How do I request a crime, arrest or accident report?
For a report prepared by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, start with its official Crime, Arrest and Accident Reports page. You can submit a request through the linked Public Records Center, contact the station that handled the incident, or submit a Service Request Form to the Records & ID Division. If another agency prepared the report, request it from that agency.
Choose a submission method
The official report page links to the online request portal and Service Request Forms in English and Spanish. Follow the instructions for your selected method.
For an in-person Records & ID request, the listed office is at 9621 Ridgehaven Ct., San Diego, CA 92123. Check the report page for current counter hours, lunch closures and holiday information before visiting.
Mail the completed form and required supporting materials to:
San Diego County Sheriff's Department
Attn: Records & ID Division, Cases Section
P.O. Box 939062
San Diego, CA 92193-9062
Prepare identifying information and photo ID
Complete the current form or portal fields. To help identify the report, have these details available:
- The incident or report number, if known.
- The incident date and location.
- The names of the people involved.
- Your relationship to the incident and contact information.
The Sheriff’s Office requires valid government-issued photo identification for in-person requests and a copy of that identification for mailed requests. For online requests, follow the portal’s identification and verification instructions.
Check release eligibility and fees
Submitting a request does not guarantee release. The Sheriff’s Office describes these reports as generally restricted to eligible interested parties, victims or persons obtaining access through a subpoena or court order. Explain your relationship to the incident and provide any authorization requested.
Review the official page for the current fee, accepted payment methods and free-copy provisions for qualifying victims or their representatives. Applicable fees must be paid before copies are released. Ask whether a free-copy provision applies to your request before paying.
Check request status and delivery
Keep any request confirmation or reference number. Ask the receiving office or use the portal for status and delivery information. The Sheriff’s Office publishes a processing goal, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed delivery date.
This process requests an existing report. To report a new incident, see which number to call for non-emergency assistance. For an emergency, call 911.
For final sentencing, trial status or prosecution information, contact the appropriate court or District Attorney’s office.