How to report crime, and when your personal information could become known to the accused

(Fargo, ND) -- A local sheriff says there is one phone number to keep handy when reporting a crime in Cass or Clay counties.  

"You've got a one-stop-shop when you call to report stuff, so that really helps with reporting criminal activity or anything emergency in nature," said Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner. 

Jahner says the Red River Regional Dispatch Center dispatches not only all law enforcement agencies in the FM metro, but also fire agencies, ambulance services, and state troopers serving the area. The number for the dispatch center is (701) 451-7660. Jahner says if a citizen requires an emergency response and doesn't have the number to call the dispatch center, they should simply call 911.  

If a citizen calls police to report a crime, their personal information in some cases could later become known to the person who committed the crime.

"If the officer can get on scene to whatever this incident is and they can witness it themselves, then they can go off that we don't necessarily need to always use the complainant's information," said Jahner. 

Jahner says if a citizen witnesses and reports a crime. their personal information will become known to the accused if an officer or deputy does not witness the crime, and if the citizen wants the crime prosecuted. 

Sheriff Jahner responded to questions about reporting crime while appearing on The Coffee Club on WDAY AM 970.