Get A Copy Of Your Police Records
You have the right to ask for a copy of records the police have about you. This is called a subject access request.
You might need a subject access request if you move to another country.
A subject access request has records from:
- police forces in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey and the Isle of Man
- the British Transport Police
How To Request Records Contained In A Major Collision File
Major Collision Bureau investigates all Motor Vehicle Collisions resulting in a fatality or serious personal injury that occur in the Region of Peel.
If you are NOTthe Involved Party to the Collision
You must provide proof of relationship to the involved party and a signed consent on behalf of the involved individual.
If the Involved Individual is Deceased
You are required to provide an authorization from the legal representative or power of attorney with supporting documents.
***Do Not Send Payment Until You Have Been Invoiced***
Contact Information
Please contact Martine Renwick, Information and Privacy Unit at or email at for additional assistance.
Next Steps After A Car Accident
After any kind of car accident, if you decide to make an insurance claim or file a lawsuit, the information contained in the police report can have a big effect on two key issues:
- who was at fault for the accident, and
- how much compensation you can recover .
If the police report isn’t helpful to your position, or if there are early signs that the other side is digging in for a fight, having an attorney on your side can be critical. Learn more about how a car accident attorney can help, and get tips on finding the right injury lawyer for you and your case.
Self-help services may not be permitted in all states. The information provided on this site is not legal advice, does not constitute a lawyer referral service, and no attorney-client or confidential relationship is or will be formed by use of the site. The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. In some states, the information on this website may be considered a lawyer referral service. Please reference the Terms of Use and the Supplemental Terms for specific information related to your state. Your use of this website constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Use, Supplemental Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. Do Not Sell My Personal Information
You May Like: Can You Be A Police Officer Without A Degree
What Is A Car Accident Police Report
In the context of a car accident case, a police report is a written document that is usually generated at the scene of the crash, typically by the responding law enforcement officer. The police report often contains:
- details of the crash and the people/vehicles/property involved
- statements from drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- a drawn diagram of the accident , and
- in some instances, the officer’s findings or conclusions as to how or why the accident might have happened.
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.
Also Check: How Can Be A Police Officer
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.
Third Parties Obtaining Reports
Sometimes third parties who were not involved in the actions mentioned in police reports might want copies of them. In these instances, most states will only allow third parties to obtain copies of police reports if the matters enclosed within the reports have already been closed. However, some states may allow third parties to obtain copies of police reports even when the cases are pending. Generally, third parties must know the case number of the reports that they want and must go to the county clerks office where the police report was filed to obtain a copy of the reports. There is usually a fee for the reports to be printed as well.
The process of obtaining copies of police reports is slightly different for different groups of people. However, they typically are not difficult to obtain, no matter who wants them.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Sponsored By A Police Department
How Do I Obtain A Police Report
In most cases the public portion of police reports can be obtained from the APD Incident Report Database. Please read the Incident Report Database instructions on how to obtain the report. Make sure to enter the case number exactly how it is shown in the instructions.
For information about purchasing a copy of the public portion of a police report contact the Austin Police Department Report Sales Unit at 974-5499. Reports can be purchased at the Main Police Headquarters, located at 715 E 8th Street. Reports are 10 cents a page and only the public portion is available for purchase from the report sales office. This is the same report that can be obtained from visiting the APD Incident Report Database. Report Sales new hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Access the Public Records Center to submit a public information request as well as retrieve documents regarding your public information request. See quick reference guide here.
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.
Don’t Miss: How To Get A Police Report From Car Accident
Requesting A Police Report In Person
1. Gather the required materials.
Bring with you a form of identification like a drivers license or passport. If you are making the request on behalf of someone else, you will need to have a notarized letter with you. Most agencies require a small request fee. If you were directly involved in the incident whether as a victim, witness, or defendant you may receive a verification slip from the authorities to let you know that a police report has been filed. Bring this slip with you to exchange for the police report.
2. Visit the Records and Identification Division of the police department.
The Records and Identification Division may have exclusive hours throughout the day that are not your typical business hours, so be sure to verify online. They will ask you for your information, as well as basic information about the case. Then, they will take your payment to cover the request fee.
3. Retrieve the copy of your police report.
In some areas, you may have to pick up a copy of the police report in person, but some agencies may mail it directly to you. Either way, expect to pay a per-page fee for the copy of the report. Reports typically cost a total of $50 to $150.
How To Fill Out A Police Report
For those wondering how long do I have to fill out a police report, there is usually a time limit to file a report with a citys police department. So, if you did not create a report at the time of the accident or crime, you will need to find out how to fill out a police report.
Most often, you will be asked to make a police report for an accident at the scene. However, there are other options if an officer is not dispatched or you experienced a hit and run or simply decided not to call the police.
To ensure the most clarity, it is best to complete a report in person with a police officer, which you can do at the nearest police station. You can also submit an accident police report online. It is advised that you file the report in the same city that the accident occurred.
At the very least, when thinking about how to do a police report correctly, make sure to submit your personal information, details about the surroundings and your vehicle. These are specifications in police investigations even if you do not have information on the burglar or other party.
Also Check: Can You Check Your Police Record Online
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.
Do You Need A Copy Of A Police Report
Using the links below, download a copy of the request form. Submit the completed form either by mail or by hand delivery to:
Long Beach Police Department Long Beach, CA 90802 ATTN: RECORDS DIVISION
The processing time for your report will vary depending on the incident. On average, the turn around time for your report will be three weeks.
- Application For Release of Traffic Collision And/Or Crime Report / Incident Information Long Beach Police Department will charge a $23.00 fee for copies of reports. The fee will be charged for copies of all types of reports: incident reports, arrest reports, traffic collision reports and information-only reports. Victims will be exempt from the report request fee.
- Additional Property Loss Form
- Civil Harassment Restraining Order Information
Read Also: What To Study To Be A Police Officer
How Can My Accident Report Help My Personal Injury Claim Or Lawsuit
The official accident report will often prove to be a vital document if you are planning to file a claim with your own insurance company or if you need to file a personal injury claim against the person who caused the crash.
When police officers respond to the scene of car accidents, they will create and file the report. This report will include information including:
- Descriptions of damage to the vehicles and a diagram of the crash
- Any citations or arrests made at the scene
- A preliminary report detailing how the collision happened, based on the initial investigation
- Verification of insurance for both parties, or confirmation if one or both parties is uninsured
- Description of injuries suffered
Because the police report is an official document, it can be powerful evidence that could bolster your case for compensation. It will establish the facts of what happened, could indicate who was at fault, and will include relevant information that your attorney and both parties insurance companies will use when evaluating the case. It could also prevent the other side from claiming you were at fault.
Request An Accident Report Online
To request a copy of an accident report have your case number available go to Lexis Nexis Accident Report search. Please search using the full case number yyyy-xxxxx .
Most accident reports written by the Walnut Creek Police Department can be obtained online. However some may not. Reasons an accident report may not be available online are:
- The accident did not occur in the jurisdiction of the Walnut Creek Police Department.
- There were serious injuries and/or a fatality as a result of the accident.
- There was a crime associated with the accident report.
- The report is not complete.
- The report cannot be released by applicable laws.
Reports are typically available within 5 to 10 days. If the report is not available online after 10 days, please contact the Walnut Creek Police Records Division at 925-943-5890.
Cost of an online accident report is $5.00, which is paid directly to Lexis Nexis.
The Walnut Creek Police Department reserves the right to restrict the availability of online accident reports.
You May Like: How Many Police Officers Are There In The United States
How To Obtain A Police Report
This article was co-authored by Saul Jaeger, MS. Saul Jaeger is a Police Officer and Captain of the Mountain View, California Police Department . Saul has over 17 years of experience as a patrol officer, field training officer, traffic officer, detective, hostage negotiator, and as the traffic units sergeant and Public Information Officer for the MVPD. At the MVPD, in addition to commanding the Field Operations Division, Saul has also led the Communications Center and the Crisis Negotiation Team. He earned an MS in Emergency Services Management from the California State University, Long Beach in 2008 and a BS in Administration of Justice from the University of Phoenix in 2006. He also earned a Corporate Innovation LEAD Certificate from the Stanford University Graduate School of Business in 2018. This article has been viewed 633,376 times.
A police report is a document police officers create after an arrest, accident, or investigation. It explains what happened, details evidence, and provides witness statements and other details. Because these reports are often used in court appearances, settlements, and insurance investigations, having a copy might be very useful for you. Whether they ask you to submit your request in person, via mail, or online, all police departments will provide you with a copy of your police report.
How Do I Obtain A Copy Of My Accident Report Online
If you wish to purchase a copy of your accident report online, the Indiana State Police has made electronic police reports available through the BuyCrash.com website for a small fee. To get a copy of this report online, youll need to provide the following information:
- The date and location of the collision
- The state and law enforcement jurisdiction where the accident occurred
- Your first and last name
- The report number
Recommended Reading: Do You Have To Go To Police Academy
How Do I Get A Copy Of A Police Report What Is The Cost
The dissemination of police reports is governed by the Massachusetts Public Records Law. Requests for copies of police reports can be made in person or by mail and should be addressed to the departments Records Bureau. The easiest and quickest way to obtain a police report is in person at the police station. For most reports and logs, the cost is $.50 cents per page and delivery is immediate. In the event that an accident report needs to be mailed then the cost will be $5.00 for the first six pages of the report and $.50 cents for each page thereafter. For all other reports other than accident reports, the cost to mail the report is $1.00 per page. Police Accident reports can also be obtained online here for $10.50.
How Can I Get A Copy Of A Police Report
How can I get a copy of a police report if I am a victim of a crime?
If you want to request a copy of a crime report, you must mail your written request to Records & Identification Division. You can only receive a crime report if you are an authorized person such as the victim, the victims representative, or as provided in Section 6254 of the Government Code.
Victims of domestic violence are entitled to one free copy of their incident reports made within five years from the date of completion of the incident report. Victims of Sexual Assault, Stalking, Human Trafficking, or Abuse of an Elder or a Dependent Adult are entitled to one free copy of their incident reports made within two years from the date of completions of the incident report.
Additionally, victims of identity theft are entitled to a free copy of their incident reports.
Report requests are mailed to:
Mail to:
Also Check: How Many Hours Of Training To Become A Police Officer