Are Police Reports Public Record in Missouri?

If you have recently been in a motor vehicle accident in the state of Missouri and filed a police report, you may be wondering whether these reports are considered public record. This is a great question that many people are often curious about.

While the short answer is yes, these reports are typically considered public record, you may also be questioning what this means and how you can access your police reports to use as evidence in a legal case following a Kansas City car accident.

What is a police accident report?

A police accident report is a document specifically designed for responding police officers who arrive at the scene of an accident to record details. Once the law enforcement officers arrive at your accident scene, they will fill out the police report based on what they see, what you and the other parties involved tell them, and what they believe happened. While a police report may seem like a simple sheet of paper, it is actually a vital document that is considered to be a legal record of the events that took place.

What type of information is in a police accident report?

A police accident report consists of a lot of information about your accident. In this report, you can find the date that your accident occurred, the time, the location of the accident, the names and contact information of those who were directly involved, the names and contact information of any witnesses who saw the accident happen, details about what the accident scene looked like, and what the officer believes happened. The police report will also elaborate on any property damage that occurred.

Are police reports public record in Kansas City, MO?

According to Missouri Code 610.100, all police arrest and incident reports are available to the public. This means that your police reports are public record, and the public can access them. Only in certain circumstances are police reports closed to the public. For example, if any information from the report could potentially pose harm or danger to anyone mentioned in the report (witness, officer, victim), that specific portion or the entire police report may be closed.

How can a police report help my Kansas City car accident case?

There are several different ways that a police report can help your car accident case, including:

• It can help prove and establish liability: A police report can help prove and establish liability by describing how the accident happened, what witnesses saw, and what the officer believes occurred. The report will also explain whether any tickets were given for failing to follow traffic laws. In addition, poor road conditions, inclement weather, and statements from those involved can also be found in the police report. This information will likely help pinpoint who is responsible for the accident and how they are responsible.
• It can serve as evidence and documentation: Evidence and documentation are critical in a car accident case. Therefore, having a police report may increase your chances of winning your case and securing the compensation you need and deserve. A police report is an unbiased opinion from the responding law enforcement officer, which is something that insurance companies and jurors prefer to see. The police officer most likely does not know you or the other parties involved in the accident. Everything they write in the report should be impartial to either side.
• It can show that you suffered injuries: When you and your attorney file a claim for your car accident, you must prepare to show that you suffered injuries as a direct result of the accident. Your police report may be able to help you show this, as you likely told the responding officer about where you were experiencing pain and what injuries you noticed after the accident. The officer may even make a note that you requested an ambulance after the accident.

How to obtain a police report in Kansas City, MO

After being involved in an accident, you will need to obtain a copy of your police report, especially if you plan to take legal action. The officer likely told you how you can get a copy of your police report, but you may have been too shaken up or overwhelmed right after the accident to remember their instructions. Here are the four simple steps to take to obtain a police report in Kansas City, MO:

1. Get in touch with the police department: It may take a few days for your accident report to become available. In the meantime, you can get in touch with the police department to make sure that you have the correct department that responded to your accident. You either need to get in touch with your local police department, the highway patrol, or the sheriff’s office. If you reach out to your local police department and explain when and where your accident took place, they may be able to help you find out who you should be contacting.
2. Visit the police department’s online website: Once the police department helps you find out who to contact, you can go to the proper department’s online website. Most police departments’ websites have a form you can fill out to request a copy of your police report. If you are unable to find it, you may need to call the police department and ask if you are overlooking it or if they do not have an online form to fill out.
3. Fill out and submit the form requesting a copy of your police report: After you locate the form, you should fill it out with the necessary information and submit it. Make sure everything you enter is 100% correct before you submit. If the police department requires you to obtain a copy of your police report in person instead, you should make your way to the police department and ask the front desk how you can receive a copy of your police report. They will go over the steps with you in person.
4. Pay for your police report copy: You may need to pay a small fee for your police report copy. The police department website will explain what type of payment method is needed to pay this fee. After you make the payment, you will get a receipt. Then, you simply wait for the police department to process your payment and send you the copy of your police report.

If you suffered injuries from a recent accident and need help obtaining a police report, please do not hesitate to reach out to Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at your earliest opportunity. Our team understands the various laws surrounding car accidents, and we will use this knowledge to help you file an accident claim and demand the compensation needed to get back on your feet again. Call our office or submit our contact form to schedule your free consultation with Kansas City’s Favorite Law Firm today. We have office locations in Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Parkville and St. Joseph (MO); Olathe, Kansas City, and Overland Park (KS) for your convenience. You can visit our main office in Kansas City, MO at any time, or you can make an appointment at one of our other offices. We look forward to meeting you soon!