Anonymous Crime Reporting

We understand that many Baltimore neighbors need to remain anonymous when reporting crime in order to protect their own safety. To remain anonymous when calling 911, you can always simply state that you wish to remain anonymous. Baltimore's Crime Watch numbers are available to residents seeking additional assurance and confidence that they will remain anonymous when reporting crime.

What is a Crime Watch Number?

Baltimore city's personal Crime Watch number is the cornerstone of Baltimore's Operation Crime Watch Program. It is a confidential, unique, seven digit number issued to you by the police department. It allows you to anonymously report crimes in progress and suspicious activity. If you use the number when you call 911, the operator will not ask for your information and the responding officers will not contact you to follow up.

How it works:

When you give your Crime Watch number to the 911 Operator, the Operator will ask you several questions, including the location of the incident about which you are calling. The 911 Operator will tell the police about the location of the incident, but WILL NOT tell the police any information about the person calling 911.

The police officer will respond to the location of the incident, not to the caller.* Even if the incident is right in front of your house, the responding officer will not know if the call came from your house, one of your neighbors or someone passing by.

*Please note that if a neighborhood canvass is required, responding officers may knock on your door as a part of the canvass. They still will not know that you were the one who made the call.

If you do not receive your confidential seven-digit number by mail within 7 business days, contact 410-396-9521