Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Wyoming attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Detailed Answer
Wyoming’s Public Records Act (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq.) gives you the right to inspect and copy law enforcement records but does not explicitly grant a statutory right to amend a police report. Still, most Wyoming agencies adopt internal policies to correct factual inaccuracies or add supplementary statements.
To support a request for amendment, you must present clear, documented evidence showing the original report contains material errors or omissions. Common forms of proof include:
- Eyewitness affidavits: Sworn statements from witnesses that directly contradict or clarify key facts in the report.
- Medical records: Hospital or EMT reports detailing time stamps, injuries, or treatment that differ from report entries.
- Photographs and videos: Surveillance, cell-phone footage, or photographs capturing events, damage, or locations.
- Electronic data: GPS logs, phone records, dispatch radio transcripts, or vehicle telematics showing timelines or positions.
- Expert analyses: Accident reconstruction, forensic examinations, or other professional reports disputing findings in the initial report.
When you submit your request, address it to the agency’s records custodian. In your letter, include:
- Incident number, date, and officer’s name.
- A succinct description of each inaccuracy.
- Copies of all supporting documents.
Agencies may either amend the original report, attach a supplemental report, or decline the request. If they refuse, you can appeal under the Wyoming Public Records Act appeal process (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-203) or seek judicial review in district court.
Helpful Hints
- Send your request via certified mail or trackable delivery to prove receipt.
- Reference Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-202 for your right to inspect and copy records (Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-202).
- Organize evidence chronologically to make discrepancies clear.
- Use notarized affidavits when possible to strengthen credibility.
- Keep detailed records of all communications with the agency.
- Note the 30-day response expectation under the Public Records Act.