In the NYPD, if it isn't on a 49, it didn't happen. It serves several critical functions:
A brief, capitalized summary of the memo’s purpose (e.g., "SUBJECT: UNUSUAL OCCURRENCE REPORT").
| Do | Don’t | |----|-------| | Use 24‑hour military time | Write long paragraphs | | Leave no blank fields – write “N/A” or “UNK” | Guess ages or heights – use “APPROX” or “UNK” | | Note who said what (“C/V STATED”, “WITNESS #2 ADVISED”) | Include personal opinions (“seemed nervous”) | | Cross out errors with a single line & initial | Use white‑out or erase | | Record exact time of each major event | Forget to sign and date the 49 |
Whether it’s a request for a day off, a report on a broken locker, or a detailed notification to the Police Commissioner about a major incident, it all happens on , better known as the Typed Letterhead or simply, the 49 . 📝 The Anatomy of a 49
Submitting requests for leaves of absence, scholarship applications, or declining department awards.
When officers or dispatchers refer to the "49 format," they are typically discussing the proper documentation and reporting procedure required to satisfy the Administrative Code. This ensures that the incident is logged correctly in the NYPD database, allowing for accurate tracking of violent crime statistics and ensuring that victims are connected with the appropriate police resources.
