How to Get a Police Report in Memphis, TN
Introduction
Requesting a police report can be a crucial step in various legal, insurance, and personal matters. The Memphis Police Department (MPD) provides police reports to the public, and in this article, we will guide you on how to obtain one.
Who Can Request a Police Report?
The Memphis Police Department allows anyone who is involved in a case, has a legitimate interest in a case, or is requesting a report for insurance or legal purposes to obtain a copy of the police report.
How to Get a Police Report
There are three ways to obtain a police report in Memphis, TN:
• In-Person Request: You can visit the Memphis Police Department’s Public Records Unit (PRU) located at 144 Fontaine St, Memphis, TN 38104. The unit is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
• Online Request: You can submit an online request form through the MPD’s website (www.memphistn.gov/police/policereports). However, you will need to provide specific information, such as the case number or incident report number.
• Phone Request: You can contact the PRU at (901) 636-3100 or (901) 636-3120 to place a request over the phone. Make sure to have the required information ready when calling.
Required Information
Before requesting a police report, you will need to have the following information:
- Case Number: If you have been assigned a case number by the MPD, this will make it easier to locate the report.
- Incident Report Number: This is the 10-digit number located on the incident report.
- Name of the Offender (if applicable): This information is not always required, but it can help the PRU locate the report more quickly.
- Date and Time of the Incident: This information is necessary to locate the report.
Costs and Fees
The cost of a police report varies depending on the type of report and the method of request:
• Online Request: Free
• In-Person Request: $3.50 per report
• Phone Request: $3.50 per report
Additional Requirements
When requesting a police report, you may be required to provide additional documentation, such as:
• ID: You will need to provide a valid government-issued ID.
• Proof of Residency: You may be asked to provide proof of residency to verify your address.
What to Do if the Report is not Available
If the MPD does not have a report available, you may be asked to wait 24 to 48 hours for the report to be completed and processed. Alternatively, you can request an incident report, which provides basic information about the incident.
Tips and Best Practices
• Contact the PRU: Before visiting the PRU or submitting an online request, contact them to confirm they have the report you need.
• Be Patient: It may take time for the report to be processed and prepared for pick-up or mailing.
• Proofread: Make sure to proofread the report for accuracy before disseminating it.
Summary
Requesting a police report in Memphis, TN is a relatively straightforward process. By following the guidelines outlined above, you should be able to obtain a copy of the report efficiently. Remember to have the required information ready, and don’t hesitate to contact the PRU if you encounter any issues.
Appendix
| Category | Cost | Method of Request |
|---|---|---|
| Online | Free | www.memphistn.gov/police/policereports |
| In-Person | $3.50 | PRU (144 Fontaine St, Memphis, TN 38104) |
| Phone | $3.50 | (901) 636-3100 or (901) 636-3120 |
Note: The costs and fees mentioned above are subject to change, and you should confirm with the PRU for the most up-to-date information.
