If You Witnessed a Crime

Last updated on January 14, 2019

You have witnessed a crime if you saw or know something about a crime or if you are a victim of crime.

  • A witness is someone who has information about a crime or incident. By coming forward, a witness can tell the police or courts what they experienced, saw or know about a crime. They can also provide evidence related to the crime
  • If you are the victim of a crime you are also a witness

Visit Witness for a Criminal Case for more information.

Understanding If You Have Witnessed a Crime

You might not always know that what has happened is considered a crime. A crime is a breach of the basic rules of how to behave in society. It is a breach serious enough to be considered an offence against society as a whole, not just a specific person. Some crimes may be against people (for example: hitting, threatening, stalking, sexually assaulting or killing someone). Other crimes may be against property (for example: stealing someone's car or breaking a window).

To learn more about what is a crime is, see:

Speak with Someone

If you are unsure whether what you experienced, know or saw is a crime or if you would like to report a crime:

Help and Support

There is help and support available to you if you have witnessed a crime. Explore this section to learn more. You can also visit:

In an Emergency

Dial 911 if you have witnessed an emergency. If your community does not have 911 services, call your local police.

Criminal Justice Glossary

Check our alphabetical list of criminal justice terms along with their definitions.