How to Report
Reporting to local authorities is simple.
Public safety and security is everyone's responsibility. If you see something suspicious, please call local law enforcement. If there is a life threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1. When reporting suspicious activity, it is helpful to give the most accurate description possible.
If you see suspicious activity, report it to local law enforcement or a person of authority using the “5W’s”:
WHO
did you see
WHAT
did you see
WHEN
you saw it
WHERE
it occurred
WHY
it's suspicious
Remember, do not ignore your feelings of uneasiness about a person or circumstances you may encounter. If you observe someone or something unusual or suspicious that may be related to terrorism or criminal activity, take the time to complete the online report and have the situation checked out.
How To Report Suspicious Activity on Social Media
Reporting any suspicious or potentially dangerous activity keeps our community safe. In this new technological age, threatening or malicious posts you may see online can turn into horrific real-life events. Reporting suspicious activity online is just as essential as reporting something you see in real life. Potentially harmful posts, comments, video and/or images can all indicate suspicious activity, and reporting such posts can stop these incidents before they happen. Here are some helpful tips on how to report:
1. Make sure you screenshot the person's username and handle.
2. Screen record any videos you may see on SnapChat, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube.
3. Take a screenshot of the user's profile page, which usually has their bio, username, handle, profile picture, and profile banner.
4. Provide any links to the thread, comment, or post you are reporting if it is still available. On Twitter, links are obtained by clicking the posts' "share" button and selecting the link icon.
5. On Facebook and Instagram, links are obtained by clicking the three dots in the post's upper right corner and selecting "copy link."
While having a direct link to the suspicious post is important, you should always take a screenshot first, as posts and comments may be deleted without warning.
How to Screenshot and Screen Record
The controls for taking a screenshot may vary depending on the device you have, but the most common combination of buttons to press for screenshots on mobile are the lock button and the volume buttons at the same time.
To screen record, open the control center on your phone and select the screen record option. This should automatically start capturing whatever you have displayed on your screen. Taking a screen shot or recording a potential threat on social media can prevent threats before they happen. You can submit any suspicious posts with photos or videos to the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center.
Report Through the SafeOC App
We’ve made it easier than ever to report suspicious behavior or activity. The SafeOC app allows for one-touch reporting and a directory of local police departments for every law enforcement department in Orange County.
Download our SafeOC app from the Apple App Store to:
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Learn what to report (5ws)
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Learn How to Report (Local Police Department Directory)
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Access in-app reporting
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Directly dial all Orange County police departments
In an emergency, always dial 9-1-1. Remember, DO NOT take direct action, confront anyone, reveal your suspicions or touch an object.