Obtaining Police Reports

General Information
Copies of police reports and other Police Department records can be released only when certain criteria has
been met. Requests for release of information are reviewed on a case by case basis to determine if they can be
granted. The police department has 10 days to determine if the information can be released or not. We don't
accept fax requests from the public as we need an original signature. We do not fax reports to the public.

Citizens wishing to obtain a copy of a police report may request one in person or by mail. For a copy of a
police report you filed, you must visit the Records Unit in person with photographic identification and $10 to
cover the administrative costs or print and mail this form. (Note: The more information you can provide to the
Records staff--including your name, the location where the crime occurred, and the nature of the crime - will
make it easier to find your record.) Requests for copies may take up to 10 working days to process depending
on the nature of the incident and if the case is still under investigation.

Reports with open court case are not available. The public must contact the District Attorney's Office located
at 200 Main Street, El Cajon 92020, 619-441-1798.

The Records staff is pleased to answer any questions pertaining to requests for records, in accordance with the
California Public Records Act. Generally, you can not have a copy of a police report for a crime reported by
someone else, as this might compromise the privacy of the victim and witnesses.

While there are many different circumstances that may prevent a request from being filled, the following are
the most common:
a) Pending litigation
b) Under investigation
c) Confidential law enforcement records
d) Uncharged suspects (1. Arrestee, 2. Juvenile information)

Reports By Mail
Complete the Release of Information Form and:
1) Return a copy of signed "Application for Release of Information." (Must have original signature, and form
must be filled out completely).
2) Enclose a copy of your photo ID. (California Drivers License, California ID, or Passport)
3) Enclose a Cashiers check, or postal money order for $10.00, payable to City of El Cajon. (No cash).
4) Report will be mailed to you if and when the application is approved.

Please allow 7-10 business from receipt of your application for processing.

In-Person
1) Complete the Release of Information Form. (Must have original signature, and form must be filled out
completely).
2) A Records staff member will ask to see photo ID. (California Drivers License, California ID, or Passport) -
We can make a photocopy here.
3) Cash, cashiers check or postal money order for $10.00, payable to City of El Cajon.