Police Records Request

Accident/Crash Reports

Please contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain records through DMV here: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/general/#records/accident.asp.

If the report is not available through DMV please request it online here.

Freedom of Information Act (Records Request)

Rights of Requester and Responsibilities of the City

The Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), located § 2.2-3700 et seq. of the Code of Virginia, guarantees citizens of the Commonwealth and representatives of the media access to public records held by public bodies, public officials, and public employees.

A public record is any writing or recording -- regardless of whether it is a paper record, an electronic file, an audio or video recording, or any other format -- that is prepared or owned by, or in the possession of a public body or its officers, employees or agents in the transaction of public business. All public records are presumed to be open, and may only be withheld if a specific, statutory exemption applies.

The policy of FOIA states that the purpose of FOIA is to promote an increased awareness by all persons of governmental activities. In furthering this policy, FOIA requires that the law be interpreted liberally, in favor of access, and that any exemption allowing public records to be withheld must be interpreted narrowly.

Requesting Non-Traffic Crash related Records from the Roanoke Police Department:

For your convenience there is an online form available here to request records from the Roanoke Police Department.

You may also contact us at (540) 853-2212 or fax the request to (540) 853-6622. Records can also be requested by mail or in person at the Roanoke Police Department (please note: if making a request in person, the records will not be available at that time).

Click here for additional details regarding your rights as a requester and the City of Roanoke’s responsibility in answering your request including any associated costs.

Requesting Records from Other City Departments:

To request records from other city departments (911 Center, Fire-EMS, Human Resources, etc.) please contact the FOIA Officer for the City of Roanoke, Virginia. Click here for more information. 

In addition, the Freedom of Information Advisory Council is available to answer any questions you may have about FOIA. The Council may be contacted by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at (804) 225-3056 or [toll free] (866) 448-4100.