How to Contact and Work With Your City Police Department

What a city police department does and how to reach yours

Your city police department handles law enforcement within city limits—responding to crimes, managing traffic, investigating reports, and patrolling neighborhoods. The department is run by a police chief who reports to the city manager or mayor, and it operates under city ordinances and state law. To reach your local department, call the non-emergency line during business hours for questions, reports that don't need immediate response, or to file a complaint. Call 911 for emergencies only.

Most South Carolina cities post their police department's phone number, hours, and address on the city's official website. You can also find the non-emergency number by searching "[your city name] police department" online or calling your city hall main line and asking to be transferred. Having the non-emergency number saved in your phone is useful for situations like reporting a theft after the fact, asking about a traffic ticket, or requesting a police report for insurance purposes.

Key Takeaways

• Call 911 only for emergencies—crimes in progress, injuries, threats, or situations where someone is in immediate danger.
• Use the non-emergency line to report crimes that already happened, ask questions about procedures, or file complaints about police conduct.
• Your city police department's non-emergency number and address are listed on your city's official website or available through city hall.
• Police reports for insurance claims, background checks, or court cases can usually be requested in person, by phone, or online through your department's records division.
• If you witness a crime or have information about one, you can report it anonymously through most departments' tip lines or online reporting systems.

When to call 911 versus the non-emergency line

Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger, a crime is happening right now, someone has a weapon, there is a traffic accident with injuries, or a fire or medical emergency is occurring. Dispatchers are trained to handle these calls and will send the appropriate response. Stay on the line, answer their questions, and follow their instructions.

Use the non-emergency line for everything else: reporting a car theft that happened overnight, asking about a traffic citation, requesting a police report, filing a noise complaint, reporting suspicious activity you observed earlier, or asking how to file a complaint about an officer. Response times for non-emergency calls are longer than for 911, but the department will still investigate and document your report. Many departments now accept non-emergency reports online through their website, which can be faster than calling.

How to file a police report

To file a report, contact your police department's non-emergency line or visit the station in person during business hours. Have details ready: what happened, when it happened, where it happened, who was involved, and any property or money involved. If you have photos, video, or written evidence, bring those too. The officer or dispatcher will take your statement and create a report number, which you will need for insurance claims or court cases.

Some departments allow you to file certain reports online—typically for theft, lost property, or minor incidents where no suspect is present. Check your city's police website to see if online reporting is available. If you file online, you will usually receive a report number by email within a few hours. For serious crimes like assault, burglary, or robbery, you will likely need to speak with an officer in person or by phone so they can gather detailed information and determine next steps.

Getting a copy of a police report

Police reports are public records in South Carolina, meaning you can request a copy if you are involved in the incident or have a legitimate reason to see it. Contact your department's records division—most have a dedicated phone line, email, or online portal for requests. You will need the report number or details about the incident (date, location, names involved). Some departments provide reports free; others charge a small fee per page.

Reports are commonly needed for insurance claims, court cases, background checks, or personal records. Processing times vary by department but typically range from a few days to two weeks. If you need the report urgently, ask if expedited service is available. Some departments allow you to pick up reports in person the same day if you visit during business hours.

Filing a complaint about police conduct

If you believe an officer treated you unfairly, used excessive force, was rude, or violated your rights, you can file a formal complaint. Most departments have an Internal Affairs division or a Citizen Complaint process. You can file a complaint in person at the police station, by mail, by phone, or online through the department's website. Ask for the complaint form or process when you contact the department.

Your complaint should include the officer's name or badge number (if you know it), the date and time of the incident, the location, what happened, and how you were affected. Be as specific as possible. The department will investigate your complaint and notify you of the outcome, though the details of the investigation may be confidential. If you are not satisfied with the department's response, you can escalate your complaint to the city manager's office or file a complaint with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

Reporting crime anonymously

If you have information about a crime but don't want to give your name, most South Carolina police departments operate anonymous tip lines. You can call the tip line, text a number, or submit information through the department's website. Your identity will be protected, and the information will still be investigated. Some departments offer rewards for information that leads to an arrest, which you can claim anonymously.

Anonymous reporting is especially useful if you fear retaliation, don't want to be involved in court proceedings, or simply prefer privacy. The information you provide will be treated the same as a named report—officers will follow up, investigate, and take action if warranted. Check your city police department's website for the specific tip line number or online submission method.

Understanding police records and background checks

Police records include arrest records, incident reports, and citations. In South Carolina, arrest records are public information once a person is charged with a crime. You can request your own records or records related to an incident you were involved in. Some records may be restricted if a case is still active or if the person was acquitted or had charges dismissed.

If you need police records for employment, housing, or court purposes, contact your police department's records division with the specific information you need. They will tell you what documents are available, what the cost is, and how long processing will take. You can also request records through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division if the incident involved state police or if you need statewide records.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between city police and county sheriff?

City police patrol within city limits and handle crimes and incidents that occur in the city. County sheriffs patrol unincorporated areas outside city limits and also run the county jail. If you live in a city, contact the police department. If you live outside city limits, contact the sheriff's office.

How long does it take to get a police report after I file one?

If you file in person or by phone, you usually receive a report number immediately. The full written report is typically completed within a few days to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the incident and the department's workload. You can call the records division to check on the status of your report.

Can I request body camera or dash camera footage?

Yes, police video is generally public record in South Carolina. Contact your police department's records division or public information officer and specify the date, time, and location of the incident. There may be a processing fee and a wait time while the department reviews the footage for any restricted information.

What happens if I report a crime and the police don't investigate?

If you believe your report was not taken seriously, contact the police department's supervisor or the records division to confirm your report was filed and ask about the status. If you are still unsatisfied, file a complaint with the department's Internal Affairs division or contact your city council member or city manager's office.

Do I have to give my name when I call the non-emergency line?

Most departments ask for your name and contact information so they can follow up if needed, but you can ask to remain anonymous for certain types of reports. If you want to stay anonymous, ask the dispatcher before giving details. Some reports—like theft or assault—may require your name for the investigation to move forward.