Frequently Asked Questions

You must request a police report by filling out the Records Request form online or by printing the Records Request Form (PDF) and submitting it to the Police Department in person or by mail: 
Cotati Police Department
Attn: Records
203 W Sierra Avenue 
Cotati, CA 94931

You will be required to provide a photo ID at the time you pick up the report.

Reports may not be available when you request them. If the report is approved and available, your request will take approximately between seven and ten working days. Complex investigations may require more time to complete the report.

You are entitled to a report if you are:

• The individual named in the report requested (driver, passenger, pedestrian, victim);
• The property owner in the report requested;
• The parent/guardian of juvenile party in the report requested;
• An authorized individual in the report requested (signed authorization is required);
• A representative of insurance company or insurance adjusting agency in the report requested;
• The attorney of the individual named in the report requested.

Reports involving certain types of crimes (i.e. juvenile cases and some sex-related crimes) cannot be released to anyone except District Attorneys, other Law Enforcement agencies, or authorized government entities.

Your report may have redacted areas or missing pages. Redactions are specifically governed by laws and policies that we are not able to circumvent.

Victim of a Crime

If you are the victim of a vandalism or burglary, you are entitled to receive a copy of the report. If your incident resulted in an arrest, you will receive a redacted (edited) copy of the report until the case is adjudicated through the DA's office.

Traffic Collision Participants

If you are involved in a traffic collision, you are entitled to receive a copy of your report. Only individuals directly involved in the accident - drivers, passengers, and registered owners of vehicles - are entitled. Your insurance company is entitled to receive a copy and may request it on your behalf.

Victim of Assault or Domestic Violence

If you are the victim of an assault or domestic violence, you are entitled to receive a copy of the report. If your incident resulted in an arrest, you will receive a redacted (edited) copy of the report until the case is adjudicated through the DA's office.

Arrest Reports

If you have been arrested - either booked into jail or cited - you are not entitled to receive a copy of the report from the police department. You will receive a copy from the courts or your defense attorney, typically at your arraignment. You may also contact the DA's Office at 707-565-2311 to obtain one.

Reports Involving Minors

Any report involving a minor (17 years of age or younger) is not releasable to anyone without a court order. This includes the parents and/or reporting parties.

Medical Reports

Any report consisting of medical information, including 72-hour mental health commitments (5150 reports), are not releasable without a court order to anyone, including the victim.