Tips on reporting crime
Roseway’s contact in the Portland Police Bureau recommends the following when reporting crime. This is specifically geared toward reporting shots fired, but most applies to other crimes:
Report suspicious activity* to dispatch so that a log can be created, and officers can respond if appropriate
Always contact police if bullets and casings are located so that officers can collect them for evidence and testing
Encourage area residents to call 911 anytime they hear gunshots (often people don’t call in because they assume their neighbors will call. There are some instances where shootings occurs, and nobody ends up calling them in). The more callers, the more lead to follow-up on since everyone hears and sees something slightly different
* Call 9-1-1 for a crime in progress, report a fire, or call for an ambulance.. For other reports, including suspicious activity, call 3-1-1 or consult this guide. Note that suspicious activity can be defined as any behavior that causes alarm. Behavior is what makes someone’s activities suspicious, not their appearance, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or housing status.