Detailed Answer
Under Pennsylvania law, individuals may request amendments to police reports when they contain errors or omissions. While no single statute grants a universal right to amend on-demand, relevant procedures and statutory provisions include the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.701), which governs access to records, and the Criminal History Record Information Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 9124), which covers corrections to criminal history.
1. Identifying the Error
Begin by reviewing the report for inaccuracies—wrong date/time, misidentified parties, incomplete incident descriptions. Note the police incident number and report date. Accurate identification focuses your request and eases tracking.
2. Gathering Supporting Documentation
Collect evidence that directly contradicts or supplements the erroneous entry:
- Witness statements: Signed affidavits describing what actually occurred.
- Photos or video: Surveillance, dashcam or smartphone footage showing the true events.
- Medical or repair records: Hospital bills, mechanic invoices, or 911 logs proving timing or injuries.
- Court documents: Dockets or disposition forms (MC-260) reflecting official outcomes (18 Pa.C.S. § 9122).
- Other official records: GPS logs, cell-tower records, receipts or contracts.
3. Filing the Amendment Request
Contact the Records Division of the law enforcement agency that produced the report. Pennsylvania State Police requests go to the Crime Data Dissemination Unit via their online portal or by mail. Include:
- Copy of the report with errors highlighted.
- Your written request identifying each mistake.
- Supporting documentation copies.
- Contact information and incident number.
Under the Right-to-Know Law, agencies have five business days to respond to your initial request (65 P.S. § 67.703). If denied, you may appeal to the Office of Open Records.
4. Next Steps if Your Request Is Denied
If the agency refuses to amend the record, consider:
- Filing an appeal under the Right-to-Know Law (Office of Open Records Appeal).
- Seeking expungement through the courts (18 Pa.C.S. § 9121).
- Consulting a licensed attorney about a possible writ of mandamus.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored guidance, consult a licensed attorney.
Helpful Hints
- Be concise: Specify the exact error.
- Organize evidence chronologically.
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Use certified mail for paper requests.
- Track deadlines: Know the agency’s response time.
- Follow up politely if you hear nothing in a week.
- Consult counsel if complex legal issues arise.