You may be able to speak to an officer immediately, but it’s a good idea to phone ahead, especially for smaller stations.  

When you make a report, a police officer will ask you to tell them exactly what happened and write down what you say.  
 
Then the police will:  

• give you a case reference number (sometimes known as a PPN number)
• send you a letter or a complaint acknowledgement form
• explain the investigation process
• ask if you want to stay informed about the progress of your case
• ask you how you would like to be contacted
• refer you to support services. 

Reporting a crime and giving a statement are often two separate steps. 

A statement is a detailed account of what happened, based on what you remember. This may happen later and may be taken by a different officer. 

When making a statement, try to tell police everything you remember about what happened. You will be given a copy of your statement. 
 
Police may record a video of you giving your statement. Police will video record the statements of child victims.   
 
Make sure you tell the police officer if:  

• you've left anything out of your statement
• you remember something later
• there’s a mistake in your statement
• your address or phone number change
• there are any dates that you can’t go to court.  

You may find it upsetting, stressful, or tiring to recall events. You may be able to have support person with you while you make the statement. 

The police keep a record of your statement. If the case goes to court, a copy is given to the accused person’s lawyer. 
 
You might be asked to go to court to talk about what is in your statement. If this happens, you be given the name of a Court Victim Advisor who can help you. 

• Road incidents: dial 555 for urgent, but not life-threatening, traffic issues.
• Online harm or scams: can be reported to Netsafe(external link)
• Accessibility: 111 TXT | New Zealand Police(external link) service is available for people with hearing or speech difficulties (registration required).  

Police will record your report and assess whether there’s enough information to investigate. You may be asked to give a formal statement describing what happened.
 
Police may investigate, collect evidence and identify a suspect. Then they’ll decide whether to lay charges. Not all reports lead to charges.  
 
You should be told what action has been taken and be able to request updates.  

Reporting a crime can be emotionally challenging. Support services are available whether or not police investigate.
 
You do not have to navigate the process alone. Police can provide information about victim support services that may be able to assist you and your whānau throughout your journey. 

Find the right support service for you supporting organisations