Police officers make a police report after an arrest, accident, or investigation.It explains what happened, gives evidence and gives witness statements.Having a copy of these reports is very useful because they are often used in court appearances, settlements, and insurance investigations.All police departments will give you a copy of your police report if you submit your request in person, via mail, or online.
Step 1: Determine which law enforcement agency wants the report.
You can request a police report from the law enforcement agency for the city where the incident took place.The police department's contact information can be found online.If you were involved in the incident, you may not be able to request the report.Lawyers, agents, and family members can file a report in some areas.
Step 2: Determine if that city gives police reports by mail or online.
You can request police reports in person at the police station.You could be working with a department that allows you to file a request by mail or on the internet.You can visit the website for the department you're working in.You can mail a form back to them if you search for it online.Call the department if you can't find what you're looking for.
Step 3: If it's necessary, download Adobe Reader.
If your local police department allows you to download a copy of its police report request form, there's a good chance it will be a PDF.Some computers come with PDF-reading software, but not all.You can open, read, and print the form from your home computer with Adobe Reader.
Step 4: Understand the form.
You should read through the form to make sure you can provide all the information it asks for.Although the form may vary from city to city, there's a good chance it will ask for the following information.A release form from the victim, if an attorney is filing the request, is required only if the person requesting the report works for an insurance company.Proof of relationship for parents of minor victims or the spouses/relatives of deceased victims can be found in a PDF of the San Francisco Police Department's request form.
Step 5: The form should be filled out correctly.
You need to double check the information on the form before you submit it to the police department.It will be more difficult for the department to respond to your request if you make a mistake.Make sure you don't swap two numbers in a report number or misspell the name of one of the involved parties.
Step 6: If you send the request, include an SASE.
SASE is a self-addressed, stamped envelope and should be included with your form.The department sends the police report to the right address if you put the cost of postage on your shoulders.
Step 7: You can check the hours for police report requests.
On certain days, law enforcement agencies only entertain requests for police reports.You can call or visit the website of the department you're working with.The City of San Diego Police Department only allows in-person requests on Wednesdays.
Step 8: You can visit the law enforcement agency.
If the department allows online or mailed requests, going in person will speed up the process.The officers can answer any questions you may have while you're there.
Step 9: Look for the information desk or records division.
You can ask for directions to the desk.The officers there will give you paperwork to fill out and answer any questions you have about the process.The form will ask for information about the incident.A detailed list of information you may be required to provide can be found in Method 1 above.Before they can process the request, you may have to provide a current photo ID.The officers can make a copy of your photo ID.Depending on the police department you're working with, the waiting period will be different.Police reports can take up to a week to be found, processed and copied, but you can ask the officers for an estimate.
Step 10: If necessary, pay the fee.
Not all law enforcement agencies have one, but the one you're working with might charge a fee for each report you request.The fee covers the cost of copying and handling the report.The amount will be different from agency to agency.You should call ahead to find out the cost.
Step 11: Pick up the police report.
When your report is ready, the police department will contact you.You will receive the report in the mail if they asked you to provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope.You can't get a copy of the police report within the allotted time.If that is the case, ask about its status.