Reporting Suspicious Activity

Whether you live within, work within, or are simply passing through the City of Greensboro, we, the Greensboro Police Department, encourage you to report suspicious activity.  The first step in preventing crime is to take away the opportunity. One way of taking away the opportunity is to report suspicious activity. Here are a few guidelines:

If you are reporting a crime-in-progress, emphasize that point first when talking with the dispatcher. Then, stay on the phone to give the dispatcher all additional information. If you wish to be contacted by the responding officer, please inform the dispatcher of your request.

In the event you see a suspicious person, you are encouraged to watch the person. Suspicious circumstances are not always considered criminal in nature. The response time can be extended depending on the time of day, number of calls for service, and information you give the dispatcher. If you see activity that you deem as “suspicious”, please call police dispatch to report it and include why you think it is suspicious. The dispatcher might not be aware of recent crimes in your area that you are familiar with. 

· Example: A person walking down the street "looking suspicious" would not be as high a priority as a person walking down the street trying to open car doors. Remember to tell the dispatcher WHY you think the activity or person is suspicious.  

If you see an unfamiliar vehicle parked on your street – if possible, record the license number and description of the vehicle. If the vehicle is occupied and the occupant(s) appears suspicious, CALL THE POLICE, 9-1-1. DO NOT approach the vehicle.

You need not identify yourself, however, the Police Department appreciates knowing who called, since they may need additional information after the officer arrives. 

If you are not sure if your call is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

The Operator will tell you what to do or refer you to a business line.

If you know your call is non-emergency, the number to call is 373-2222.

All citizens are the “eyes and ears” of their local law enforcement agency and are a vital part of fighting crime effectively. Only by joining together can we reduce the opportunity for a crime to occur and help each other make Greensboro the safe and enjoyable place it is to live.