What to Do If You Witness Crime in Greenville

If you witness a crime in Greenville, South Carolina, here is what you should do to ensure safety and proper reporting:

1. In an Emergency or Crime in Progress
   Always call 911 immediately if you witness a violent crime, an emergency situation, or if the crime is currently happening. This ensures that police and emergency responders are dispatched promptly to contain the situation and provide assistance.​
2. If It Is Not an Emergency
   For non-emergency crimes or incidents that do not require immediate police presence, you can report online through the Greenville County Online Incident Reporting System. This allows you to file reports for crimes such as credit card fraud, theft, identity theft, or vandalism conveniently without needing to visit a police station.​
3. Provide Detailed Information
   When reporting, whether by phone or online, try to give as much detail as possible including descriptions of individuals (age, gender, race, clothing), vehicles involved (make, model, license plate number, color), the location and time of the incident, and any other relevant observations. Avoid disturbing the crime scene or touching anything involved in the crime.​
4. Protect Yourself
   Do not attempt to intervene or confront suspects. Your safety is the top priority. Observe from a safe distance and document what you see to provide accurate information to law enforcement officers.​
5. Follow Up
   If you are a victim, witness, or someone who reported the crime, keep any reference number given and contact police for updates if needed. The Greenville Police Department offers services to assist victims following a crime.​
6. Contact Non-Emergency Police Line
   For community concerns or non-urgent crime reports, the Greenville Police Department’s non-emergency number is 864-271-5333. This can be used for incidents that do not threaten immediate safety.​

Dial 911 for emergencies or an ongoing crime.

Use the Online Incident Reporting System for non-emergencies.

Provide detailed and accurate information without interfering with the scene.

Keep your safety a priority and avoid engagement with suspects.

Follow up with police if necessary.

These guidelines help ensure crimes are reported effectively while keeping witnesses and the community safe. The Greenville Police Department encourages civic responsibility paired with careful caution to support law enforcement in maintaining public safety.​

This advice is essential for anyone witnessing a crime in Greenville to act appropriately and responsibly.

SOURCES

[1](https://www.greenvillenc.gov/government/police/police-reports-and-permits-copy)
[2](https://public.powerdms.com/GPD19/documents/1797732)
[3](https://public.powerdms.com/GPD19/documents/759885)
[4](https://www.sled.sc.gov/forms/cjis/SCIBRS%20Manual%202025.pdf)
[5](https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/law_enforcement_and_safety/making-report/index.php)