If you witness a crime in Greenville, South Carolina, these are the recommended steps to follow:
- Ensure Safety and Call 911
If the crime is in progress or there is an immediate danger, prioritize your safety and call 911 right away to report the incident. Emergency responders will be dispatched immediately to the scene.​ - Provide Detailed Information
When reporting, give the 911 operator or police a detailed description, including location, time, description of people involved, their actions, and any vehicle information. Accurate details help law enforcement respond effectively and investigate the crime.​ - Avoid Interfering with the Crime Scene
Do not touch or disturb anything at the scene to preserve evidence. Your role is to observe and report, not to intervene directly to prevent harm or jeopardize investigations.​ - Use Online Incident Reporting for Non-Emergencies
For non-urgent crimes like vandalism, theft without suspects present, or other late reports, Greenville offers an Online Incident Reporting system. This allows you to file a report conveniently without visiting a station or tying up emergency lines.​ - Follow Up and Get Support
Victims and witnesses can access support from Crime Victim Advocates within the Greenville Police Department. They provide guidance about the legal process, emotional support, and help navigating available resources. Keeping the report number and contact information allows you to follow up on the case.​ - Understand Reporting Policies
Greenville Police Department maintains strict policies to ensure all reports are properly documented, with interviews recorded and evidence handled carefully to preserve the integrity of investigations. Your witness statement is an important part of this process.​
Call 911 immediately for emergencies or ongoing crimes.
Provide detailed, accurate observations without disturbing evidence.
Use the Online Incident Reporting system for non-urgent reports.
Seek assistance from victim advocates if affected by the crime.
Follow Greenville Police Department’s guidelines to support effective investigations.
Acting responsibly by reporting crimes promptly and accurately helps protect the community while ensuring your safety and supporting law enforcement efforts in Greenville.​
This guidance provides clear, actionable steps for witnesses to crimes in Greenville to support safety and justice.
SOURCES
[1](https://public.powerdms.com/GPDSC/documents/381128)
[2](https://public.powerdms.com/GPDSC/documents/381184)
[3](https://www.greenvillecounty.org/ForensicDivision/CrimeSceneSection.aspx)
[4](https://www.greenvillenc.gov/government/police/police-reports-and-permits-copy)
[5](https://gcso.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/GO-213.pdf)














