Witness Sheet: How To Report A Wildlife Violation
What number should I call?
1-800-352-0700 Operation Game Thief
Do I have to provide my name?
No
You may remain anonymous. However, if you are willing, a call back number often helps the officer with additional information you may not have relayed. In either case, your assistance and identity will remain strictly confidential and only known to Arizona Game and Fish Department law enforcement personnel.
What information do I provide?
Who, where, when and what are all important.
Who:_______________________
License Plate #:_______________________
Boat AZ#:_______________________
Name, if you know the person. If not, a license plate number or watercraft registration number will do. Description of person – height/physical build, hair, eyes, facial hair, clothes, hats, equipment. Any descriptor that would help an officer pick the suspect from a crowd.
Where:_______________________
Which specific location?
When:_______________________
Date and time observed.
What:_______________________
What violation did you observe? How do you know?
Other:_______________________
What do I do now that I have called in?
Continue being a good witness.
Do not interfere with or attempt to stop the violator. If the officer has not yet arrived, get license plate number(s), vehicle description(s), or suspect description(s) before the violator leaves, but be subtle about it. It is also extremely helpful, if you can, take digital photos and/or video tape of the suspect(s), vehicle(s), or activity. If you need to leave, then leave. You have done your duty by calling in the information.
Can the officer cite the violator based solely on my observations?
NO. The officer must establish probable cause through his or her direct observations or evidence that supports your claim.
Will my report help even if the violator is not caught?
YES. The information helps officers predict peak violation times, locations for future patrols, and can catalyze special law enforcement projects or criminal investigations.
