| A: In most cases, crimes must be reported to the police department or law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the city or county where the crime occurred. For example, if the crime occurred in Santa Ana, it should be reported to the Santa Ana Police Department. If the crime was committed in any unincorporated area of Orange County, or in an area where the Orange County Sheriff is the contracting law enforcement agency (e.g., San Clemente), the crime should be reported to the Sheriffs Department. There are, however, certain exceptions. Specifically, crimes involving consumer fraud or the unlawful discharge of hazardous materials may be reported to the District Attorneys Consumer and Environmental Protection Unit. In addition, complaints involving misconduct by public officials or voting law violations may be reported in writing to the District Attorneys Special Projects Unit. Reports of misconduct on the part of law enforcement officers should be reported to the internal affairs or professional standards section of the law enforcement agency with which the officer is employed. |
