How to Report a Crime in New Brunswick
To report a crime in New Brunswick, call 911 for emergencies or life-threatening situations; for non-emergencies, contact your local police detachment directly (RCMP at 1-888-506-7267 in most areas, municipal police in Saint John/Fredericton/Moncton), use the online reporting system for minor crimes without suspects, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Emergency vs. Non-Emergency: When to Call 911
In New Brunswick, 911 services are consolidated and cover police, fire, and ambulance. According to GNB 911 Service data, the province receives approximately 300,000+ 911 calls annually, with about 60% requiring police response.
When NOT to call 911:
- Minor thefts that occurred hours/days ago
- Vandalism without suspects present
- Noise complaints (use non-emergency lines)
- General inquiries or administrative questions
- Lost property without evidence of theft
| Situation | Response | Average Response Time (Urban) |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime in progress | Call 911 - Priority 1 | Under 7 minutes |
| Home burglary (after discovery) | Non-emergency line - Priority 2 | 30-60 minutes |
| Car break-in overnight | Online reporting or non-emergency | Next business day |
Police Jurisdiction in New Brunswick
New Brunswick has a mixed policing model with three municipal police forces and RCMP coverage for the remainder of the province.
Municipal Police Services (City Limits):
- Saint John Police Force: 1 Water St, Saint John | Non-emergency: (506) 648-3200
- Fredericton Police Force: 311 Queen St, Fredericton | Non-emergency: (506) 460-2300
- Codiac Regional RCMP (Moncton): 860 Main St, Moncton | Non-emergency: (506) 857-2400
RCMP Coverage Areas:
The RCMP polices approximately 85% of New Brunswick's land area and 35% of the population. For non-emergencies: 1-888-506-RCMP (7267)
Step-by-Step Crime Reporting Process
- Assess the Situation: Determine if it's an emergency (call 911) or non-emergency.
- Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if needed before calling.
- Contact Appropriate Police Service: Based on location and emergency status.
- Provide Detailed Information: See Section 6 for specifics.
- Obtain File/Reference Number: All reports generate a unique number for follow-up.
- Follow Instructions: Police may ask you to preserve evidence or avoid the area.
- Document Everything: Write down details while fresh in memory.
Response Time Expectations:
Based on RCMP 2023 data:
- Priority 1 (Immediate): Average 8.2 minutes in urban areas, 14.7 minutes rural
- Priority 2 (Urgent): Average 22 minutes urban, 38 minutes rural
- Priority 3 (Scheduled): May be several hours or next day
Online Crime Reporting System
The RCMP Online Crime Reporting system allows reporting of specific crimes without suspects.
Crimes Eligible for Online Reporting:
- Theft under $5,000 (without suspect information)
- Lost property (value under $5,000)
- Damage/mischief to property under $5,000
- Theft from vehicle under $5,000
Process & Timeline:
- Complete online form (takes 15-20 minutes)
- Receive temporary file number immediately
- RCMP reviews within 3 business days
- Receive official file number if accepted
- May be contacted if more information needed
Anonymous Reporting (Crime Stoppers)
New Brunswick Crime Stoppers allows completely anonymous tips with potential cash rewards.
How to Submit Anonymous Tips:
| Method | Contact | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) | No caller ID, no call tracing, bilingual |
| Online | www.crimenb.ca | Secure encrypted form, anonymous |
| Mobile App | "P3 Tips" app | Secure two-way communication |
Reward System:
- Rewards up to $2,000 for information leading to arrest
- Paid through anonymous methods (code numbers)
- Over $600,000 paid in NB since program inception
- 1,600+ arrests based on Crime Stoppers tips
Essential Information to Provide Police
Quality information significantly increases investigation success rates. Prepare these details:
Critical Information Checklist:
- Location: Exact address, landmarks, GPS coordinates if possible
- Time: When it occurred (or when discovered)
- Suspect Description:
- Gender, approximate age, height, weight
- Clothing (color, style, distinctive items)
- Hair color/style, facial hair, glasses
- Distinguishing features (tattoos, scars, accents)
- Vehicle Information:
- Make, model, year, color
- License plate (partial or full)
- Direction of travel
- Crime Details: What exactly happened, sequence of events
- Weapon Information: If any weapons were seen or mentioned
- Your Information: Name, contact, relationship to incident
What Happens After You Report
Understanding the police investigation process helps set realistic expectations.
Investigation Stages:
- Initial Response & Assessment: Officer determines priority and response
- Evidence Collection: Photos, fingerprints, surveillance footage collection
- Witness Interviews: Formal statements from witnesses
- Suspect Identification: Using databases, public assistance
- Charging Decision: Crown prosecutor reviews evidence
- Court Process: If charges laid, victim may need to testify
Victim Updates Policy:
According to the Department of Public Safety, victims have rights to:
- Be informed about major case developments
- Receive information about victim services
- Be informed if suspect is released on bail
- Submit victim impact statements
Case Clearance Rates (2022 NB Statistics):
- Violent crimes: 68% clearance rate
- Property crimes: 19% clearance rate
- Overall clearance: 34% (slightly above national average)
Reporting Specialized Crimes
Domestic Violence & Abuse:
Immediate 911 response for in-progress incidents. Specialized units available.
- Transition houses: 24/7 availability across NB
- Peace bonds & protection orders: Available through courts
- Mandatory charging policy: Police must lay charges if reasonable grounds
Cybercrime & Fraud:
Report to Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and local police.
- Keep all emails, messages, transaction records
- Contact your bank/financial institution immediately
- Report to both local police and national center
Hate Crimes:
All police services in NB have hate crime coordinators.
Victim Services & Support Resources
New Brunswick provides comprehensive victim services regardless of whether charges are laid.
Key Services Available:
- Victim Services Programs: In every judicial district
- Financial Benefits: Victims may be eligible for compensation for expenses
- Counselling: Referrals to trauma-informed therapists
- Court Support: Accompaniment to court proceedings
Contact Information:
- NB Victim Services: 1-888-458-8080
- Sexual Assault Crisis Centers: 24/7 lines in major centers
- Legal Aid NB: 1-800-442-9799
Costs & Compensation:
The Victim Services Program may cover:
- Medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance
- Counselling services (up to $2,000)
- Loss of income support
- Funeral expenses in homicide cases (up to $7,500)
Language & Accessibility Services
New Brunswick's official bilingualism ensures services in English and French.
Language Access:
- All 911 operators are bilingual
- Police services provide bilingual officers when available
- Translation services available for other languages through Provincial Language Service
- TTY services for hearing impaired: 711 (Relay Service)
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities:
- Police stations are wheelchair accessible
- Alternative communication methods available
- Support persons permitted during interviews
- Specialized training for officers on disability issues
New Brunswick Crime Statistics & Trends
Understanding crime patterns helps in prevention and reporting.
2023 Key Statistics (Statistics Canada):
| Crime Type | Rate per 100,000 | NB vs National Average | Trend (5-year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | 1,032 | 12% below national | Increasing 3% annually |
| Property Crime | 2,456 | 18% below national | Decreasing 2% annually |
| Cybercrime | N/A | Reports increasing 25% annually | Sharp increase |
Underreporting Issues:
Studies suggest only approximately 31% of crimes are reported to police in NB, with sexual assaults having the highest underreporting rate (estimated 90% unreported).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What number do I call to report a crime in New Brunswick?
A. Call 911 for emergencies (crime in progress, immediate danger, medical emergency). For non-emergencies, contact your local police detachment directly or use the RCMP non-emergency line at 1-888-506-RCMP (7267).
Can I report a crime online in New Brunswick?
A. Yes, for certain non-emergency crimes like theft under $5,000, vandalism, or lost property, you can use the RCMP Online Crime Reporting system if there are no suspects, witnesses, or immediate evidence collection needed.
What information should I provide when reporting a crime?
A. Provide: 1) Location and time of incident, 2) Description of suspects (height, weight, clothing, distinguishing features), 3) Vehicle descriptions (make, model, color, license plate), 4) What happened (sequence of events), 5) Whether weapons were involved, 6) Your contact information.
What crimes should be reported to local police vs RCMP in New Brunswick?
A. In cities with municipal police (Saint John, Fredericton, Moncton), report crimes within city limits to them. In areas without municipal police (most of NB), the RCMP is responsible. Jurisdiction is determined by location, not crime type.
Can I report a crime anonymously in New Brunswick?
A. Yes, through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.crimenb.ca. You remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward if your tip leads to an arrest.
What happens after I report a crime to police?
A. Police will: 1) Assess priority, 2) Possibly dispatch officers, 3) Create a file number, 4) Investigate (collect evidence, interview witnesses), 5) Determine if charges can be laid, 6) Update you on major developments (varies by case).
How long do I have to report a crime in New Brunswick?
A. It varies by offense. Summary conviction offenses have a 12-month limitation period. Indictable offenses (like assault, robbery) have no limitation period. Report as soon as possible for evidence preservation.
What if I need language assistance to report a crime?
A. New Brunswick police services provide bilingual (English/French) assistance. For other languages, they can access translation services through the Provincial Language Service. Inform the operator if you need interpretation.
Official Resources
- RCMP New Brunswick Division - Provincial police information
- NB Department of Public Safety - Government safety resources
- Saint John Police Force - Municipal police service
- Fredericton Police Force - Municipal police service
- NB Crime Stoppers - Anonymous tip reporting
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre - Cybercrime reporting
- Statistics Canada Crime Data - Official crime statistics
- Victims First Portal - Federal victim services
Legal Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Crime reporting procedures may change, and specific situations require professional guidance. Always contact official law enforcement agencies for current procedures. Reference: New Brunswick Police Act, RSNB 1973, c P-14; Canadian Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46; Victim Services Act, SNB 1987, c V-2.1. The authors are not responsible for actions taken based on this information. In emergencies, always call 911.