FAQ - Police Report Release and Copy Information
Question: Who can get a copy of a police report?
Answer: Police reports may only be released to authorized parties (see below) and according to State law. Reports involving certain types of crime (i.e.; juvenile cases and some sex related crimes ) cannot be released to anyone, except district attorneys or law enforcement agencies.
A police report can take 2 to 5 business days after an incident to be written, investigated and approved. Reports of major cases and complex investigations can take much longer to complete. Reports must be approved before the records staff can release any information or provide any copies to the parties.
Most information in police reports is confidential and cannot be released to the public, per State law, nor can we release information to parties over the phone. Press releases are written about cases or incidents of public interest. A press release may contain some information or details about an incident or the involved parties when released to the media. Police reports will not be released directly to the media. Current press releases are available to the public and are posted at our front counter. Information on some past incidents is also available to the public in the news archives of local media and local libraries.
Once a crime report is filed with the district attorney's office, approval from the district attorney may be required before information can be released to any involved parties. The district attorney may release police reports directly to involved parties, their attorneys or the media. Disposition of any cases filed and adjudicated through the court (like information on scheduled court dates, suspect pleas, sentencing, custody, probation or final case status) is not available through the police department. Victims and other interested parties should call the San Mateo County District Attorney's office, 650-363-4677, if they need more information.
To determine if a report can be released to you, or for information about the status of your report, please contact the Records Bureau at the number listed below, or send us an email.
This FAQ refers to the following subjects:
Services/Public Safety/Police
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