Police & Law Enforcement Records
Police records — including arrest records, incident reports, crime statistics, and use-of-force reports — are governed by state public-records laws. Most states follow a general presumption of openness: government records are public unless a specific exemption applies. However, the depth of information available varies significantly by state and agency. This page guides you through the official channels for obtaining police records at the local, state, and federal level. Updated March 2026.
How to Request Police Records
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) applies to federal agencies. State equivalents — variously called Sunshine Laws, Open Records Acts, or Public Records Acts — govern local and state police records. To request records:
- Identify the agency. Which police department, sheriff's office, or state police agency holds the record? Records are typically held by the agency that generated the report.
- Find the agency's records request process. Most agencies have an online records request form. Use MuckRock.com — a free public records request platform — to find agency contacts and file requests online.
- Submit a written request. Reference the state's specific public-records law (e.g., "Pursuant to California Government Code §6250 et seq."). Be specific about the record type, date range, and involved parties.
- Pay any applicable fees. Most agencies charge for document reproduction (typically $0.10–$0.50/page). Some states allow agencies to charge for staff research time.
- Appeal if denied. If a request is denied, you have the right to appeal — first to the agency head, then to the state attorney general's office or through the courts.
Online Police Record Databases
- FBI Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) — Annual national crime statistics by state, county, and city. Includes data on arrests, clearances, and crime type. Note: the UCR is transitioning to NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System) for more detailed data.
- FBI Crime Data Explorer — Interactive tool for exploring NIBRS and legacy UCR data by state, agency, or crime type.
- Police Data Initiative — Open data portals from over 300 participating law enforcement agencies, including use-of-force data, stops, officer demographics, and arrest records.
- Mapping Police Violence — Database tracking police killings in the U.S., including officer names, circumstances, and outcomes.
State Police Records Portals — Selected Examples
- California: California DOJ OpenJustice — Statewide crime, arrest, and use-of-force statistics.
- Texas: Texas DPS – Public Information Requests
- New York: NY Division of Criminal Justice Services – Crime Statistics
- Florida: FDLE – Criminal History Records
- Illinois: Illinois State Police – Criminal History Records
For other states, visit each state's Department of Justice, State Police, or Attorney General website and search for "Public Records" or "Criminal History."
Sex Offender Registries
Sex offender registration is required by federal law (the Jacob Wetterling Act, as amended by Megan's Law and SORNA). Registries are publicly accessible in all 50 states:
- National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) — DOJ-managed portal that simultaneously searches all 50 state sex offender registries, D.C., and U.S. territories from one search.
- Individual state registries provide more detailed information; search "[State] sex offender registry" for your state's official site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a copy of a police report about myself?
Yes, in most cases. You can request incident reports, arrest records, and police reports about yourself through the agency's public records process. You will typically need to provide a government-issued ID and pay a copying fee. Some records may be withheld if they are part of an ongoing investigation.
Are arrest records the same as criminal records?
No. An arrest record documents that someone was detained by police. A criminal record (or "rap sheet") documents arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences. Being arrested does not create a conviction. Arrest records without conviction may be expunged in many states.
Can I get body camera footage through a public records request?
In many states, yes. Body-worn camera (BWC) footage is subject to public records laws, though many states have specific exemptions for active investigations, victims' privacy, or juvenile involvement. California's SB 1421 (2019) requires disclosure of BWC footage for certain incidents. Check your state's specific BWC disclosure law.
How long are police records kept?
Retention schedules vary by record type and state. Arrest records: typically 5–7 years for non-convictions; indefinitely for convictions. Incident reports: typically 3–7 years. Homicide case records: often permanent. Check your state's records retention schedule for specifics.
What is the difference between a state criminal background check and an FBI background check?
A state criminal background check searches one state's records. An FBI Identity History Summary (rap sheet) aggregates records from all 50 states that have submitted data to the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). FBI checks are more comprehensive but require fingerprinting and cost $18 per request.
Page updated: March 2026