Police reports are essentially government documents and thus part of the public record, but this does not necessarily mean that anyone can simply walk up to a precinct and ask for copies. The procedure for obtaining police reports is statutory and usually falls under the freedom of information law of each state.

How do I look up a police report?

To obtain your police report, simply visit the police department that the report was filed from and trade the sheet for the actual report. If you do not obtain your police report, your insurance company will have to request a copy via mail, and it will take a bit longer.

How do I get a copy of a police report?

The main office of the police department will have a filed copy of the police report, within a few days of the incident. Information on how to obtain reports should be posted in the office itself or the government website. You may not be able to view the entire report, however.