The Records Bureau is responsible for maintaining all official police reports/documents.  Both incident and motor vehicle accident reports are now maintained in the department’s computerized record keeping system.  Reports are available in person for a nominal fee.  Effective July 8, 2002 and in accordance with N.J.S.A. 47:1A-1:

• Investigative reports are not public information.  Incident verifications for insurance purposes can be issued.

• Arrest information can be released under certain criteria.

• Most accident reports are public information.

• Defendants charged with a crime or offense may request Discovery through the Municipal Prosecutor under Court Rules.

• Domestic Violence Reports & Information and reports involving juveniles must be requested through the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.

     While most reports are available to the public under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), certain reports are not.  A summary of the procedures, forms and timetables for access are explained in more detail below.

 

What is a government record?

 

     A government record is a physical record that has a government purpose and that is held by a public agency.  Under OPRA, the “physical record” includes any paper, written or printed book, document, drawing, map, plan, photograph, microfilm, data-processed or image-processed document, and information stored or maintained electronically or by sound recording.

 

What government records are accessible to the public?

 

     Generally, all government records are accessible to the public except those that fall under the exceptions to public access set forth in OPRA.  These exceptions to public accessibility standards exist because of the legal principle that citizens have a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding records in possession of a public agency; because of public safety concerns; and because of the need to insure unfettered debate, discussion, and consideration of issues inside public agencies.

 

     Exceptions: Autopsy reports, victim locations, criminal investigative records,  victim records, credit card numbers, DYFS information, social security numbers, electronic surveillance, unlisted telephone numbers, fingerprint cards, drivers’ license numbers, juvenile records, domestic violence data, safety of persons or public.