Request Police Records and Arrest Reports - Chicago

Public Safety Illinois 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 04, 2026 Flag of Illinois

In Chicago, Illinois, members of the public can request police records and arrest reports from the Chicago Police Department and through the citys public-records processes. This guide explains where to request reports, what information to provide, enforcement and penalties for misuse, and practical steps to obtain copies or certified records.

What records you can request

Common public records include incident reports, arrest reports, booking information, and certain police case files when not exempt under state law. Personal data and investigative material may be redacted under Illinois law or withheld where disclosure would interfere with an active investigation.

How to request a police report

  • Identify the report: provide the date, address, report number or names involved.
  • Submit a written request: send a request to the Chicago Police Department Records Division using their public records page Chicago Police Department Records Division[1].
  • Specify delivery: indicate whether you want electronic copies, paper copies, or certified copies.
Keep a copy of your request and any confirmation numbers.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for misuse of police records, false statements on request forms, or unlawful dissemination is handled by the city and state authorities. Specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not consistently listed on the cited CPD records page; where amounts or schedules are not posted on the cited page this guide notes that fact and points you to the enforcing office.

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first or repeat-offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to cease dissemination, redaction requirements, or court enforcement actions may be used; specifics are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the Chicago Police Department Records Division accepts records requests and can be contacted via its records page for complaints or questions about disclosure. Records Division[1]
  • Appeals/review: internal review and court remedies exist; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
If you believe a disclosure decision is incorrect, preserve deadlines and request a review promptly.

Applications & Forms

The Chicago Police Department accepts written requests through its Records Division page; the City of Chicago also uses a FOIA intake process for public records requests. The CPD page lists submission methods and contact information but does not publish a universal fee schedule on that page; fees and required forms may be found or completed through the Citys FOIA portal or CPD instructions.

How-To

  1. Gather details: date, time, location, names, and any CPD report number.
  2. Complete a written request: include your contact information and the records you want.
  3. Submit the request via the Chicago Police Department Records Division page CPD Records Division[1] or through the Citys FOIA intake process.
  4. Pay any applicable fees if notified; request electronic delivery to reduce costs when possible.
  5. If denied, ask for the denial rationale in writing and review appeal options; consider contacting the Citys FOIA officer.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a police report?
Response times are determined by the Records Division and the Citys FOIA processes; an explicit timeline is not specified on the cited CPD page.[1]
Are there fees to get an arrest report?
Fees may apply for copies or certification; the cited CPD records page does not publish a complete fee schedule and directs requesters to the Records Division for details.[1]
Can I get sealed or investigative records?
Certain investigative records and personal data are exempt from public release under Illinois law; the CPD Records Division will apply exemptions and redactions as required.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Start with the CPD Records Division and provide identifying details to speed processing.
  • Use the Citys FOIA procedures for formal requests or appeals when needed.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Chicago Police Department  Records Division public records page

Categories

General Governance and Administration Public Safety Public Health and Welfare Land Use and Zoning Housing and Building Standards Transportation Environmental Protection Parks and Public Spaces Business and Consumer Protection Taxation and Finance Labor and Employment Education Civil Rights and Equity Elections and Campaign Finance Events and Special Uses Signs and Advertising Utilities and Infrastructure Technology and Data