The Chicago Police Department offers various methods for accessing police records, including arrest reports, incident reports, and crime statistics, through in-person requests, mail requests, and FOIA submissions while also providing limited online resources for public access to certain police data.
Official Search Methods
While direct online access to Chicago Police Department records is limited, the department provides several official methods for searching and obtaining police records. These include visiting the Records Division at Central Police Headquarters in person, submitting mail requests, and filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Each method has specific requirements and procedures:
- In-person requests can be made at 3510 S. Michigan Ave., 1st Floor, Room 1043.
- Mail requests require fingerprints, an ID photocopy, and a $16 money order.
- FOIA requests can be submitted online and become public information.
Additionally, the department offers some searchable online resources, such as the CLEARMAP Crime Incidents web application, which allows users to access reported crime data and view maps.
Types of Available Records
The Chicago Police Department maintains a diverse range of records accessible to the public, including:
- Arrest records and RAP sheets (Record of Arrests and Prosecutions)
- Incident and case reports
- Traffic crash reports
- Homicide records and related documents
- Domestic violence reports
- Index crime statistics
These records provide valuable insights into law enforcement activities and criminal incidents within the city. Remember, all arrest records are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and expunged records are removed from public access to protect individuals’ privacy rights.
How to Obtain Records
To obtain CPD records, individuals have several options:
- In-person requests: Visit the Records Division at Central Police Headquarters (3510 S. Michigan Ave., 1st Floor, Room 1043). Bring a $16 fee in cash, check, or money order. Fingerprinting is available Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-12:00 PM, and records are typically mailed within 7-10 business days.
- Mail requests: Send fingerprints from a local police department, an ID photocopy, a $16 money order, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a request letter with contact information. For FOIA requests, submit your name, contact information, a specific description of the requested records, and preferred delivery method (email, mail, or pickup). FOIA requests become public information once submitted.
Public Data Resources
The Civic Police Data Project (CPDP.co) serves as a valuable tool for public accountability, offering extensive records on Chicago police activities. This comprehensive database includes:
- Officer misconduct records spanning from 1988 to 2023
- Settlement records related to police incidents
- Use of force reports detailing police-civilian interactions
- Officer employment histories
the City of Chicago Data Portal provides a regularly updated dataset on arrests, offering insights into CPD’s law enforcement activities. These resources empower citizens with transparent access to police data, fostering informed discussions on law enforcement practices and community relations.
Recent CPD Arrests
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) maintains a publicly accessible database of recent arrests, providing transparency and valuable information to the community. This dataset, updated daily, contains detailed records of arrests made by CPD officers, excluding the most recent three days to ensure accuracy and processing time.
Key Features of the CPD Recent Arrests Database
Comprehensive Information: Each record includes details such as the arrestee’s name, age, address, charges, arrest date/time, location, and release information.
Mugshot Availability: The public can access mugshots of arrested individuals, which are part of the official arrest records.
Geographic Data: Arrests are categorized by police area, district, and beat, allowing for analysis of crime patterns across different parts of the city.
Bond Information: The database provides details on bond type, amount, and date for each arrest.
It is worth mentioning that all individuals listed in the arrest records are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The CPD takes measures to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this information, removing expunged records as appropriate.
Researchers, journalists, and community members can use this data to track trends in law enforcement activities and analyze patterns in arrests across Chicago. For example, the data reveals that officers with seven or more use of force reports make up just 5% of CPD officers but account for more than 36% of all Tactical Response Reports (TRRs) since 2018.
While the arrest database provides valuable insights, it is crucial to consider it alongside other resources like the Civic Police Data Project (CPDP.co) for a more comprehensive understanding of police activities and accountability in Chicago.