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.
Though government records are accessible anytime, some records are restricted due to the nature of the case. Such restrictions include records of criminal nature, intelligence reports, 911 emergency responses, as well as reports that include sensitive images such as autopsies (though some of the case report might be available for public use). These exemptions and others are further discussed in the General Statute.
The Record Division of the City's Police Department categorizes the reports based on the type of the records. The records are classified under (a) traffic or crash reports, (b) crime or felony and (c) non-emergency. The Record Division is open during working hours and one can readily go to the division and ask for the reports they want or need. The files are also accessible through online requests. Some cities, as mentioned, provide the services free although others do charge a certain amount.
The city of Asheville, for example, allows researchers access to their police records during working hours. The department would also send the records requested if the researcher sends in a self-addressed stamped envelope together with their request. This is not the case with the City of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Researchers can visit the Record Division in the East Trade Street and check out the records; however, they do charge a $3.50 fee for online requests. The fee is good for one record, which will be delivered in PDF format.
To make processing faster, one can request the records through online, email, phone or mail. For email or mail, people who request for the information should include all the pertinent details to make the transaction easier. An example would be having a record or file number; indicating this on the request letter makes for smoother transaction. The Law does not indicate any specific length of time for the department to answer the inquiries; therefore it might take some time for the department to do this. However, by being specific in what one needs, one can make the transaction faster.
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.
Though government records are accessible anytime, some records are restricted due to the nature of the case. Such restrictions include records of criminal nature, intelligence reports, 911 emergency responses, as well as reports that include sensitive images such as autopsies (though some of the case report might be available for public use). These exemptions and others are further discussed in the General Statute.
The Record Division of the City's Police Department categorizes the reports based on the type of the records. The records are classified under (a) traffic or crash reports, (b) crime or felony and (c) non-emergency. The Record Division is open during working hours and one can readily go to the division and ask for the reports they want or need. The files are also accessible through online requests. Some cities, as mentioned, provide the services free although others do charge a certain amount.
The city of Asheville, for example, allows researchers access to their police records during working hours. The department would also send the records requested if the researcher sends in a self-addressed stamped envelope together with their request. This is not the case with the City of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Researchers can visit the Record Division in the East Trade Street and check out the records; however, they do charge a $3.50 fee for online requests. The fee is good for one record, which will be delivered in PDF format.
To make processing faster, one can request the records through online, email, phone or mail. For email or mail, people who request for the information should include all the pertinent details to make the transaction easier. An example would be having a record or file number; indicating this on the request letter makes for smoother transaction. The Law does not indicate any specific length of time for the department to answer the inquiries; therefore it might take some time for the department to do this. However, by being specific in what one needs, one can make the transaction faster.
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.
About the Author:
Learn all about North Carolina Police Records and where to find the right resource for Police Reports Public Record.
No comments:
Post a Comment