简体中文
EnglishWhat Is the Boston Police Department Website (police.boston.gov)?
Updated
police.boston.gov is the official website of the Boston Police Department (BPD). It is an informational and service portal, not an emergency channel: it publishes public safety news, crime data, records-request instructions, wanted-person listings, and ways to send anonymous tips. Use it to find information or start a non-urgent request; for an emergency, call 911 rather than relying on the site.
What the site is for
The department describes its mission as community policing: "working in partnership with the community to fight crime, reduce fear and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods," according to a statement from Police Commissioner Michael Cox quoted on the homepage. The site reflects that mission by combining public information with channels for residents to contribute information.
The homepage also carries a notice that the site is new and still being expanded, so some features may be incomplete or change.
Main services available
| Service | What it provides | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| BPDnews feed | Public safety alerts, missing persons notices, community updates, investigation and arrest news | Follow the news feed linked from the homepage |
| Public records request | A formal way to request BPD records | Submit a request through the public records process described on the site |
| Media records requests | Records for journalists | Request in writing at [email protected] |
| Data & Transparency Hub | Dashboards with the latest crime statistics | Open the Data Hub from the homepage |
| Most Wanted | Information on individuals sought by police | Review listings and provide information if you have it |
| Hackney/Taxi regulation | Oversight of taxis, sight-seeing vehicles, horse carriages, and pedi-cabs in Boston | Use the Hackney/Taxi section |
| Homicide Unit | A channel for witnesses, family, friends, and community members to share information anonymously | Contact the unit through the site |
| Join BPD | Recruitment information | Use the "Join BPD" link |
How to send an anonymous tip
The site offers several tip channels, all intended for non-emergency use:
- CrimeStoppers: call 1-800-494-TIPS (8477).
- Text: send "TIP" to CRIME (27463). The site notes that message and data rates may apply and points to terms and privacy policy information.
- Mobile app: download the BPD app to send anonymous tips that can include photos or videos.
Anonymous tips are most useful when they include specific, checkable details — for example, a location, time, description of a person or vehicle, or a photo. The site does not promise a response to every tip, so treat these channels as a way to pass information along, not as a way to get immediate help.
When to use the site — and when not to
Use police.boston.gov when you want to:
- Check official news or public safety alerts.
- Look up crime statistics in the Data Hub.
- File or prepare a public records request.
- Send information about a wanted person or an open investigation.
- Find recruitment or taxi-regulation information.
Do not use the site for emergencies or crimes in progress. The homepage channels are for information and tips; call 911 for immediate danger.
Practical notes
- Records requests: media requests must be in writing at [email protected]. Other requesters should follow the public records process linked on the site.
- Tip privacy: the text-tip line states that message and data rates may apply and references terms and a privacy policy; review those before sending sensitive information.
- Site status: the department says the site is still being improved, so if a page or feature looks unfinished, check back or use the contact channels listed.