How do I report a crime or "suspicious activity?"

How do I report a crime or "suspicious activity?"

The most obvious answer is "Dial 911".
The Dispatch/Administrative line is 577-7434

On a land-line phone 911 will put you in touch with your local law enforcement agency, whoever they may be.
Dialing 911 on a cell-phone, you must tell your location so the dispatcher can make sure the proper law enforcement agency is notified (the tower your phone called through may be in a different jurisdiction).

It is preferred that "911" be reserved for true emergencies. The local number to reach Charleston Police Communications (Dispatch) is 577-7434. The same dispatcher is responsible for both phone lines, but they are supposed to answer 911 first since it is supposed to be an emergency.

Dialing 911 provides dispatchers with the phone number, address, and name of the property owner. Dialing the 577-7434 number does not automatically provide this information. The caller CAN remain anonymous on the 577-7434 line, but in order for officers to provide the best service, it is asked that the caller at least provide a call-back number so the dispatcher or responding officer can reach you for clarification regarding suspect or vehicle descriptions, locations, or direction of flight.

What if I just have information to give on something that might be a crime?

First, know that a person looking into cars or tampering with them, or prowling around a house is likely a crime in-progress and 911 should be called. If it is something where time is not of the essence, there are several avenues you can use.
First is still the 577-7434 number to tell an officer directly about something you suspect. An officer will either be sent to you, or can call you about the information. (suspected drug activity, a party with possible underage drinking, etc.)

Another avenue for suspected drug activity or some ongoing vice violation would be to call the 577-7434 number and ask for the Special Investigations office. If you leave a message it will be returned as soon as possible. They will discuss your observations and decide how to best investigate it.

Finally, CrimeStoppers of the Lowcountry is a completely anonymous route to get an investigation started. Usually, they are not who you would call for something urgent, but if they get urgent information they will act on it. They have three reporting methods. First is by simply calling 554-1111. Your call will either go to the local call center office. They will generate a "Tip number" for you to write down. Any information you give will be logged under this same tip number. They do not write down any references you might make which would identify you ("my neighbor", "the guy upstairs", "my ex-husband", etc). They in-turn contact the involved agencies who then investigate the tip to its conclusion, hopefully an arrest. The CrimeStoppers board then uses a computer program to determine the dollar value of the tip based on several factors. If/when you hear of an arrest being made, you call back to 554-1111, tell them your tip number. They will advise if your tip was used to make the arrest, how much the reward is if any, and instructions to claim it. The instructions vary, but may be to go to a particular business, ask for the manager, tell him/her the tip number, and you walk out with the cash. No signatures, no pictures or video, no receipts.

Method #2 involves doing the same thing through the CrimeStoppers website www.5541111.com . (remember, no dash-mark!). IP addresses get washed through special computers. No traceability.

Method #3 is Texting to CrimeStoppers. On your cell, text to 274637 (CRIMES) and type "TIPS 213", then procede with your information. Your message gets "washed" or encrypted through a computer in Canada removing your phone number. You will get a reply with your tip number. They can even have a 2 way text conversation asking different details, all without ever being able to actually retrieve your cell phone number. The reward process works about the same as above.