Pittsburgh Police Records are official documents created by law enforcement during investigations, arrests, and incidents within the city. These records include arrest reports, incident summaries, accident documentation, and case dispositions. The Central Records and Reporting Unit (CRRU) of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police manages all public police reports. Located on the third floor of the municipal building at 660 First Avenue, the office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Requests can be submitted in person or by mail. A completed form, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a $15 payment by personal check or money order are required. Cash, credit cards, and electronic payments are not accepted. Processing takes 7–10 business days. For urgent questions, call (412) 255-5555.
How to Request Pittsburgh Police Records
To obtain a Pittsburgh Police Record, start by visiting the CRRU in person or mailing your request to 660 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. You must complete an official request form, which is available at the office or downloadable from the city’s website. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the report can be returned by mail. The fee is $15 per report and must be paid by personal check or money order made out to the City of Pittsburgh. Do not send cash or use credit cards. Once received, the office processes requests within 7–10 business days. Reports are either mailed back or held for pickup. If you need to confirm receipt or ask about status, call (412) 255-5555 during business hours.
Online Access to Pittsburgh Police Records
The County Office portal provides online access to Pittsburgh Police Records from 1995 onward. Users can search by incident number, suspect name, or date range. Filters allow narrowing results to felony, misdemeanor, or traffic offenses. Each entry includes the arresting officer’s badge number, exact location with cross-streets, and case disposition. Certified copies cost $10 and are mailed via USPS within three business days of approval. The official Pittsburgh Police website also offers downloadable CSV files of 2023 incident reports. These files include data by zip code, offense type, and victim age. Interactive dashboards show crime trends, overdose responses, and violence statistics by neighborhood and month.
Types of Records Available
Pittsburgh Police Records cover a wide range of law enforcement activities. Arrest logs list individuals taken into custody, charges filed, and booking details. Incident reports describe crimes such as theft, assault, or vandalism, including time, location, and responding officers. Traffic accident reports include vehicle information, driver statements, and injury summaries. Investigative reports contain evidence logs, witness interviews, and follow-up actions. Case dispositions show whether charges were dismissed, resulted in conviction, or remain pending. Some records are restricted due to privacy laws or ongoing investigations. Juvenile records, active warrants, and sensitive victim information are not publicly available.
Fees and Payment Methods
Each Pittsburgh Police Record request costs $15. This fee covers search, retrieval, and copying. Payment must be made by personal check or money order payable to the City of Pittsburgh. The office does not accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, or electronic payments like PayPal or Venmo. When mailing a request, include the payment with your form and envelope. For certified copies from the County Office portal, the fee is $10 per document, payable by money order only. Expedited services may incur additional charges. Always confirm current fees before submitting your request, as rates can change.
Processing Times and Delivery
Standard processing for Pittsburgh Police Records takes 7–10 business days from receipt of a complete request. This includes time for staff to locate, review, and prepare the document. Requests submitted in person may be processed faster if resources allow. Mailed requests depend on postal delivery speed. Once ready, reports are either mailed back using the provided stamped envelope or held at the office for pickup. Certified copies from online portals are shipped via USPS within three business days. Delays can occur during high-volume periods or if additional verification is needed. Call (412) 255-5555 to check status.
Public Data Dashboards and Tools
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police offers several public data tools. The Crime Data Dashboard shows monthly and yearly crime trends by neighborhood. The Overdose Monitoring Tool tracks opioid-related calls, EMS responses, and fatalities. Interactive Violence Dashboards let users filter assaults, homicides, and robberies by date and area. Annual departmental reports include precinct-level statistics, response times, and community engagement metrics. Raw data in CSV format is available for researchers and journalists. These tools promote transparency and help residents stay informed about public safety. All dashboards are updated regularly and accessible through the official city website.
Historical and Archival Records
The Pittsburgh Police Bureau Records Archive preserves documents from the late 19th century to today. Located at 123 North Avenue, the archive holds original incident reports, police commission meeting minutes, official correspondence, and historical photographs. Researchers can request access by submitting a written application specifying the file series and date range. Certified copies cost $5 per page, with a $10 handling fee for expedited service. The archive also features a digital portal with searchable newspaper clippings related to major cases. These resources support academic research, genealogy, and historical studies. Appointments are recommended for in-person visits.
City Clerk’s Records Management
The City Clerk’s Records Management Division oversees long-term storage and access to city records. Established in 2018, this division manages the Records Retention Schedule. Policy documents are kept for at least 10 years, financial records for 30 years, and historic photographs indefinitely. Staff help transition paper files to electronic systems while ensuring compliance with state law. A public reading room allows citizens to view original documents. Digitization services cost $0.15 per page. The division supports transparency and efficient recordkeeping across all city departments, including police.
Open Records Officer and Policies
Celia Behrend Liss serves as the Open Records Officer for the City of Pittsburgh. She handles all public records requests, including those related to police activities. Her office is located at 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15219. Contact her by phone at (412) 255-2015 or fax at (412) 255-2285. Email requests should use the protected address listed on the city website. Fees are $0.10 per printed page, with a $5 surcharge for large-format items. Turnaround time is 2–5 business days, depending on complexity. This office ensures compliance with the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law.
Allegheny County Court Records
Allegheny County maintains criminal court records online. These include filings from the Court of Common Pleas, Municipal Court, and Juvenile Court. Users can search by defendant name, case number, or filing date. Documents include indictments, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. Each record lists the judge, hearing date, and final outcome. Certified copies cost $2 per page, plus a $5 processing fee for electronic delivery. The portal also links to real estate liens and procurement contracts that intersect with criminal cases. This system supports legal research and background checks.
Contact Information and Service Channels
For non-emergency police inquiries, call 311 within Pittsburgh or (412) 255-2621 from outside the area. The 311 Response Center provides information on city services, records, and community programs. Specialized units have direct lines: the Hate Crimes Squad at (410) 555-1212 and Traffic Enforcement at (412) 555-3344. An online Service Request Form lets residents submit complaints, request records, or schedule meetings. All calls are recorded for quality assurance. Response times for non-urgent matters are under 24 hours. The main police website offers downloadable forms and live chat support during business hours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pittsburgh Police Records
Many people have questions about accessing Pittsburgh Police Records. Below are common concerns with clear, direct answers based on current policies and procedures. These responses reflect the most accurate and up-to-date information available from official sources.
Can I get a police report online?
Yes, you can access some Pittsburgh Police Records online through the County Office portal. This system includes records from 1995 to the present. You can search by incident number, name, or date. However, not all reports are available digitally. For older or sensitive records, you must submit a written request to the Central Records and Reporting Unit. Online access is free for viewing, but certified copies cost $10 and are mailed after approval.
How long does it take to get a police report?
Processing time for a Pittsburgh Police Record is typically 7–10 business days. This starts when the office receives your complete request with payment and envelope. Mailed requests may take longer due to postal delays. In-person requests might be faster if staff are available. Certified copies from online systems are sent within three business days. Delays can happen during holidays or high-demand periods. Call (412) 255-5555 to check status.
What if I need a record for a court case?
If you need a Pittsburgh Police Record for court, request a certified copy. These are official documents with a seal and signature. They are accepted in legal proceedings. To get one, use the County Office portal or submit a written request to the CRRU. Include the case number and purpose. Certified copies cost $10 and are mailed via USPS. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Keep your receipt as proof of request.
Are juvenile records available to the public?
No, juvenile records are not public in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania law protects the privacy of minors involved in criminal cases. These records are sealed and only accessible to authorized agencies, attorneys, or family members with court approval. If you believe you have a legal right to view such a record, consult an attorney. The police cannot release juvenile information without a court order.
Can I request a record by email?
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police does not accept record requests by email for security reasons. All requests must be submitted in person or by mail to 660 First Avenue. Include a completed form, payment, and stamped envelope. Email is only used for general questions or status updates. For urgent matters, call (412) 255-5555. This policy ensures accurate tracking and prevents fraud.
What if my request is denied?
If your request for a Pittsburgh Police Record is denied, you will receive a written explanation. Common reasons include ongoing investigations, privacy concerns, or missing information. You can appeal the decision to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. Submit your appeal within 15 days of the denial. Include your original request and the denial letter. The state will review and issue a binding decision. Legal assistance may help with complex cases.
Do I need ID to request a record?
You do not need ID to request a general incident report. However, if you are requesting a record about yourself or a family member, proof of identity may be required. This helps protect privacy. Bring a driver’s license or state ID when visiting in person. For mailed requests, include a copy of your ID with the form. The office verifies identity to prevent unauthorized access.
Official Website: https://pittsburghpa.gov/police/police-report
Phone: (412) 255-5555
Visiting Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Address: 660 First Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
