Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Connecticut law does not provide a stand-alone statute expressly entitled “police report amendment,” but you may request corrections to factual inaccuracies or submit supplemental statements under the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Conn. Gen. Stat. §§1-200 through 1-242. To support your request, you must supply documentation that clearly shows the original report contains an error.
Here’s how it typically works:
- Identify the error. Review the police report and note the section (e.g., date, time, witness statement, property description) you believe is inaccurate.
- Gather supporting materials. Collect any documentation or physical evidence proving the report’s inaccuracy or incompleteness.
- Submit a written request. Address a letter or email to the records custodian or the department’s FOI officer. Cite FOIA and ask for an addendum or amendment to the existing record.
- Reference applicable law. You can cite Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-210 (definition of public records) and, if the department denies your request, note your right to appeal under Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-206 to the Freedom of Information Commission.
- Follow up. If you receive no response within the timelines set by FOIA (typically four business days for acknowledgment and ten business days for a decision), consider filing an appeal with the FOI Commission (foic.ct.gov).
Commonly accepted evidence or documentation includes:
- Eyewitness affidavits: Sworn statements from witnesses identifying the precise facts they observed.
- Body-worn or dash-cam footage: Video or audio recordings from officers’ cameras or private dashcams capturing the incident.
- Photographs: Time-stamped photos of the scene, property damage, injuries, or relevant locations.
- Medical records: Hospital or EMT reports corroborating injuries or medical treatment timelines.
- Expert reports: Accident reconstruction or forensic analysis demonstrating the correct sequence of events.
- Official documents: Repair invoices, service logs, receipts, GPS data or phone records that contradict the report’s timeline.
Helpful Hints
- Keep copies of all correspondence and evidence you submit.
- Be concise and reference the original report number, date, and officer’s name.
- Organize evidence chronologically and label each exhibit (e.g., Exhibit A: photo, Exhibit B: affidavit).
- Note FOIA response deadlines in writing; missing these can limit your appeal rights.
- If the department denies your amendment request, file a timely appeal with the FOI Commission (foic.ct.gov).
- Consider consulting an attorney if you face complex evidentiary issues or a denial of your appeal.