If you were involved in an auto collision, the victim of a crime, the defendant in a case, or are researching local criminal activity, you may find yourself in need of an official police report to better understand the incident. There may be any number of reasons for a person to obtain a police report, and in most situations, it is fairly simple to do so.
Obtaining Albuquerque Police Department Reports
The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) Records Division assists citizens, agencies, and communities with requests for written police reports. You may request a final police report written by an APD officer, or a police report that you made yourself. You can also request a background check and access police blotters. If you are requesting records pertaining to or on behalf of a minor, you will need to fill out a juvenile report request form. Your request may be made by phone or in person. Documents can be picked up in the APD records lobby at 400 Roma NW in Albuquerque.
- Request by Phone. Requests can be made over the phone at (505) 768-2020 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. People who request a report by phone will be prompted to submit payment before receiving the requested report.
- Request in Person. If you choose to make a request in person at the APD records lobby, you must have cash in bills no larger than $20 on hand to pay for your requested records. The records lobby is open for in-person requests and pick-ups Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Be mindful that COVID-19 restrictions are in place to protect visitors and staff members. Be sure to bring a driver’s license, passport, or other form of valid identification.
- The APD Records Lobby. As of March 3, 2021, the records lobby has been open with the guideline that masks must be worn in the lobby at all times. In order to maintain social distancing, only three people are allowed in the lobby area at one time. The police blotter (a book recording daily arrests and other events) can be viewed between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. by one person at a time, with a time limit of 15 minutes per person.
- Payment. The cost for obtaining records is $.50 per page. Payment can either be made over the phone or, when requests are made in person, in the records lobby in bills of $20 denominations or lower.
Withheld or Limited Reports
There may be sections of the police report you requested that are withheld due to issues stemming from confidentiality or active case status. If the investigation is still ongoing, you will likely be prohibited from accessing the report, or you may be limited to a brief public case file including 911 transcripts and cursory case details. Comprehensive police records are typically not made available until after the case has been closed. Specific details deleted from accessible police records may include:
- Names of sexual assault victims
- Names of informants or undercover officers
- Names and ages of juvenile victims
- Reporters of child abuse
- Other information regarding involved parties that is deemed confidential
Albuquerque Public Records
In addition to the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), New Mexico’s Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) states that access to public records is one of the fundamental rights afforded to people in a democracy, and as such grants citizens the right to request most public records, including police reports. However, there are a few exceptions. Every person has a right to inspect the public records of New Mexico, with the exception of certain specified documents, such as:
- Personal physical and mental health and treatment records
- Employee letters of reference
- Attorney-client privileged information
- Information about individuals accused but not charged with a crime
- Safety procedures that could put the state at risk of attack if revealed
Other official records pertaining to the city of Albuquerque are accessible to the public, many obtainable in both English and Spanish. Some of these records are readily available online, including:
- APD annual, monthly, and strategic reports
- Fire Marshal’s Office inspection reports
- City of Albuquerque budget reports
- Arts Board meeting minutes
- Certificates of occupancy for specific addresses
In-person, same-day records can be requested in multiple city locations and prepared for you while you wait. Traffic violations, certificates of occupancy, building permits, and trade permits are available for same-day service. Additional records which may require a longer waiting time can be accessed by submitting an online request form.
Albuquerque’s Best Legal Team Is Ready to Help
Buckingham & Vega Law Firm is a legal team with experience, proficiency, and a passion for defending and protecting our community here in Albuquerque. We are proud to be a part of this dynamic, diverse city filled with culture and achievement.
With an office less than five miles from the Albuquerque Police Department, we are highly involved and connected with our local government and law enforcement agencies. Our team is ready to answer any questions you may have. We invite you to call our office today (505) 388-0066 to set up an obligation-free discussion about how we can help you.