It is a criminal offense to make a false police report of a crime—knowingly and with the intent to deceive—if the statement is material to a criminal investigation and is made to (1) a peace officer or federal special investigator conducting the investigation; (2) any employee of a law enforcement agency that is authorized by the agency to conduct the investigation and that the person making the statement knows is conducting the investigation; or (3) a corrections officer or jailer.

The crime of making a false police report may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or as a felony, depending on the state, and is punishable in many states by jail time, fines, community service, and probation. The definitions and punishments for the crime of making a false police report vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In California, it is a criminal offense to knowingly make a false police report of a crime with the intent to deceive. This applies when the false statement is material to a criminal investigation and is made to a peace officer, federal special investigator, an authorized employee of a law enforcement agency, or a corrections officer or jailer. The offense is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor under California Penal Code Section 148.5. However, under certain circumstances, such as when the false report is related to an emergency that results in death or serious bodily injury, the crime can be charged as a felony. Penalties for a misdemeanor conviction may include imprisonment in county jail for up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Felony charges can carry more severe penalties. Additionally, individuals convicted may also face probation and community service requirements.