The police: reports, certificates and interpreting

Who this is for

Tourists, business visitors and foreigners living in Georgia who are dealing with the police as a victim, witness or party.

Also anyone who needs a certificate for an insurer, an embassy or an airline.

Our role

We interpret, go with you, help prepare the report and put you in touch with a lawyer and your embassy.

We are not the police or lawyers, and we give no legal advice. We never hold your money or take commission, and our fee is agreed as soon as the situation allows.

When to go to the police

After a theft, robbery, assault, fraud or road accident.

When you lose a document and the embassy or insurer needs a certificate.

Also in case of threats, harassment or whenever you feel in danger.

112

Call the police on 112, which also connects you to the ambulance and fire service.

Tell the operator where you are, what happened and whether anyone is hurt.

If the conversation is difficult, call us and we set up a three-way call or interpret.

The patrol police

The patrol police work in cities and on main roads and usually respond quickly to calls.

Patrol officers wear uniform, and their cars are easy to recognise.

Many patrol officers wear body cameras, which serves transparency.

At tourist spots

In the old town, near stations and in nightlife areas, patrols are often on duty.

If you need help in the street, you can approach a patrol directly, briefly and calmly.

Having a patrol nearby often reduces the risk of petty crime in itself.

The police station

For a less urgent matter, such as a loss, you can also go to a station in person.

We find the nearest station and arrange the visit and interpreting.

Bring your passport or a copy and any evidence you have.

Language at the police

Conversations and records at the police are usually in Georgian.

Some officers speak English or Russian, but for important details an interpreter is better.

We interpret by phone or send an interpreter in person.

Official interpreters

During official investigative steps, the state as a rule provides an interpreter.

Asking for an interpreter is your right if you do not speak Georgian.

Our interpreter cannot replace the official one, but helps with everything else.

Preparing your report

Before the report, jot down the facts briefly: time, place, what happened and who was there.

Prepare a list of stolen items with descriptions and, where possible, serial numbers.

The more precise the report, the easier the case is to investigate.

Evidence

Photos, video, screenshots, receipts and witnesses' contact details all matter.

Footage from a nearby shop or street camera is sometimes a great help.

Ask the police how to hand over electronic evidence.

Signing

Sign a record or statement only when you understand what it says.

Listen carefully to the translation, and ask for a correction if anything is wrong.

Decline politely but firmly to sign any text you do not understand.

A certificate for your insurer

Insurers usually ask for a police certificate to reimburse a theft or loss.

The certificate should state the date, place and items lost.

We translate the certificate if your insurer asks for it.

A certificate for your embassy

If you lose your passport, the embassy often asks for a police certificate for a new document.

You submit the certificate to the embassy as an original or copy, as it requires.

We write about lost documents on a separate page.

Translating the certificate

A foreign insurer or institution often asks for a Georgian certificate to be translated.

Sometimes an ordinary translation is enough, sometimes a certified one, and we check in advance.

A proper bureau and a notary do certified translations, and you pay them directly.

The case number

After the report, ask for the case or registration number.

You use this number to check the status of the case later.

Note the investigator's name and contact details if possible.

Follow-up contact

Sometimes the police need more information or a witness statement.

If you have already left the country, you keep in touch through us or a lawyer, with your consent.

If a stolen item is found, we arrange its return together with the police.

How long cases take

Investigating a petty theft sometimes takes weeks or months, and the outcome is not guaranteed.

The certificate, however, usually comes quickly, and for insurance that is what matters most.

We check on the case from time to time if you wish.

Theft

After a theft, block your cards first, then go to the police.

If your phone is stolen, check its location from another device and tell the police.

Do not chase a stolen item yourself: it is dangerous.

Robbery and assault

In a robbery, hand over the item without resisting: your life is worth more than any object.

Once safe, call 112 at once and remember a description of the attacker.

If injured, get medical help first; a doctor's certificate will also serve as evidence.

Fraud

A fake booking, an exchange trick or online fraud should be reported to the police and your bank.

Keep the correspondence, the transfer receipt and the fraudster's number.

Start disputing the payment with your bank as early as possible.

Car break-ins

If items are stolen from a car, take photos and call the police.

With a rental car, inform the rental company and insurer at once.

Never leave valuables in a car, not even in the boot.

Road accidents

After an accident, call 112 and wait for the patrol, especially if anyone is hurt.

Take photos and note the other driver's details.

A copy of the patrol's record is essential for your insurer and the rental company.

Traffic stops

If a patrol stops you, stay in the car, keep your hands visible and show documents when asked.

The driver must have a driving licence, the car's documents and a passport.

If you do not understand the officer, politely ask for an interpreter or a call to us.

Fines

In Georgia you never pay a traffic fine to the officer in cash: it is paid officially, through a bank or terminal.

A camera fine is sent to the rental company, which often charges it to your card.

Keep the fine receipt if you want to dispute it.

Drink-driving

Georgia has strict rules and penalties for drink-driving.

A patrol can ask you to take an alcohol test.

After a feast we always call a driver or taxi.

Identity documents

The police may ask for identification, so carry your passport or a copy.

With a copy, it is best to be able to produce the original quickly.

Residents of Georgia should carry their residence card.

Bribes

In Georgia, offering a bribe to an official is a crime.

Never offer money to a police officer, even to settle a situation quickly.

If asked for money, do not comply, and report it to the relevant authority afterwards.

Arrest

If you are detained, stay calm, do not resist and do not sign documents you do not understand.

You have the right to ask for a lawyer, an interpreter and for your embassy to be informed.

We give no legal advice, but we help you reach a lawyer and your embassy.

Lawyers

In a serious matter, such as a charge, a lawyer is essential.

We connect you with a lawyer who works in your language or with an interpreter.

We write about lawyers on a separate page.

Informing your embassy

When detained or in a serious situation, having your embassy informed is your right.

The embassy offers a list of lawyers, contact with family and a consular visit, within its means.

We write about contacting your embassy on a separate page.

Witnesses

If you witness a crime, the police may ask you for a statement.

Give the statement through an interpreter, accurately and without guesses.

Tell the police your departure date in advance.

Video and photos

Filming an incident is useful as evidence, if it is safe to do so.

Be careful with other people's privacy and children in photos.

Filming protected or military sites may be prohibited, so keep that in mind.

Drugs

Georgia's drug laws are strict, and foreigners are subject to local law too.

Never carry a stranger's item or parcel.

Some medicines that are ordinary at home may be restricted here, so check in advance.

Demonstrations

Travellers are best off keeping their distance from protests and crowds in confrontation.

Streets in the city centre are sometimes closed, and we change the route accordingly.

A foreigner taking part in a political rally can run into unexpected problems.

Taxi disputes

In a dispute over a taxi fare, first talk calmly while we interpret by phone.

If you booked through an app, file the complaint in the app.

Call the police only in case of threats or violence.

Apartment disputes

We first try to settle a dispute with a neighbour or landlord in a rented apartment by negotiation.

For noise, threats or unlawful entry, go to the police.

For a dispute over the rental contract, we connect you with a lawyer.

Violence and harassment

In a case of domestic violence, harassment or sexual violence, call 112.

We help you with the police, the hospital and contacting a support service.

We keep your information strictly confidential.

Hate crime

An attack or threat because of race, religion, orientation or origin should be reported to the police.

In the report, state the motive, the words used and any witnesses precisely.

We help you reach a lawyer and your embassy.

A missing person

If a companion or child goes missing, call 112 and give a photo and description.

State precisely where and when they were last seen.

We inform the hotel, family and embassy, with your consent.

A child at the police

If a child is a victim or witness, speaking with them requires a parent and often a specialist to be present.

Explain to the child calmly and briefly what is happening.

We write about travelling with children in the family section.

Older guests

A long wait at the police is tiring for an older guest.

We allow for transport, water and breaks, and stay beside you at every step.

Where possible, the report is made at the hotel or with the patrol on the spot.

Groups

If something happens in a group, we send one person to the police while the others carry on with the plan.

We arrange a companion and interpreting for the person affected.

We keep the group leader informed at every step.

Business visitors

On a business trip, a stolen laptop or documents also affects company data.

Besides the police, inform your company's IT and legal departments at once.

We prepare the certificate and translation for your company's records.

The emotional side

Being the victim of a crime can bring fear and even a sense of shame.

This is a normal reaction, and the crime is not your fault.

If needed, we connect you with a psychologist.

Insurance

Inform your insurer about the incident as early as possible.

Attach the police certificate, receipts and photos to the claim.

We help you fill in the claim and translate it.

Informing family

With your consent we tell your family what has happened and what is happening now.

We give the family one contact person.

We share no more than you specify.

Continuing the trip

After dealing with the police, we replan the remaining days.

If needed, we change flights, hotels and transport.

We try to make sure one incident does not spoil the whole trip.

Prevention

In crowded places hold your bag in front and do not carry valuables on display.

At night walk along lit streets and call a reliable taxi.

Treat unexpected street offers and overly friendly strangers with caution.

Nightlife

In bars and clubs keep an eye on your drink and be wary of drinks offered by strangers.

Always check the bill; a price that does not match the menu is grounds for complaint.

Use an app-booked taxi to get home.

Living here longer

For residents, knowing the police system and your rights is part of everyday life.

Keep your apartment, car and work documents in good order.

We write about relocation in a separate section.

What we do not do

We cannot replace the police or a lawyer, and we give no legal advice.

We never take part in bribery or any other unlawful act.

We do not pay fines or other charges on your behalf or carry money.

Common mistakes

Signing a record you do not understand without a translation.

Trying to pay a fine to an officer in cash.

Leaving the station without a certificate or case number.

What we need from you

What happened, where and when, as briefly and precisely as possible.

Your number, a photo of your passport and photos or other evidence.

Whether you need a lawyer, your embassy or your family informed.

Cost

Interpreters, lawyers and other specialists set their own prices, and you pay them directly.

We take no commission from partners and add nothing to their prices.

Our fee depends on the scope of the matter and is agreed as soon as the situation allows.