What Do I Do With The Police Report Once I Have It
The insurance company may request a copy of the report, and you can certainly share it with them if you so choose. Also, keep a copy of the report at home in a safe location until your case is completely resolved.
Run your case by an accident attorney to review your legal options and ensure you are maximizing and exhausting all your potential sources for compensation. Share a copy of the report with your lawyer, who can use the report to support your claim and help you address any inaccuracies.
If you are in need of a car accident attorney in Pennsylvania, consider Cordisco & Saile as your choice firm. You are welcomed to contact us at and request a free, no-obligation consultation. In the interim, feel free to download a free copy of our book, Dont Crash Again! A Car Accident Victims Guide to Maximizing Recovery.
Obtaining A Copy Of An Incident Report
To get a copy of an incident report, print the application from the Police Report website. You’ll need to fill in your name and contact information, the name of the person involved, the nature of the incident and the district control number. If you don’t have the control number, go to the police district where the incident happened and obtain it.
Mail the application to the address listed above. You also have to enclose a check for $25 and two self-addressed-stamped envelopes. You’ll probably have to wait 10 to 12 weeks to get the report. To check on your order’s status, call 215-686-1292.
Requesting A Police Report By Mail
The process of requesting a copy of a police report by mail is a bit more involved. In many jurisdictions, you are required to make your Public Access Request via mail. Typically, the agency will provide a form online for you to fill out, but some places are fine with you writing a letter to ask for the police report.
1. Figure out where to send the Public Access Request form or letter.
Your local police department may have a specific address and addressee for police report requests listed on their website. If they dont, simply address it to the Records and Identification Division, and use the general address listed online for the department.
2. Fill out the form or write the letter.
After you have found the location to send your request, you should be able to easily find out if they want you to send a request form or a letter. If the information is not readily available on the site, just call and ask which method they prefer. If it is available, filling out a request form is typically the easiest method because you wont have to worry about leaving out information.
If you write a letter instead of filling out the form, be sure to include the following information:
- Case number
- Your Name, Birthdate, and Address
- The date and location of the incident
- Your role in the case
- The officers name who filed the report
- What exactly you are requesting
3. Gather additional materials and send the form/letter.
4. Pay for the police report.
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Ways To File A Police Report:
1) If the incident occurred within the City of Pittsburgh, you must call from within the City of Pittsburgh limits for an officer to be dispatched to you. When you call, you may be routed to a civilian member of the Telephone Reporting Unit who will assist you.
2) You can visit any City of Pittsburgh police station and file a report in person. All City of Pittsburgh police stations are open 24/7, even on holidays. Bring your ID to confirm your identity. Depending on the incident, providing additional information like pictures, video, or documents is helpful. If you are not sure what documents are needed to file a report, call ahead. You can find the list of police zones, addresses, and phone numbers here.
Note: Filing a police report with the City of Pittsburgh Bureau of Police cannot be done online.
Leonard Namiotka Police Chief
Mission
The mission of the Scranton Police Department is to protect and preserve life and property to understand and serve the needs of the Scranton Neighborhoods and to improve the quality of life by maintaining order, recognizing and resolving community problems, and apprehending criminals.
Vision
The Scranton Police Department will strive to excel through innovative leadership, accountability, and a commitment to a high level of service. We are and will continue to be committed to providing the highest level of service and protection to the City of Scranton. We will continue to succeed at our obligations, due to the professionalism of dedicated officers and civilian personnel, modern proactive policing practices, and enthusiastic community involvement. The Department will remain dedicated to identifying existing and emerging needs and to developing problem-solving solutions to address them.
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How To Find Pittsburgh Inmate Records
The Pennsylvania Department of Corrections provides access to records of inmates held at the Allegheny County Jail. Through its inmate locator, anyone may search the PADOC’s online database by the inmate’s first, last, and middle names, inmate number, parole number, gender, race/ethnicity, and date of birth. The requestor may also select Allegheny from the committing county and choose Pittsburgh as the inmate’s current location. The inmate locator also allows Pittsburgh residents to find parolees.
How Do I Get A Copy Of A Police Report
Police investigations may seem secretive, but did you know you can get your hands on a copy of an official police report? Whether youve been in a car accident, youve witnessed a crime, or you simply want to know about an incident that happened in your jurisdiction, there are steps you can take to request access to police reports.
The exact process may vary by jurisdiction, but it is generally the same across the country. Agencies have different policies for releasing sensitive information that is in police reports, so be sure to check with your local police department to confirm how they handle requests. As you are researching, you may find the request titled a Freedom of Information Request or a Public Access Request. Different areas use varying language, but they both mean the same thing and are referring to the Freedom of Information Act , which makes it entirely legal for citizens to request certain government information.
Reports will include details of the incident, where it took place, who was involved, witnesses, and much more essentially, it is anything that is even remotely relevant to the case. But keep in mind, you will not be able to receive a copy of a police report until after the police investigation has been closed.
So, how do you get a copy of this information? Check out the steps below.
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How To Find Sex Offender Information In Philadelphia City
Under Megans Law, Pennsylvania requires all convicted sex offenders to register their home and work addresses with law enforcement agents. Interested individuals looking for information on sex offenders in Philadelphia may find it on the Megans Law website. Researchers may look for sex offenders by name, county, municipality, city, or mile radius.
The website also provides information on non-compliant sex offenders who have refused to register details with law enforcement. Interested parties may also register on the Electronic Notification System. Individuals who sign up on the system will receive email notifications when registered sex offenders move into the neighborhood.
What Are Pittsburgh Vital Records
Pittsburgh vital records contain details of important life events within the city, including marriage, birth, divorce, and death. Depending on the type of vital record, interested persons may request from the Allegheny County Courthouse, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, or the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
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What Happens During The Response Period
An agency may review the request itself. However, if the agency has a memorandum of understanding with either a District Attorney’s Office or the Attorney General’s Office, an attorney from one of those offices may review the request and decide if the recording will be released.
Under Act 22, the agency may deny the request in writing if it determines that a recording contains:
- Potential evidence in a criminal matter or
- Information pertaining to an investigation or a matter in which a criminal charge has been filed or
- Confidential information or victim information and
- The reasonable redaction of the recording would not safeguard potential evidence.
When An Agency Denies A Request
When a request is denied, the requester may appeal within 30 days of the date of denial to the Court of Common Pleas with jurisdiction over the matter .
This appeal is filed as a Petition for Judicial Review and must include:
- A filing fee of $125
- A copy of the written request and any written responses and
- Proof that the AORO was served within five days of the filing of the petition.
If the event recorded took place inside a residence, the petitioner must also certify that notice of the petition has been served on each individual present at the time of the recording, and on the owner and occupant of the residence, unless that information is unknown and not reasonably ascertainable.
In all cases, service is effective upon receipt from personal delivery or certified mail with proof of service.
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Obtain A Public Police Report Copy
After filing a public police report you are able to obtain a copy for yourself any time. Unless you received one from a dispatched officer on the scene, you most likely will have to pay a fee to obtain a copy.
Most police reports are public record so anyone who wants to see their own or someone elses report is able to do so. Reports that are under investigation though are usually restricted to the police department and investigating parties, however.
Obtaining Traffic Accident Reports
You can get traffic accident reports in-person or by mail. Fill out the application and the affidavit establishing your eligibility to obtain a copy. Bring these into the Records Department weekdays between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Alternatively, mail them into the Records Department.
You’ll need to pay a fee of $25.00 for each report. Bring or send a stamped, self-addressed envelope as well. Photos of the scene may be available, and they will cost $27.00 for one set of photographs.
References
Tips
- Wait two to three weeks after the incident date to purchase a copy of the police report.
- There are additional fees if you want to obtain pictures associated with an accident report.
- Only incident reports can be obtained by the walk in option. Accident reports are available by mail or online only.
Writer Bio
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Importance Of Police Reports
As previously stated, police departments in every city are there to provide aid to citizens who are responsible for reporting crime by way of filing police reports.
Police reports are a way to document incidents, both large and small. They help identify perpetrators of crimes so that officers can stop them and any further crimes. Reports help keep both citizens and the police department accountable for public safety.
For cases involving vehicles, accident police reports are helpful when filing insurance claims, identifying the party at fault and keeping city roads safe.
How Long Does It Take To Obtain A Police Report
It typically only takes a few days to a week to get a copy of a police report if you were directly involved in the case. However, if you were not directly involved, or if you are an insurance agent, it will take longer because you have to send in a request and have it processed. This process can take up to a month or longer.
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Hit And Run Police Report
Accidents involving a hit and run by one or more parties can result in serious penalties so it especially necessary to make a hit and run police report. Hit and runs are illegal and can result in license revocation and even criminal charges.
Filing a police report for a hit and run is imperative even if you do not have much information about the other party or their vehicle.
What Type Of Information And Data Is Contained In A Police Report
The following are types of data and information that may be included. Please note that there is no universal police report. Information will vary from department to department.
- Identifying information for all parties involved in the incident, including full name, address, phone number, date of birth, social security numbers, driver license numbers
- Date of the occurrence or incident
- Location of the occurrence or incident
- The officers name and ID number
- The names of other officers who were present
- Diagrams or drawings of the scene
- The names of witnesses and their statements
- Reference number
The law enforcement case file may also contain motor vehicle information, as well as specific details of the incident and any evidence associated with the case.
Examples of police reports may include but are not limited to domestic disputes, traffic accidents, thefts, fraud, assault, burglaries, and stalking incidents. Other information that may be available includes crime surveys, crime statistics, calls for service, weather information, and traffic accident surveys.
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Are Pittsburgh Court Records Public
Most Pittsburgh court records are open to the public. City residents may inspect records or request copies of these records online or at the court that heard each case. However, Pennsylvania law provides some exemptions to court records involving juveniles. Generally, juvenile court records are unavailable to the public except:
- The juvenile was 14 years or older when charged for an offense that would be a felony if committed by an adult
- The juvenile was 12 or 13 years old when charged, and was eventually adjudicated delinquent for voluntary manslaughter, murder, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, arson, or aggravated assault
How To Obtain Pittsburgh Police Reports And Arrest Records
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police entertains requests for public Pittsburgh reports, including police reports, through its Central Records and Reporting Unit . Pittsburgh police reports are available to all requestors by mail and in person, at $15 per copy, payable only via money order or check. To apply by mail, send a written request for the desired report, including the type of incident and a report number. Include a self-addressed and stamped envelope and a photocopy of the requestor’s ID. Send the request to the CRRU or visit using the following information:
Pittsburgh Bureau of PoliceCentral Records and Reporting Unit660 First AvenueHours: 8:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday
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How To Get A Police Report From An Accident
Categorized: General
Whenever an auto accident occurs in Pennsylvania, accident victims usually call the police to the scene. They will assist with emergency needs, investigate the crash, issue citations for any violations, and fill out a report of the incident. It is important to request a copy of police report and ensure that it is accurate because you will need it when you file a lawsuit or claim.
Hot To Get A Pennsylvania State Police Accident Report
If youve been involved in a car accident heres how to obtain a copy of your state police report in Pennsylvania. You can purchase a copy online through the Online Crash Report Requests website or request a copy by mailing the required documents and payment to the Crash Reports Unit in Harrisburg, PA.
To Obtain Your PA State Police Accident Report Online
To Obtain Your PA State Police Accident Report by Mail
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Car Accident Police Reports
Car accident police reports are mandated in every state. This is because they happen so often and it is vital to keep drivers responsible through legal consequences.
Many states have laws in place to keep residents accountable and safe. These laws mandate getting a police report after an accident. Some states like Colorado require drivers to file a report even for minor fender benders.
On the other hand, states like Vermont mandate that drivers only need to make a car accident police report if the total damage, property or personal injury, is over $3,000. Most states require that you file within 10 days of the accident. Drivers who fail to make a report can get their license suspended or incur violation fines.
A complete and comprehensive accident police report includes the following information:
- Date, time and location of the accident
- Names, address, phone numbers car information and insurance information of all parties involved in accident
- Information that identifies witnesses
- Description of damage on vehicles and injuries
- Weather and road conditions at the site of the accident
- Statements from all parties involved in accident
- Citations given
- Opinion of cause of collision from all parties involved