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Release of Police Reports and Information

The release of police reports is governed by the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250-6260), as well as department policy.

Police report information shall not be released without first establishing both the "right to know" and the "need to know". "Right to know" is defined as the right to obtain police report information pursuant to court order, statute, or decisional law. "Need to know" is defined as the necessity to obtain police report information to execute official responsibilities.

Police reports are not released to arrested individuals and/or suspects. These individuals may obtain reports through their legal representatives through the discovery and/or subpoena process.

The following guidelines pertain to the release of police reports to victims or their legal or insurance representatives. Landlords and/or property owners must be listed in the report as victims in order to receive the report:

Property Crime Reports
Copies of the initial reports may be released after the names of arrested persons or suspects are deleted. Any additional lists and descriptions of stolen, damaged, or missing property may also be released.

Person Crime Reports
The face sheet of reports involving crimes against persons, the victim's statement and descriptions of any injuries sustained by the victim may be released. In cases of person crimes which include thefts; i.e., Grand theft person, Strong-arm robbery, etc., the face sheet plus any lists and descriptions of stolen property or injuries sustained by the victim may be released.

Traffic Accident Reports
Copies of the entire report may be released unless the report indicates "Hit and Run" or "Fatal". In those cases, the report will only be released after approval of the Traffic Section or after 90 days has elapsed.

Lost of Found Property Reports
Copies of incident reports classified as "Lost Property" or "Found Property" may be released.

Driving Under the Influence Reports DUI
DUI reports shall be released to the subject of the report or their authorized agent, minus any Department of Motor Vehicle Forms.

The following is not normally released:
-Reports not listed above
-Investigative supplements
-Photographs of arrested persons, witnesses or suspects
-Reports of booked property or evidence
-Crime scene photographs

If you have any questions about the release of information please call 916-433-0620