Deciding whether to report a crime to police is often one of the hardest steps for a victim or witness. This page explains, in general terms, how reporting works in Ontario: the difference between emergency and non-emergency reporting, what information is generally helpful to have ready, what typically happens once a report is made, and why reporting does not automatically mean charges will follow. It is general information only, not legal advice, and every situation is different.
Whether or not you choose to report is generally your decision, and support is available either way. See our overview of victim services in Ontario for organizations that can help regardless of whether a report has been made.
Emergency vs. Non-Emergency Reporting
In Ontario, as elsewhere in Canada, 911 is generally reserved for emergencies, meaning situations where there is an immediate danger to life or safety, a crime is in progress, or urgent police, fire, or medical response is needed. If you are in immediate danger, calling 911 is generally the appropriate first step, even if you are unsure whether the situation technically qualifies as an emergency; call-takers are trained to help assess that.
For incidents that are not in progress and do not involve immediate danger, most Ontario police services offer a non-emergency line, and many also allow certain kinds of reports to be made online or by attending a police station in person. Non-emergency reporting is generally appropriate for things like a past assault, theft, fraud, or harassment where there is no ongoing threat requiring urgent response. The correct non-emergency number varies by municipality, since Ontario has multiple police services, so it is generally worth looking up the specific service covering the area where the offence occurred.
If you are ever unsure which line to use, err on the side of calling 911, particularly where safety could be at risk. A dispatcher can redirect a call to a non-emergency line if that turns out to be more appropriate.
Ways to Report a Crime
Beyond phoning police directly, many services in Ontario also allow reports to be made in person at a police station, and some types of incidents, such as certain property crimes, can sometimes be reported online through a police service's website. Online reporting is generally limited to specific, lower-risk types of incidents and is not a substitute for calling police when there is any ongoing safety concern.
Victim services organizations can also help someone think through the process of reporting, including what to expect, without pressuring a person toward any particular choice. See our overview of victim services in Ontario for more on these supports.
What Information Is Generally Helpful
There is no requirement to have every detail organized before contacting police, and investigations are generally structured to gather information over time rather than requiring a single, complete account at the outset. That said, having certain information ready, where available, can generally help the process move more smoothly:
- A general description of what happened, including approximate dates, times, and locations
- Any information you have about who may have been involved, if known
- Names and contact information of anyone else who witnessed the incident
- Any physical evidence, such as photographs, messages, damaged property, or medical records
- Information about any prior related incidents, if relevant
It is normal to feel uncertain about some of these details, especially soon after a distressing event, and it is generally fine to provide what you can and add more later as it comes to mind.
What Happens When You Make a Report
When you make a report, an officer will generally ask questions to understand what happened and to record the information formally, which typically becomes the starting point of any investigation. This can involve providing a statement, and in some cases, particularly with more serious allegations, a more detailed interview may be arranged for a later time.
The process is meant to be conducted respectfully, and many police services have officers with specific training in handling sensitive matters, such as sexual assault or domestic violence. If you have concerns about how an interaction with police is being handled, victim services can generally help you understand your options and can sometimes accompany or support you through the process.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Support is available whether or not you choose to report to police, and reporting does not require having a lawyer or having already decided how you want the matter handled.
What Typically Happens Afterward
After a report is made, police generally assess the information and decide whether an investigation is warranted, and if so, how to proceed. An investigation may involve further interviews, gathering physical or digital evidence, and speaking with witnesses. Not every report leads to a full investigation, and not every investigation leads to a person being identified or located; this depends heavily on the specific circumstances and the evidence available.
If an investigation identifies a suspect and gathers sufficient evidence, police may lay a charge. Once a charge is laid, the matter generally moves into the court process, including a first appearance and, potentially, further steps such as a trial, described elsewhere on this site.
Reporting Does Not Guarantee Charges
It is important to understand that making a report does not guarantee that charges will be laid. Whether a charge is laid is generally a decision made by police based on the evidence gathered during the investigation. Even where police do lay a charge, the Crown independently reviews the matter through a process known as Crown screening, assessing factors such as whether there is a reasonable prospect of conviction and whether prosecution is in the public interest. A charge can be withdrawn at this stage, or later, if the Crown concludes that continuing is not appropriate.
This can be a difficult reality for a victim to process, particularly after the effort involved in reporting and participating in an investigation. It does not necessarily mean the report was not believed or that what happened was not taken seriously; it generally reflects an assessment of what the available evidence can support in a criminal proceeding, which operates under a high standard of proof. Victim services can provide support in understanding and coping with these outcomes.
General Timelines
There is no single timeline that applies to every case. Some investigations move relatively quickly, particularly where evidence is straightforward and a suspect is readily identified, while others, especially those involving complex evidence, multiple witnesses, or forensic analysis, can take considerably longer. It is common for victims and witnesses to find the pace of an investigation slower than expected, which is generally a function of how the system works rather than a reflection of how seriously a specific case is being treated.
Staying in contact with the investigating officer, where appropriate, or with victim services, can help you get a general sense of where a matter stands, even when a specific outcome or timeline cannot be guaranteed. See our page on getting updates about a case for more on staying informed once a case is before the courts.
Deciding Whether and When to Report
Deciding whether, and when, to report a crime can be a deeply personal decision, particularly in sensitive cases such as sexual assault or domestic violence, where there may be additional safety, privacy, or relationship considerations at play. There is generally no fixed deadline for reporting a crime, although waiting can sometimes affect what evidence remains available, so speaking with victim services early, even before deciding whether to report, can help you weigh the options without committing to any particular path.
If safety is an ongoing concern, our page on safety planning discusses general steps that can help, separately from the decision of whether to involve police.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I call 911 or the non-emergency line?
Call 911 if there is immediate danger, an ongoing crime, or an urgent safety concern. For incidents that already happened and involve no ongoing threat, a non-emergency line is generally more appropriate, though calling 911 is the safer choice if you are unsure.
Do I need to know exactly what happened before I report?
No. Investigations are generally structured to gather information over time, and it is common to provide additional details in follow-up conversations as they come to mind.
What if I report and police decide not to investigate further?
This can happen depending on the evidence available. Victim services can help you understand the decision and discuss what, if any, further options exist in a specific situation.
Does reporting mean charges will definitely be laid?
No. Whether a charge is laid depends on the investigation, and even where a charge is laid, the Crown separately reviews the matter through Crown screening before it proceeds.
Can I get support before deciding whether to report?
Yes. Victim services organizations in Ontario generally provide support and information regardless of whether you have made, or intend to make, a report to police.
How long does a police investigation usually take?
This varies considerably depending on the complexity of the case and the evidence involved. There is no single timeline that applies to every investigation.
Can I report a crime that happened a while ago?
In many cases, yes, though the passage of time can affect what evidence is still available. A victim services organization can help you think through this decision.