Reporting

Report a concern

If you believe you have witnessed online harm, inappropriate behaviour, cyber enabled abuse, or activity that places an individual at risk, you may submit a report to the Online Crime Prevention Team (OCPT). Our role is to review the information provided, assess any safeguarding concerns, preserve relevant digital details, and, where appropriate, refer the matter to recognised law enforcement or statutory safeguarding agencies.

OCPT uses Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques to verify publicly available information related to reports. We only analyse data that is lawfully accessible, freely obtainable, and does not require intrusive access, hacking, account compromise, or any activity that breaches legal or platform terms of service. OSINT allows us to identify digital footprints, corroborate reports, and ensure that accurate and relevant information is forwarded when required.

OCPT does not conduct arrests, engage in covert activity, confront individuals, or replace the police. We operate as a civilian safeguarding and digital evidence referral service. Our purpose is to ensure concerns are documented responsibly and passed to the correct authorities when necessary.

What can you report

You must not submit, upload, or attempt to provide:

• Online harassment, bullying, blackmail, or threats

• Grooming concerns or behaviour placing a minor at risk

• Identity-based abuse or impersonation

• Sharing of personal information without consent (doxxing)

• Fraudulent or exploitative online behaviour

What you must NOT include/report

• Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)

• Screenshots or recordings of indecent images involving minors

• Illegal files of any kind

If a report indicates the existence of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), OCPT may immediately refer the matter to recognised law enforcement agencies. Where appropriate, we may also attempt to identify the individual responsible by using lawful, publicly accessible Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques. OCPT will not request, obtain, store, analyse, or review CSAM itself, and we will never ask a member of the public to provide such material. Our involvement is limited to the identification of potential suspects or associated digital accounts using legal and non-intrusive intelligence methods, while law enforcement retains exclusive responsibility for the handling and examination of illegal content.

Before you submit

To ensure we handle your report legally and securely, you must confirm the following:

• I understand OCPT is a civilian safeguarding and referral service, not a police organisation.

• I understand my report may be shared with law enforcement or statutory safeguarding agencies if it contains information relating to criminal activity or a risk of harm.

• I have read and agree to the OCPT Privacy Policy.

• I will not upload or attempt to transmit illegal images or prohibited material.

Urgent situations

If someone is in immediate danger, contact the police directly by calling 999 (UK) or the appropriate emergency service in your region. OCPT cannot respond to emergencies.

for emergencies, please call or text the lead investigator at +1 (516) 461-1516