After you report a crime to police

Once you report a crime, police review the information and decide what action to take. If police choose to proceed with an investigation, it may take time before they update you on the status of the case. If you have questions or want to know the status of the case, please contact the police.

Talk to a victim services worker

Victims can get support while the case moves through the justice system. A victim service worker can provide information about the role of police and help you find out information about your case.

If you would like to access victim services for additional support and information, call VictimLinkBC.

Make a police statement

When you report a crime to police, you will be asked to make a statement. Police will ask you to describe what happened and to tell them any other information you know. Your statement is an important part of the evidence police will need to investigate what happened. 

For more information about making a statement, visit Making a police statement (Victim) and Making a police statement (Witness).

After you give the statement

Once you give an initial statement, write down and keep the police case or file number and the officer’s name and contact information for further communications. If you have any questions or concerns, it will be easiest to talk to the same officer, as they will be familiar with you and the case.

The investigation

If police decide to investigate, they will gather information from the victim(s), witnesses and others as required. They will also collect any physical evidence that may be relevant to the case. 

For more information about the investigation, see Investigating the crime.

Victim Notification Service

As a victim of crime, you can also register with the Victim Safety Unit. This service gives you updates about the status of the accused or offender.

Visit Victim Notification for more information.

More information

For more information, please visit:

• How the criminal justice system works
• Youth justice