Before requesting a copy of an OCSD report, please call the Records unit at 714-834-6454 to confirm if the report is available. Phone lines are open Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., however office doors are closed at 4:00 p.m.
Depending on the complexity of the report, it takes an average of 7 - 10 days for a report to be finalized by the Deputy, approved by the Sergeant, and submitted to the Information Management Bureau for processing. Once the report is available, you may submit your request using the form provided below.
Please be advised that reports requested without a subpoena, court order or specific statutory authority will be treated as a request made under the California Public Records Act. (See Cal. Gov. Code 7923.600). The Sheriff's Department may take up to 10 calendar days to respond to your request (Cal. Gov. Code 7922.535) and, if necessary, may take a reasonable period of time thereafter to produce the non-exempt records responsive to your request.
To Make a Report Request by Email
In an effort to save processing time, an electronic version of the Request Authorization for Release of Case Information form can be downloaded below.
To request a report via email, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Download the form.
- Step 2: Save the document to your computer and complete it.
- Step 3: Email your request to reportrequest@ocsheriff.gov with your completed document attached.
To Make a Report Request in Person, via U.S. Mail or by Fax
You may submit a report request in person, via U.S. mail or fax.
- For in person: Visit the Records Division in Santa Ana between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Click here for directions.
- Via U.S. mail: Send the request to P.O. Box 449, Santa Ana, CA 92702
- Via Fax: Send the request to 714-834-5466
Per Board resolution, the cost of a report is fifteen cents ($0.15) per page with the exception of a Domestic Violence report which is released at no cost to the victim pursuant to Family Code section 6228. If your request is approved, you will be contacted to arrange pick-up and payment of the report. If your request is denied, you will receive a written denial in accordance with Government Code section 7922.540(a).
Guidelines for releasing reports are as follows:
Crime and Incident Reports
Released to:
- Victim(s)
- Authorized representative of victim
- Insurance carrier against which a claim has been made and/or might be made
- Person suffering bodily injury, property damage or loss
Not released:
- If the disclosure would endanger the safety of a witness or other involved party
- If disclosure could endanger the successful completion of an investigation and/or related investigation
- Name and address of a victim(s) of certain specified crimes will not be disclosed
- If the Department is prohibited by law from releasing the report (e.g. elder abuse reports)
Traffic Collision Reports
Released to:
- Drivers involved in the collision
- Registered owners of vehicles involved
- Parents of a minor driver involved
- Passengers listed in the report
- Insurance companies
- Those incurring property damage as a result of the accident
- Those who may incur civil liability as a result of the accident
- Any attorney who declares that he or she represents any of the above persons
Juvenile Reports
Released to:
- Parents of a juvenile may receive a copy of certain types of reports if their child is the only juvenile identified in the report.
All other requesters must petition the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court directly for the release of juvenile records. The Juvenile Court has the exclusive authority to determine whom, and the extent to which juvenile record information may be released.
