Records Bureau Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm
*Closed every other Friday
in accordance with the City of Santa Rosa closures.
The goal of the Santa Rosa Police Department's Records Bureau is to provide quality customer service to the citizens of Santa Rosa, department personnel, and many other agencies requiring information and assistance.
The Records Bureau is comprised of 18 Police Technicians and 2 Records Supervisors. The Bureau is part of the Technical Services Division and is overseen by the Technical Services Division Manager. The staff in the Records Bureau assist the public by:
- Answering the business phone lines
- Taking crime and incident reports
- Making referrals to other department personnel and agencies
- Signing off mechanical violation citations
- Researching requests for report copies and statistical information
- Property & Evidence
- Fees Schedule
When the staff is not responding to customer service requests, they can be found entering data into local, county, state and national computer databases; maintaining the security and accuracy of the department's Records Management System; maintaining the property and evidence taken into the department's storage system; providing liaison duties with the local court system; and issuing alarm permits and tracking false alarm responses.
Click here for a detailed job description of a Police Technician.
FAQ'S
How can I find out the status of my case?
To learn about the status of your case, please call (707) 543-3600 to be directed to the officer who took the original report. If he/she is unavailable, you will be transferred to his/her voicemail where you may leave a message.
How do I know who is investigating my case?
Major felony cases are investigated by the Special Services Division. You may call (707) 543-3600 for the appropriate Special Services team, be provided with the investigator's name, and the answer to any general questions.
Will you call me if my case ever comes to closure?
The investigator maintains contact with the victims in his or her cases. During their conversations, significant events may be disclosed, including the closure of the case.
Will you call me if my property is found?
If your property is recovered during an investigation, the investigator will notify you. In some cases, property is recovered without any identifying information (i.e. serial numbers). The investigating officers will make every effort to locate the owner and return property.
Is the Records Counter open to the public 24 hours per day?
While we provide emergency services 24 hours per day, our records counter is open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for citizens to conduct business. Starting September 25, 2009, the records counter will be closed to the public every other Friday, coinciding with the City of Santa Rosa's Friday closures.
How can I obtain a copy of a police report?
You need to complete an application for release of information. We need the case report number or the date and location of the incident and the names of the parties involved in order to process your request. You may mail or drop off your application with the $2.00 fee. The Records Bureau has 10 days to decide if copies will be provided.
How much do copies of police reports cost?
Effective December 1, 2004, copies of reports will be provided to the public by mail only. Requests need to be submitted on the "Application for Release of Information Form" and payment must be included (check or cash) with the completed form. The fees are as follows:
Police reports .................................................. $ 2.00.
Incident printouts (given in the event that a police report was not taken)....................................................... $ 2.00.
Statistical reports (i.e, how many reports have been taken at a specific location) .............................................. $10.00.
*Checks should be made payable to the City of Santa Rosa.
The insurance company says it is my responsibility to obtain a copy of my accident report. Is this correct?
This matter is between you and your insurance company. Most insurance companies do provide this service for you.
Are police reports "public information"?
Police reports, calls for service, and arrest information are, for the most part, public information, with specific exceptions as outlined in the California Public Records Act. All reports and computer-documented incidents are screened for any information that is not available to the public before release.
How do I get a copy of my arrest history?
You must apply directly to the California Department of Justice. Application forms are available at the Records Counter of the Public Safety Building or at any law enforcement agency.
How do I get my arrest record sealed if I am an adult (18 years or older)?
You must petition the court that had jurisdiction over your case. You may obtain the required form at the Records Counter of the Public Safety Building.
Can anyone obtain a copy of my arrest record?
No, that information will not be released to the public.
Is juvenile (under 18 years old) arrest information public and can I obtain a copy?
No. You will be referred to the Juvenile Court.