Filing a police report is the official reporting of a criminal offence to the police. This forms the start of a criminal process. What does this entail and what rights do you have in Utrecht?
What does filing a police report mean?
A police report is the official reporting of a crime to the police, whereby you request the initiation of an investigation.
Difference between report and police report
| Category | Report | Police Report |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Informal | Formal, with signature |
| Result | No criminal prosecution | May lead to prosecution |
| Documentation | Limited registration | Full registration |
How can you file a police report in Utrecht?
There are several ways to file a police report in the Utrecht region.
Options for filing a police report
- Utrecht Police Station: Visit a station such as at Kroonstraat 25, make an appointment or walk in.
- Digitally: Via the website politie.nl for specific cases.
- Telephone contact: Call 0900-8844 for certain reports.
- Written report: Send a letter to the public prosecutor in Utrecht.
Online police report for specific cases
- Theft (e.g. bicycle or items from car)
- Burglary
- Damage due to vandalism
- Online fraud
- Identity misuse
Mandatory police report in certain situations
In certain cases, you are legally required to file a police report.
When must you file a police report?
- If aware of serious crimes such as murder or terrorist activities
- Civil servants: for crimes committed in the line of duty
- Certain professionals: reporting obligation for specific cases
What follows after your police report?
The process after filing a police report consists of several steps.
Steps after filing a police report
- You receive a copy of your police report form
- The police evaluates whether an investigation is feasible
- If sufficient evidence: start of investigation
- The Public Prosecution Service (OM) determines whether prosecution takes place
- You receive updates on the progress
No guarantee of prosecution
Filing a police report does not guarantee that criminal prosecution will follow.
Possible reasons for non-prosecution
- Insufficient evidence
- Suspect not traceable
- Case too minor for priority (principle of expediency)
- Alternative settlement such as mediation
Your rights as the reporter
If you file a police report, you have specific rights within the criminal process.
Rights after filing a police report
- Right to updates on the case
- Right to information on the OM's decision
- Right to an Article 12 CCP procedure in case of non-prosecution
- Right to support via victim assistance
Criminal liability for false police report
Submitting a false police report is a criminal offence (Article 188 Criminal Code) and may lead to a prison sentence of up to 1 year.
Practical tips for filing a police report in Utrecht
- Report the incident as soon as possible to preserve evidence
- Bring relevant evidence, such as photos or chat messages
- Write down witness details
- Keep your police report document carefully
- Inquire about victim assistance at the police station
Local information Utrecht
District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, 3511 EX Utrecht
Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, 3511 GD Utrecht