Report Covid-19 Lawbreakers: Here's How

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were unsure of how to report others who were breaking COVID-19 laws. In New Jersey, for example, residents were urged to report individuals or businesses that appeared to be breaking the rules. This could be done through an online form or by calling 911. In Leicestershire, UK, residents were asked to report COVID-19 breaches by calling 101 or Crimestoppers if they wished to remain anonymous.

Report anonymously or with personal details

If you wish to report someone for breaking COVID-19 laws, you can do so by calling the police or filling out an online form. Depending on your location, you may be able to report anonymously. However, note that reporting anonymously may make the complaint more difficult for law enforcement to investigate.

In New Jersey, for example, individuals are encouraged to report COVID-19 rule violations through an online form on the state's COVID-19 information hub website. This form allows people to report any perceived violation of an executive order, and reports can be made anonymously. However, the form also mentions that providing personal contact information will enable law enforcement to follow up on the report more effectively.

In Leicestershire, UK, individuals can report COVID-19 rule breaches online or by calling 101. However, anonymous reports cannot be made through the Leicestershire Police website, and individuals wishing to remain anonymous must contact Crimestoppers instead.

When reporting a COVID-19 breach, it is important to provide as much detail as possible, including the location, the number of people involved, and the nature of the violation. This will help law enforcement effectively investigate and respond to the report.

It is worth noting that the reporting procedures and options for anonymity may vary depending on your location, so it is recommended to check the official sources or websites of your local law enforcement agency for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Report online or by phone

Reporting COVID-19 Violations Online or by Phone

Reporting COVID-19 Violations Online

In the UK, you can report COVID-19 violations on the website of your local police department. These websites should include a "tell us about" option that brings you to a page where you can report an infraction.

In the US, you can submit an FBI Tip online or call your local FBI field office or Legal Attaché Office (for US citizens overseas). You can also submit a report on the Civil Rights Reporting Portal.

In New Jersey, you can use a form on the state's COVID-19 information hub website to report individuals or businesses that appear to be breaking the rules.

Reporting COVID-19 Violations by Phone

In the UK, you can call 101 to report COVID-19 violations. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

In the US, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224. You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 (voice and TTY).

In New Jersey, you can call 9-1-1 to report a potential COVID-19 violation and have police dispatched to the location.

Report to the police or a specific government department

Reporting COVID-19 Rule Breakers to the Police or a Specific Government Department

Police forces and government departments across the world have been urging the public to report individuals or businesses that are breaking COVID-19 rules. In some places, this can be done by calling the police or a non-emergency number, while others have set up specific forms or websites for reporting.

When to Report

The Leicestershire Police in the UK have stated that the public should report COVID-19 breaches immediately so that officers can be dispatched to disperse people and reduce the risk to others. They have welcomed such reports and stated that they are working to keep people safe.

How to Report

In New Jersey, the state has set up a form on its COVID-19 information hub website, where people can report any perceived violation of an executive order. This includes violations such as a business not practicing social distancing requirements, indoor gatherings of more than 25 people, and outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people. Reports can be made anonymously, but the form states that this may make the complaint more difficult to investigate.

In some cities, you can report a violation in progress by calling 911. This includes reporting a business or location that is required to be closed, an essential business that is open but not complying with restrictions, or overcrowding at a business or location.

Additionally, the Leicestershire Police have provided the following options for reporting:

• Report online via their website (cannot be done anonymously)
• Call 101 (non-emergency number)
• Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous

Report a business or individual

If you need to report a business or individual for breaking COVID-19 laws, there are a few ways to do so. Many places have set up online forms to report COVID-19 violations, which can be filled out anonymously. These forms can be found on the COVID-19 information hub of your local government website. You may be asked to provide your name and email address so that the police can contact you if required.

Alternatively, you can call your local non-emergency police number, such as 101 in the UK, or 911 in the US. In the case of a more serious or dangerous violation, it is recommended to call the emergency services.

When reporting a violation, you will need to provide details of the incident, including the type of violation, the location, and the time. The types of violations that you can report include:

• A business that is not practicing social distancing requirements
• A business that is not allowing remote work for employees when possible
• An indoor gathering of more than a certain number of people, or more than a certain percentage of the room's capacity
• An outdoor gathering of more than a certain number of people
• A business or location that is required to be closed but remains open
• An essential business that is open but is not complying with necessary restrictions
• Overcrowding at a business or location

Report a violation in progress

If you see a violation in progress, it is important to report it to the authorities immediately. This allows law enforcement to take swift action and reduce the risk to others. Here are the steps you can take to report someone breaking COVID-19 laws:

• Contact the Police: Many police departments welcome reports of COVID-19 breaches and encourage the public to help in enforcing the rules. You can call the non-emergency number 101 or, in more urgent cases, dial 911. Alternatively, you can report the violation to your local police department through their website or an online form.
• Provide Details: When making a report, try to provide as many details as possible about the violation. This includes the location, the number of people involved, and the specific rules being broken. For example, are people gathering in large groups, or is a business failing to enforce social distancing measures?
• Personal Information: In some cases, you may be required to provide your name and contact information when reporting a violation. This enables the authorities to follow up with you if they need further information. However, some jurisdictions also allow for anonymous reporting, although this may make the complaint more challenging to investigate.
• Online Forms: Many cities and states have created online forms specifically for reporting COVID-19 violations. These forms can be found on official websites, such as the COVID-19 information hub or your local government's website. The forms usually include options to describe the type of violation, such as overcrowding, lack of social distancing, or non-essential businesses operating.
• Avoid Direct Confrontation: While it can be frustrating to witness people breaking COVID-19 laws, it is important to avoid direct confrontation. Instead, leave it to the authorities to handle the situation. Law enforcement officials are equipped to deal with these situations and can ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Remember, by reporting COVID-19 violations, you are playing a crucial role in keeping your community safe and helping to slow the spread of the virus. Always follow the latest guidelines and restrictions in your area, and do your part to protect yourself and others.

Frequently asked questions