Find Cincinnati Police Records

Cincinnati police records are kept by the Cincinnati Police Department Records Section at 801 Linn Street. The department serves the city and works with Hamilton County agencies on cases that cross jurisdictions. You can search for police reports, accident reports, and crime data through the city's online records request system or by visiting the office. Cincinnati is one of the few Ohio cities that offers a full web-based records request portal. Ohio's public records law under ORC 149.43 gives you the right to ask for any of these files without giving a reason.

Cincinnati Police Department Records

The Cincinnati Police Department Records Section sits at 801 Linn Street, Cincinnati, OH 45203. Call Records Customer Service at (513) 352-3559. The fax number is (513) 352-6908. For non-emergency calls, dial 513-765-1212. Crime Stoppers can be reached at 513-352-3040.

Cincinnati stands out because it has a dedicated online records request system. You can submit and track requests through the web portal without calling or visiting the office. The system lets you describe what you need, attach any supporting documents, and check the status of your request at any time. Allow up to three days after your request gets approved for the finalized report copies to be ready. This is faster than most Ohio cities, where you often have to call or show up.

Available records include police reports, accident reports, crime statistics, and department policies. Copy fees apply, but the department does not list exact prices on its website. Call the records line for current pricing before you submit a request if cost matters to you.

Cincinnati Records Request System

The Cincinnati Police online records request portal is the easiest way to get Cincinnati police records. The screenshot below shows the request page.

The web system walks you through the request step by step. You pick the type of record you need, fill in the details, and submit. The department reviews your request and lets you know when copies are ready. You can track everything through the same portal. This cuts down on phone calls and trips to the office.

Cincinnati also offers online reporting for certain non-emergency incidents. This is separate from the records request system. Online reporting lets you file a new police report for things like theft, vandalism, or minor property damage where there are no suspects on scene. Once filed, you get a case number and can request a copy of the report later.

Cincinnati Crash Reports

Crash reports from Cincinnati police are available through the Ohio Crash Retrieval System. This state tool is free. Wait seven business days after the crash before searching. Some reports take up to six weeks to appear. You can also try BuyCrash.com for another search option.

If the report is not in any online system, call the Cincinnati Police Records Section at (513) 352-3559. They can check if the investigating officer has filed the report yet and tell you when it will be available. For crashes on state highways near Cincinnati, the Ohio State Highway Patrol may have the report instead of city police.

Hamilton County and Cincinnati

Cincinnati is the county seat of Hamilton County. The city police handle records for incidents within city limits. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. If something happened just outside Cincinnati, you may need to contact the Sheriff instead. Court records for felony cases go through the Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas.

There is a clear split between city and county records here. An arrest by Cincinnati police creates a city police record. Once the case moves to court, the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts takes over the file. Misdemeanor cases stay in Hamilton County Municipal Court. Knowing which agency handled your case determines where you need to go for records. The city and county do not share a single records system, so you may need to check both.

Ohio Resources for Cincinnati Records

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation runs background checks that cover Cincinnati. BCI checks cost $22 for state, $35 for FBI, and $60 for both combined. The WebCheck electronic fingerprint system returns results in three to five business days.

Search the Ohio eSORN registry for sex offenders in the Cincinnati area. You can search by name, address, or zip code. Sign up for alerts when an offender moves near you. The ODRC offender search covers state prison inmates from Hamilton County but not the county jail.

Body camera footage from Cincinnati police falls under Ohio House Bill 315. Agencies can charge up to $75 per hour for redaction, with a $750 cap. The Ohio Sunshine Laws Manual explains what video records are public and what exemptions apply. Crime victims may get footage from their own cases without charge.

Cincinnati Crime Data

The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services publishes crime data for Cincinnati and every jurisdiction in the state. Reports cover violent crime, property crime, and drug offenses. Cincinnati also publishes its own crime statistics through the police department.

This data is useful for research, journalism, or just understanding police activity in your part of the city. The state office also puts out special reports on sentencing patterns and recidivism across Ohio.

Nearby Cities

Need police records from cities near Cincinnati? Check these pages.