Police Reports

The San Francisco State University Police Department encourages all members of the campus community to report crimes, suspicious activity or safety concerns promptly. Filing a police report helps ensure accurate documentation, supports investigations, and contributes to a safer campus environment. 

Contents

• How to file police reports

• Request a copy of your report

• Media Inquiries

• Reporting crime outside SFSUPD jurisdiction

• False reporting

How to file police reports

Emergency situations  

If you are experiencing or witnessing an emergency—such as a crime in progress, immediate danger or a medical emergency—dial 9-1-1 immediately. You can also contact UPD's direct line when on campus: (415) 338-2222. 

Non-emergency situations  

For incidents that do not require immediate police response (e.g., cold reports, found property), contact SFSUPD’s non-emergency line: (415) 338-7200. 

In-person Reporting  

You may also file a report in person at the University Police Department: 100 North State Drive, San Francisco, CA 94132 Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 

Confidential Reporting

If you wish to report anonymously or confidentially, please contact SFSUPD to discuss available options. While anonymous reports may limit investigative follow-up, they are still valuable for tracking patterns and enhancing campus safety. 

When filing a report, be prepared to provide: 

• Your full name and contact information 

• A detailed description of the incident 

• Date, time and location of occurrence 

• Names or descriptions of involved individuals, if known 

• Any supporting documentation or evidence (e.g., photos, video, receipts)  

Request a copy of your report

To request a copy of a police report, the involved party or an authorized representative must complete the SFSU Police Report Request Form, available online or at the University Police Department (UPD). Please complete the form thoroughly to avoid delays or denial. 

Processing times and availability

• Routine requests are typically processed within 10 calendar days 

• You will be notified by phone, mail or in person if your request is denied or delayed 

• Sensitive reports may require in-person pickup by the victim or authorized representative with valid government-issued ID or signed authorization 

Legal restrictions

Certain records may be withheld under the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code §6254(f)). In such cases, a public log entry may be available. Individuals arrested in a case must obtain their report through the District Attorney’s Office, court subpoena or discovery process. 

Submission Methods

By Mail

San Francisco State University Police Department  
Attn: Records  
1600 Holloway Ave San Francisco, CA 94132  

Note: Include documentation if submitting on behalf of another party. 

In Person

Submit or complete the form at UPD. Same-day release is not guaranteed. 

By Email

Send completed form to: updrecords@sfsu.edu.   

Records Department

For general questions, contact the Records Department at (415) 338-2095. Response times may vary based on staffing. 

Media Inquiries

Media requests may be directed to: 

• University Police Department: upd@sfsu.edu

• Strategic Marketing and Communications: marcomm@sfsu.edu

• Student Affairs & Enrollment Management: vpsaem@sfsu.edu 

Reporting Crime Outside of UPD Jurisdiction

Crimes that occurred outside of the jurisdiction of the University Police Department should be reported directly to the appropriate agency listed below. For more information, please visit the respective agency’s official website.

If the situation involves an immediate threat to life or safety, dial 9-1-1 without delay. 

False Reporting

Filing a false police report is a criminal offense under California Penal Code Section 148.5 PC. Individuals who knowingly submit false information to law enforcement may face misdemeanor or felony charges, fines and jail time. 

Examples of False Reporting

It is illegal to: 

• Report a crime that did not occur 

• Use a false name or identity 

• Provide misleading or fabricated details 

• Falsely report theft, damage, or loss 

• Misstate the value of stolen or damaged property 

Related Offenses

• False Identity Use: Knowingly using another person’s identity or providing a false name on official reports is a felony under Penal Code Section 529 PC 

• Insurance Fraud: Submitting false police reports for insurance claims may be prosecuted as felony fraud under Penal Code Section 550 PC

All reports submitted are reviewed and verified by police personnel. Filing hoax or joke reports is considered a criminal act and will be prosecuted. 

For full legal text and related statutes, visit the California Legislative Information website and search for: 

• Penal Code Section 148.5 (False Reporting) 

• Penal Code Section 529 (False Identity) 

• Penal Code Section 550 (Insurance Fraud)