Detailed Answer: Requesting an Amendment to a Police Report in Minnesota
Under Minnesota’s Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. §13.04), any individual has the right to challenge the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of government data. A police report qualifies as “government data,” so you may request an amendment when you believe a report contains incorrect or missing information. The key requirement is to provide evidence or documentation showing that the existing entry is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading.
To begin, identify the responsible authority—typically the law enforcement agency that prepared the report. Submit a written request that includes:
- Your name and contact information.
- The report number, date of incident and names of involved parties.
- A clear description of each item you believe is wrong.
- The exact wording or entry you propose to add or change.
Under Minn. Stat. §13.04, the agency has 30 days to respond. If it agrees, it must correct the data as you requested or add an annotation noting your requested change. If it denies your request, you may appeal to the Minnesota Commissioner of Administration (see Minn. Stat. §13.04, subd. 4) or pursue judicial review.
Commonly accepted evidence includes the following types of documentation, all of which strengthen a request for amendment by proving inaccuracy or omission in the original report:
- Witness affidavits or sworn statements declaring precise observations.
- Photographs or video footage (body-cam, dashboard camera, security cameras).
- Medical records, bills or clinical reports contradicting reported injuries.
- Official receipts, logs or transaction records proving times, locations or activities.
- Expert reports (e.g., accident reconstruction analysis, forensic findings).
- Correspondence or emails that reference the incident or clarify facts.
Gathering multiple, consistent sources of evidence increases the likelihood that the agency will accept your requested changes. Organize your documentation in chronological order and label each piece clearly.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney to review your specific situation and advise you on next steps.
Helpful Hints
- Review the full police report first and note all discrepancies before submitting your request.
- Include photocopies, not originals, when providing documents.
- Keep a dated copy of your written request and all attachments.
- Follow up in writing if you don’t receive a response within 30 days of your request.
- If the agency denies your amendment, consider mediation or file an appeal under Minn. Stat. §13.04, subd. 4.
- Consult an attorney if your request is complex or if your rights may be affected by the report.