Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice.
Detailed Answer
Under Connecticut law, individuals may request an amendment to a police report by contacting the law enforcement agency that prepared the record and presenting evidence of inaccuracies. While Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) sets procedures for accessing public records (see Conn. Gen. Stat. §§1-210 – 1-212; https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_14.htm), it does not explicitly outline a statutory amendment process for police reports. Most agencies follow internal policies to review and correct errors.
To support your request, gather documentation that proves the inaccuracy. Common forms of evidence include:
- Government-Issued Identification: A valid driver’s license or state ID to verify your identity.
- Notarized Affidavit: A sworn statement detailing the specific inaccuracies and the correct information.
- Medical Records: Hospital or physician records if the report misstates injuries or medical treatment.
- Photographs or Video Footage: Time-stamped images or video showing the actual scene, events, or property condition.
- Witness Declarations: Signed statements from third parties corroborating your account.
- Receipts and Logs: Transaction receipts, service invoices, phone logs, GPS records, or travel documents that establish timelines or locations.
- Expert Assessments: Professional reports such as accident reconstructions or property damage estimates.
Once you have assembled your evidence, submit a written amendment request to the agency’s records custodian or FOIA officer. Be sure to:
- Identify the report by date, incident number, and officer name.
- Describe each inaccuracy and reference your supporting documents.
- Attach copies of all evidence (retain originals for your files).
- Specify a reasonable deadline for response (e.g., 30 days).
The agency will review your submission and may choose to amend the report, attach your statement to the file, or issue a denial under Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-212 (link). If your request is denied, you may appeal through the agency’s internal review process or file a petition in Connecticut Superior Court under the FOIA enforcement provision (Conn. Gen. Stat. §1-206(a)).
Helpful Hints
- Keep your written statements clear and focused on facts.
- Organize documents chronologically with a cover letter or index.
- Send your request via certified mail and retain proof of delivery.
- Inquire about any agency-specific forms or submission deadlines.
- Consider consulting a Connecticut attorney if the agency denies your request or you encounter procedural hurdles.