FAQs

Who is eligible to receive copies of police reports?


Crime and Incident Reports


Released to:


  • Victim(s)
  • Authorized representative of victim
  • Insurance carrier against which a claim has been made and/or might be made
  • Person suffering bodily injury, property damage or loss


Not released:


  • If disclosure would endanger the safety of a witness or other involved party
  • If disclosure could endanger the successful completion of an investigation
  • Name and address of a victim(s) of certain specified crimes
  • If the Department is prohibited by law from releasing the report (e.g. elder abuse reports)

Traffic Collision Reports


Only released to:


  • Drivers and passengers involved in the collision
  • Registered owners of vehicles involved
  • Parents of a minor driver involved
  • Insurance companies
  • Those incurring property damage as a result of the accident
  • Those who may incur civil liability as a result of the accident
  • Any attorney who declares that he/she represents any of the above persons

Juvenile Reports


Parents of a juvenile may receive a copy of certain types of reports if their child is the only juvenile identified in the report. All other requesters must petition the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court directly for the release of juvenile records. The Juvenile Court has the exclusive authority to determine whom, and the extent to which juvenile record information may be released.


How can I be sure to receive the records that I want?


To help ensure that we accurately identify the records that you are seeking, please include the following information in your request:

  • A clear and specific description of the requested information.
  • Dates, times, report or event numbers, the names of persons involved and other specific information.
  • Your preferred contact information so our staff can obtain clarifying information as needed to ensure a prompt and accurate response to your request.

Can I access any record held by the Police Department?


No. Some records are exempt from release by law, including cases where the public interest in confidentiality outweighs the public interest in disclosure (Government Code 7921.000 - known as the California Public Records Act (PRA)). Additionally, the PRA only applies to records that already exist, and as such, the Police Department is not required to create a record, list, or compilation.


Do I need to show identification to make a public records request from the Police Department?


Although you are not required to provide identification, doing so will help us to determine which records may be released in accordance with the Public Records Act.


How soon will I receive a response to my request from the Police Department?


The Public Records Act requires a prompt response to requests for access to records, usually within ten days of the request. During the first ten days following receipt of a public records request, the Chino Police Department will determine if the Department has records that are responsive to the request, and whether the information is disclosable. The Department will then notify the requester of the determination and provide an estimated date by which the records will be provided. In some circumstances, the 10-day time limit for this notification may be extended up to an additional fourteen days by written notice to the requester.


What if I was arrested?


If you were arrested and have not yet appeared in court, the Records Unit will not release the report. The case must be adjudicated before the report may be released. The court or prosecution will discuss options for obtaining the report at your arraignment.


What if a report involves a juvenile (under 18 years of age)?


Access to juvenile court records is limited in accordance with California Rule of Court 5.552 and Welfare and Institutions Code Section 827. Release of juvenile information requires the authorization of the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court.


Parents of a juvenile may receive a copy of certain types of reports (i.e. traffic collision reports). Availability of these records is restricted to court personnel, the minor, parents or guardians, attorneys involved in the case, and other persons designated by statute. All others will need to petition the Juvenile Court directly for the release of that record.


When may I inspect public records at the Police Department?


Public records are open to inspection during office hours, generally between 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Advanced notice is not required to inspect public records; however, a review may be delayed if staff are busy assisting other customers or if the records contain confidential information that must first be redacted.


May I obtain records in electronic format?


Yes, under certain conditions. The Chino Police Department may provide a public record in the electronic format in which it is retained or in one that is used by the department to create copies for its own use or provision to other agencies.


What fees must I pay for copies of records that I request?


Victims of crimes are provided the first copy of a report at no cost. In all other cases, there is no charge for reports consisting of 10 or fewer pages, while a fee of $0.10 per page applies to all reports greater than 10 pages in length. Fees must be paid before the report will be released.


There are no fees for reports delivered via secure email, but additional fees may apply to reports that include photos and/or videos, and for reports that must be delivered on physical media (e.g. CDs, DVDs, 'Thumb Drives', etc.). There is no charge to inspect records in person at the Chino Police Department.