For researchers, one of the most important sources of information is those that come from the government. With that said, access to these types of documents is made open to the public. North Carolina police records are considered as public property as stated in its Statute Law. Public records, as defined in the Statute, are any documents such as books, records, photos, emails and any other media format that the agencies of the government comes in contact with, during the course of their correspondence with the public. These files or records are free by nature and if there are fees included or charges, these are made to cover the expense of copying the said files.
Although the public has the right to access the records, there are some exemptions to the Statute. Examples of these exemptions include - (a) criminal investigations records (Statute 132 sec. 1.3); (b) Intelligence information record (Statute 132 sec. 1.4); (c) Information included in a 911 response (Statute 132 sec. 1.5); (d) Autopsy photos (Statute 132 sec. 1.8) and (e) Emergency Response (Statute 132 sec 1.6). The exceptions are just some of the exclusions in the Statute; other situations wherein the police department might refuse the release of the records are also indicated in the Statute.
For people who are looking for a police report, they must determine the nature of the report that they want. The reports are classified under crime reports for reports that relate to criminals or felonies, crash reports for accidents or traffic-related cases and non-emergency reports - reports that are not urgent by nature. The researcher can head to the Records Division to access the files free or have it delivered online. Note that some cities are allowed by the Law to charge a minimal amount to cover cost.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department, for example, charges $3.50 for each online request of the records. The files are delivered in a PDF format. For free reports, researchers must come in person and visit the Division unit located at the East trade Street. This is not the case in Asheville, as they do not charge for the request, but they do require the person requesting the information to send in a self-addressed stamp envelope.
The Statute grants people requesting records several means to access the files. They can fax, call or email the assigned department, which usually is the City Police Record Division unit, for their request. They can also walk in during regular office hours and request the custodian for the specific files that they need. They can check the files or ask for copies in any media format that they want. For online requests, the person should address the request to the person directly in charge of the records in the department. Ensure that the request is specific in nature. If you have a record number, such as that of crash reports, do include them as this makes it easier for the custodian to search for the files. Note that there is no specific period for deliveries of the request. As many would probably ask for records, being specific would shorten the time for research.
If one is looking for police reports, do bear in mind that some reports might be too sensitive for the public that their requests will be denied by the Record Division. If this happens, one can ask the custodian for specific reasons why they are not allowed access. There are some instances where parts of the reports might be released to the public. To make searching police records easier, some cities have already set up their online service system where one can send in their request. This is the fastest and most convenient way for one to have the reports they need.
Although the public has the right to access the records, there are some exemptions to the Statute. Examples of these exemptions include - (a) criminal investigations records (Statute 132 sec. 1.3); (b) Intelligence information record (Statute 132 sec. 1.4); (c) Information included in a 911 response (Statute 132 sec. 1.5); (d) Autopsy photos (Statute 132 sec. 1.8) and (e) Emergency Response (Statute 132 sec 1.6). The exceptions are just some of the exclusions in the Statute; other situations wherein the police department might refuse the release of the records are also indicated in the Statute.
For people who are looking for a police report, they must determine the nature of the report that they want. The reports are classified under crime reports for reports that relate to criminals or felonies, crash reports for accidents or traffic-related cases and non-emergency reports - reports that are not urgent by nature. The researcher can head to the Records Division to access the files free or have it delivered online. Note that some cities are allowed by the Law to charge a minimal amount to cover cost.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department, for example, charges $3.50 for each online request of the records. The files are delivered in a PDF format. For free reports, researchers must come in person and visit the Division unit located at the East trade Street. This is not the case in Asheville, as they do not charge for the request, but they do require the person requesting the information to send in a self-addressed stamp envelope.
The Statute grants people requesting records several means to access the files. They can fax, call or email the assigned department, which usually is the City Police Record Division unit, for their request. They can also walk in during regular office hours and request the custodian for the specific files that they need. They can check the files or ask for copies in any media format that they want. For online requests, the person should address the request to the person directly in charge of the records in the department. Ensure that the request is specific in nature. If you have a record number, such as that of crash reports, do include them as this makes it easier for the custodian to search for the files. Note that there is no specific period for deliveries of the request. As many would probably ask for records, being specific would shorten the time for research.
If one is looking for police reports, do bear in mind that some reports might be too sensitive for the public that their requests will be denied by the Record Division. If this happens, one can ask the custodian for specific reasons why they are not allowed access. There are some instances where parts of the reports might be released to the public. To make searching police records easier, some cities have already set up their online service system where one can send in their request. This is the fastest and most convenient way for one to have the reports they need.
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