Find out what happens when you report a crime

If you are a victim of sexualized assault, visit our page on sexualized assault for more detailed information on what’s supports are available in reporting to the police.

Victims of domestic violence may want to read about what happens if the police are involved.

• Get help: you're being stalked
• Get help: you were sexually assaulted
• Get an order to keep someone away from you
• Get help: you're in an abusive relationship
• Get help: you were attacked or threatened
• Find a women's shelter

Reporting a crime can:

• give you a chance to talk about the crime and the harm that has been done to you or others;
• provide opportunities for the formal criminal justice system to hold the perpetrator accountable; and
• help to protect you, your loved ones and the community from future crimes.

If you're in immediate danger, phone 911

1. Contact your local police.
   • Carmacks 867-863-5555
   • Dawson City 867-993-5555
   • Faro 867-994-5555
   • Haines Junction 867-634-5555
   • Mayo 867-996-5555
   • Old Crow 867-966-5555
   • Pelly 867-537-5555
   • Ross River 867-969-5555
   • Tagish-Carcross 867-821-5555
   • Teslin 867-390-5555
   • Watson Lake 867-536-5555
   • Whitehorse 867-667-5555
2. You can report the crime right away or you can wait and report it later.

Reporting early:

• may increase the chances of finding and preserving evidence; and
• can help with finding and prosecuting the accused person.

The police will interview you to collect information for the investigation.

• You can have a support person or a friend with you.
• Victim Services can go with you to make a statement.
• A police officer will ask you what happened.

Making a statement

It's important to tell the police everything you remember about the incident.

• You can write your own statement.
• If a police officer writes your statement based on what you've told them:
  • you have to read through your statement; and
  • make sure it's right.
• You have to sign your statement.
• In some cases the police will record your statement in an audio or a videotaped interview.
• The police may need to speak with you more than 1 time.

If you report a crime, it does not guarantee that the police will arrest a suspect.

What do the police do after you report the crime?

1. The police must investigate the crime. This can take some time.
2. Besides the statement you made, the police may need to gather other evidence.

What happens after you make your statement?

• The police will give you a file number.
• You can phone the police at any time to ask where the investigation stands. Tell them your file number.

Victim Services can support you to get information from the police.

If the police find there's enough evidence to go to trial they will:

• lay a charge; and
• prepare a report with all the evidence and information for the crown prosecutor.

If charges are laid

The accused may be:

• arrested and released on a promise to appear in court; or
• arrested and held in custody unless granted bail at a bail hearing.

Find out about the court process

If the police do not lay charges

The police will not lay charges if they feel there's not enough evidence. They can present other options, such as:

• peace bond;
• emergency intervention order; or
• victim assistance order.

Victim Services can help you get an order to keep someone away from you.

No charges laid

Just because no charges were laid it does not mean:

• the police did not believe you; or
• that a crime did not occur.

It may just mean that there's not enough evidence to prove a criminal charge in court.