Police Beat Archives (2024)

FAQs

Are NJ police reports public record? ›

Who can access arrest records depends on the details and type of charges. As a general rule, most arrest records are available to the public. However, this can vary from state to state. The New Jersey Open Public Records Act means that most arrest records are available to anyone in the state.

Certain records generated by the New York State Police are available to the public by filing a FOIL request. Other records, like those tied to a specific investigation, are available to certain individuals as defined by law.

In Pennsylvania, criminal records are available to the general public through the Pennsylvania State Police. The Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History (PATCH) is the online system that allows users to request criminal background checks.

If you need a copy of a report for a car accident that did not occur on a toll road, contact the New Jersey State Police at (609) 882-2000 ext. 2234. Give them the information requested to locate the record. You may need to pay a fee to be mailed a copy.

Californians have the right under the state Public Records Act and the California Constitution to access public information maintained by local and state government agencies, including the Department of Justice.

Background investigations

Criminal history information is generally available to the public, and criminal history information for a specific state can typically be obtained from the state agency that maintains the record. States normally charge a fee for a copy of a person's criminal history.

If you have reported a crime or lost property with the City's Police Department, you can get a verification report by completing the Verification of Crime/Lost Property form. The report is free. Request a copy of a crime or police report. Download the Verification of Crime/Lost Property form.

You probably won't ever know. Police departments protect the identity of complainants so that people won't find out who called on them.

PACER provides the public with instantaneous access to more than 1 billion documents filed at all federal courts.

Can you secretly record in PA? ›

Summary. It is unlawful to intentionally record or disclose the contents of a private in-person conversation or any telephone or electronic communication without the consent of all parties. The state also prohibits images made or disclosed in violation of its hidden camera law.

Before accessing your records, you must complete an online form, schedule an appointment to get your fingerprints scanned at a location approved by the New Jersey State Police (NJSP), and pay a fingerprinting fee of $44.13. Online scheduling is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

How to Access the Police Report After an Accident. Since the insurance company doesn't automatically receive a copy of the police report after an accident, you'll have to look up your accident report online.

47:1A-1 et seq., commonly known as the Open Public Records Act, requires that in order to request access to government records, you must complete, sign and date this request form and deliver it in person, by mail or electronically during regular business hours to the appropriate custodian of the record requested.