How to Get a Copy of a Police Report (NYPD)
As a resident of New York City, you may need to obtain a police report from the New York Police Department (NYPD) at some point in your life. Whether it’s to file an insurance claim, provide evidence for a lawsuit, or just to document an incident that occurred, getting a copy of a police report from the NYPD can be a crucial step. In this article, we’ll outline the process of how to get a copy of a police report from the NYPD.
Why Do You Need a Police Report from the NYPD?
There are many reasons why you may need a police report from the NYPD. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, a police report can serve as valuable evidence to establish fault and support your claim for insurance compensation. A police report can also provide important information about the investigation, such as witness statements and crime scene details, which can be useful if you need to file a lawsuit or report a crime.
Where to Get a Copy of a Police Report from the NYPD
Online:
- Go to the NYPD’s public records database, PoliceReporter.org.
- Search for the report number or enter the incident type, location, and time range.
- If the report is found, you’ll be prompted to pay an online service fee of $15 (cash or credit card) to access and print or download the report.
In-Person:
- Visit an NYPD Police Precinct Records Unit in person.
- Bring your identification and complete a police report request form.
- Pay a filing fee of $15 by cash or credit card (note: some precincts may charge a higher fee).
By Mail
- Submit a written request to the NYPD’s Department of Public Information (DOI) and include:
- Report number or descriptive information (incident type, location, and time)
- Your name, address, and phone number
- A copy of your identification ( driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued ID)
- Pay the filing fee of $15 by check or money order made payable to the New York City Police Department
Waiting Period
Note that it may take time for the NYPD to review and respond to your request. Under the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), the NYPD has 20 business days (about 4-5 weeks) to release the requested records. The time period may be shorter if you request a file copy only (no original document), or longer if the record is complex, requires research, or may contain redacted information (certain information has been removed to protect privacy, confidentiality, or security reasons).
Fees for Obtaining a Police Report
There are several types of fees associated with getting a police report from the NYPD, including:
• Initial Filing Fee: $15 (must be paid at the precinct or via online service provider)
• Copy/Reproduction Fee: Up to $0.25 per page for printed reports (online download is a flat fee $15)
• Photocopying Fee (at precinct): 50¢ per page or $5 per binder
What Information Do Police Reports Contain?
Police reports, also known as PD-51 forms (PDF, 1 pg), contain valuable information regarding the incident, including:
• Time, date, and location of the incident
• Names and identities of persons involved
• Description of the incident or crime
• Witness statements
• Crime scene investigation details
• Suspects and possible motives
Redactions may also be included to protect private and confidential information.
Tips and Guidelines
To ensure a successful request:
- Exact information is crucial (report number, incident description, or location)
- Pay attention to specific dates, as some documents may not be available outside of specific time frames.
- Check for exclusions: Some records (e.g., juvenile complaints, investigations, or private information) may be inaccessible or excluded from public request.
- Be respectful: Requests may be submitted by anyone, but a valid identity and purpose will help speed up the review process.
- Digital records may be available online, eliminating the need to visit the precinct or mailing in your request.
Conclusion
Acquiring a police report from the NYPD requires attention to detail, correct information, and a simple process to follow. If you encounter any issues during your request, don’t hesitate to contact the Police Precinct Records Unit directly for guidance. Remember, obtaining a police report may be the first step toward resolving legal, insurance, or administrative matters. Now that you know how to get a copy of a police report from the NYPD, feel more empowered in navigating this process.