EAST LANSING, Mich. — The East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) is pleased to announce that community members now have an option for reporting minor crimes online.
The new minor crime online reporting system can be found on the ELPD’s website at www.cityofeastlansing.com/elpd. It was developed in accordance with the ELPD’s mission and vision to work collaboratively with the community through innovative technology. Examples of crimes that can be reported using the new form include harassment from an unknown individual, stolen property, damaged property or private property damage accidents.
When filling out the online form, community members should provide as much detail as possible and should allow ELPD 72 hours to process the report. If a copy of the police report is required (for insurance purposes, for example), community members can request a copy via FOIA@elpolice.com.
“We encourage community members who may have experienced a minor crime, such as theft or damage to property, and who do not wish to see a police officer in person, to utilize this new system for conveniently reporting that crime,” East Lansing Police Chief Kim Johnson said.
The new online option is intended as an additional service. It does not preclude a community member from reporting a minor crime to ELPD by phone. Community members who do not wish to use the online form can dial the ELPD non-emergency number at (517) 351-4220 and an officer will respond. Likewise, in minor crime situations where there is information that may lead to a possible suspect, community members are also asked to contact the ELPD’s non-emergency phone line rather than using the online form.
The new online form should not be used for emergency situations because it is not monitored on a 24/7 basis. In an emergency, community members should always dial 9-1-1.