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.
Residents of Asheville for example, can visit the Central Police Department in the lobby of the Police HQ and look at the police records during working hours. They can also send a self-addressed stamped envelope and forward it to the Central Records Unit. Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents however are required to pay $3.50 for a PDF format of the police report. The report is free if one visits the police headquarters on East Trade Street.
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.
The department might turn down police reports request if the records are included in the exemptions as indicated in the Stature. If this happens, the fastest and convenient way to ask is through making an online request. More often than not, there is some information that is not included in the exemptions and available for the public.
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.
Residents of Asheville for example, can visit the Central Police Department in the lobby of the Police HQ and look at the police records during working hours. They can also send a self-addressed stamped envelope and forward it to the Central Records Unit. Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents however are required to pay $3.50 for a PDF format of the police report. The report is free if one visits the police headquarters on East Trade Street.
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.
The department might turn down police reports request if the records are included in the exemptions as indicated in the Stature. If this happens, the fastest and convenient way to ask is through making an online request. More often than not, there is some information that is not included in the exemptions and available for the public.
About the Author:
We have information and insight on various sources of Police Records North Carolina and other paid and free Police Records.. This article, Get The Latest And Updated Information On Police Records North Carolina is available for free reprint.
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar