Report Request and/or Clearance Form 

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 do not 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 cases are not available until after the case has been completely adjudicated in court. For information on pending criminal cases, please contact the District Attorney’s Office at 250 E. Main Street, El Cajon 92020, 619.441.4588. For additional information, visit the District Attorney’s website www.sdcda.org.

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:

1. Pending litigation
2. Under investigation
3. Confidential law enforcement records
4. Uncharged suspects (1. Arrestee, 2. Juvenile information)

Reports By Mail

1. Complete the Report Request and/or Clearance Form. (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 Report Request and/or Clearance 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.
4. Report will be mailed to you if and when the application is approved.