Request Your Police Records
Step-by-step guide to accessing incident reports, accident reports, and criminal records across the United States. Navigate FOIA and state-level public disclosure laws with ease.
🔍 Find My Department →Filing a Public Records Request
Public records transparency is a foundational right. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state statutes, most documents created by law enforcement are available for public inspection. Follow this process to ensure your request is accepted.
Identify Jurisdictions
Requests must be filed with the specific agency that authored the report. A county sheriff cannot provide records from an independent city police department. Verify the correct agency before filing.
Determine the Fee
Administrative fees offset the cost of searching and duplicating records. Standard fees for simple reports range from $5 to $25. Large files or videos may incur additional per-gigabyte or per-hour labor fees.
Submit Request
Digital portals are the preferred method for modern agencies. You can also submit via certified mail or in person at the Records Division. Use our directory to find the direct portal link for your department.
Redaction Phase
By law, sensitive investigator notes, victim identities, and juvenile information may be redacted. Most states allow 10–30 days for final fulfillment of simple requests.
Standard Record Types & Fees
| Record Type | Estimated Cost | Standard Response | Direct Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incident Offense Report | $5 – $20 | 5–15 Business Days | Records Division |
| Accident (Crash) Report | $5 – $15 | 3–10 Business Days | Records or Traffic Bureau |
| Arrest History / Log | $10 – $25 | 1–5 Business Days | County Jail / Sheriff |
| Background History Check | $25 – $60 | 7–30 Business Days | State DOJ / Live Scan |
| Body-Cam / Dash-Cam | $50 – $250+ | 30–90 Business Days | Legal / Media Relations |
| Full Case File (FOIA) | Variable | 10–30+ Business Days | FOIA / Records Officer |
* Ongoing criminal investigations are typically exempt from disclosure until the case is closed or prosecution is complete.
Records Request Checklist
Government Photo ID
A copy of your current driver's license or passport is required to verify identity for records involving personal information or background checks.
Case Report Number
The 10-12 digit CRN is the fastest way to locate a record. Without it, searches must be performed by name and date, which can delay results by several days.
Exact Date & Location
Provide a narrow date range and a specific address or intersection. Vague descriptions like "last summer in the city" will often result in a rejected request.
State Disclosure Laws & Limits
California — CPRA
10-day response window. Investigatory holds are common. Mandatory release of body-cam footage for critical incidents (SB 1421/AB 748).
Browse CA Departments →Florida — Sunshine Law
Widely considered the most transparent in the US. Records must be provided "promptly." Almost all records are public unless specifically exempted by statute.
Browse FL Departments →Find Your Official Records Portal
Navigate to your specific state and county to find the direct online request portal and official Records Division contact information.