Can I call the police department to report a problem and still remain anonymous?
Yes you can. There is no requirement to give your name or address when making a call to the police department. However, it is extremely helpful if the responding officer has someone to contact either in person or by telephone to get more specific information to effectively address the problem.


Many times officers respond to an anonymous call about an incident and either cannot find the origin of the problem with the information given or the situation changes prior to their arrival but they have no way of knowing that. This can result in frustrated officers and the citizen feeling that the police department didn't do anything about their call.


We realize that in some circumstances, a person may not want neighbors to know that they have called the police and they don't want an officer to come to their door. However, something as simple as a telephone number by which to reach the complainant can make a significant difference in whether or not a situation is corrected or goes undiscovered or unidentified. You merely inform the call taker that you do not wish to be contacted in person but that the officer may call you in they need more information.

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?
2. Do I have to come to the police station to make a report?
3. Can I make a police report over the telephone?
4. Can the police help me with a dispute with my landlord?
5. What should I do if I'm pulled over by the police?
6. If I want to report something that is not an emergency, do I call 911 or another number?
7. Why does it take officers longer to respond to some calls than others?
8. Why don't I see more officers patrolling my neighborhood?
9. Why do the 911 operators ask so many questions when I call?
10. Can I call the police department to report a problem and still remain anonymous?
11. Is there a waiting period before I can report somebody as missing?
12. Can I use 911 on my cellphone to report an emergency or drunk driver on the road?
13. Can the Summit Police help me if I lock my keys in my car?
14. Does the police department ever contact citizens asking for donations over the phone?