How to Find a Police Report

Police procedure is to write a police report or keep a record about every situation they encounter from parking tickets and traffic accidents to theft and murder. In legal disputes, these records are often used to build cases that stand firm in court and aid in the proving of innocence or guilt. Police reports are also used by insurance companies to prove fault in a traffic accident. If you need to know information about a crime or traffic incident, police reports and public records are the best way to get the information you need from a reliable source.

Instructions

1. Know where the incident happened. The first step in finding a police report or police document is knowing where the incident happened.

2. Know the details. Know as many details as possible before you call the police. This will expedite the process.

3. Talk to the information officer or investigating officer. Talk to the front desk of the police station, which is usually the number listed in the phone book. Give as many details about the incident as you can, including where it happened, what happened and who was involved. They will transfer you to the officer you will need to talk with.

4. Have a fax number. Even though police precincts are starting to move toward electronic records, most police documents are not going to be electronic. You will have to go to the precinct, provide a snail mail address or provide a fax number to get the police reports.

Tips & Warnings

• Police will not release reports or records concerning ongoing investigations or ongoing cases until after they are closed or tried in court.