Police OB number: what it is and how to get one
National Police Service · sources read 4 Oct 2026
When you report something at a police station, it is written in the station's Occurrence Book (OB) and you get an OB number. Write down the OB number and the date: forms like the police abstract for a road accident ask for both.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- The police station where you made the report
Steps
- Go to the nearest police station and make your report. For a missing or found child, report immediately to get an OB number.
- Write down the OB number and the date of the report. You will need both later, for example on a police abstract for a road accident.
- Use your report to ask for a police abstract (for insurance, lost documents and similar). The abstract form is free.
Watch out
- Reporting a police officer? The station must record the complaint and report it to IPOA.
- Some stations keep a digital OB: IPOA's inspections check whether it is available and in use.
Who can apply
- Anyone reporting a complaint or crime at a police station. The officer in charge must keep a record of all complaints and charges.
Common questions
What does OB mean in police?
OB stands for Occurrence Book: the record a police station keeps of reports made there. When you report, you get an OB number.
How do I get an OB number?
Report at a police station. The officer in charge must keep a record of all complaints and charges, so your report is written down and you get its OB number.
What is the OB number used for?
Forms that follow a report ask for it. The police road accident abstract, for example, asks for the OB number and its date, so write both down.
Do I pay for a police abstract?
No. The police abstract form says it is free of charge.
What if my complaint is about a police officer?
The station must still record it, and the complaint must be reported to the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Is there a digital OB?
IPOA's station inspections check whether a digital OB is in use at the station.
Official sources (5)
- National Police Service Act (No. 11A of 2011) new.kenyalaw.org · read 4 Oct 2026
- Services: Missing and found children childrenservices.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Abstract from Police on a Road Accident (form) kenyapolice.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- Abstract from Police Records (form) kenyapolice.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026
- IPOA Form 30R: Digital OB Inspection Form (r. 131), Kenya Subsidiary Legislation 2024 ipoa.go.ke · read 4 Oct 2026