Residents of Pennsylvania may not know what to do next if they have reported a crime. It doesn’t matter if the recording was made by accident or on purpose; it can still be important video evidence for investigators. Being able to stay calm and responsible in a situation like this will help keep you safe and keep the information you got valuable.
Make Your Own Safety a Top Priority
Your safety is always the most important thing. If the situation is still going on or seems dangerous, stay away from it and don’t call attention to yourself. Don’t talk to anyone who was involved in the incident. You don’t have to intervene just because you see a crime happen. Staying safe lets you report it accurately later.
Take Care of the Recording
Once you are safe, don’t change or edit the video. Even small changes can change how investigators look at video evidence. Make sure the original file is safe on your device, and you might want to make a copy of it. Keeping the recording exactly as it was made helps it stay true.
Please Don’t Let the Public See the Video
Putting recordings on social media can make it harder for police to do their jobs and make people notice you more. Sharing things with the public can put the privacy of those involved at risk or spread false information. A safe way to report is to keep the recording private until the police have seen it.
Be Responsible When You Tell Someone About the Event
When you tell the police about a crime, be sure to include all the details about what you saw and when you saw it. Tell the police you have video proof and do what they say to send it in. When investigators have the right context, they can learn more about what the recording shows.
Know What You Need to Do as a Witness
The police in Pennsylvania may see you as a witness if you recorded a crime. This doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. You only need to tell the truth about what you saw and let the investigators take care of the rest.
Questions That Are Often Asked
Is it against the law to record a crime in public?
Yes, in general, if it happens in a public place where people don’t expect privacy.
Should I get rid of the recording after I report it?
No, keep the original recording until the authorities tell you to do something else.
Is it possible that sharing the video will cause problems?
Yes, sharing things in public can make it harder for investigations to get done and put people in danger.
What if the recording was a mistake?
Even if they were recorded by mistake, they can still be good video evidence.
Do I have to say my name when I report?
Depending on the situation, there may be ways to report things without giving your name.
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