Each month, our Records Division staff processes more than 250 criminal incident reports, 150 criminal arrest reports, 500 citations (tickets), 130 traffic collision reports, and countless miscellaneous reports generated by members of the department. They are reviewed and audited daily, and properly secured and/or disseminated pursuant to departmental policy and/or state law. This staff of four full and part-time employees also assists walk-in visitors, addresses all calls for general information, and assists department members with various needs.
Public Records
There is often confusion between what is classified as 'public record' (accessible by anyone who should ask) and that which is not. The portion of any criminal investigative report (ie. Break-in, Larceny, Communicating Threats, etc.) that identifies juvenile information, suspects (unless criminally charged), or any criminal investigative notes is not public record and cannot be released without direction from the court or the District Attorney's office. Additionally, any report that, by identifying a reporting person or victim may place them in jeopardy also may be withheld. The public record portion provides the basic information necessary for insurance companies to initiate the processing of claims.
Copies of our reports are not available on line (with exception of vehicle collision reports). Reports may be obtained by request through the Records Division using the contact information listed on the right side of this page.
Copies of Reports
To obtain a copy of any report taken by our department, you may stop by the station during normal business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.) Most reports are generally available within 48 business hours of the date the report was taken by our department. There is no charge for copies of individual reports obtained directly at the police department.
Vehicle Collision Reports
These are typically available within 24 (business) hours of the date of the collision. You may pick up a free copy at the Records Office, or you may also obtain a copy of a traffic collision report online, for a fee of $2, by clicking
here.
Vehicle Tow Release Forms
You must present this form at the wrecker service in order to retrieve your vehicle, if it was towed at the direction of one of our officers. The forms may be picked up at any time, but if planning to arrive outside of normal business hours, you should call the Records Office during normal business hours to assure the report is available. 704- 845-1973
Traffic Citations/Ticket Resolution
The Mecklenburg County Trial Court Administrator and District Attorney's Office have developed an online application that will provide eligible drivers an opportunity to resolve certain traffic citations without having to make a court appearance. In this county an average of 1,100 people attend the Administrative Court each day. It is hoped that the online application will reduce this volume and save citizen travel costs and personal time.
Examples of citations that are eligible for dismissal or reduction include: expired inspection; expired registration; expired driver's license (expired less than 60 days); certain insurance cases; and speeding citations (any speeding 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit would not be eligible for reduction).
Drivers must use this service at least 14 days prior to their court date or they will have to attend the Administrative Court to get their citation dismissed or reduced. Also, if a driver receives a citation with two charges, the online service cannot be used. The driver can either enter their name, driver's license number or citation number to access the site.
The online ticket resolution application link can be found by clicking here.
Crime Reports
Our staff can produce a report of crimes occurring in and around your neighborhood at no cost. While it may take time to produce such reports, we will gladly assist you with this information. You may make this request either by contacting our Records Office at (704) 845-1973 or at
communitysafety@matthewspolice.org.
Criminal Arrest Reports
To obtain a full statewide report, for employment or background purposes, of your arrest history, you must either obtain them through the Sheriff's Office of the county where you live (a link to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office can be found below), or obtain them through various Internet-based companies. We can only provide you with a certified report of any criminal arrests processed by our department.
Retrieving Property
Our department maintains seized and found property for various periods of time. Property seized pursuant to a criminal investigation will only be released upon the presentation of a Disposition Report provided by the court or the District Attorney's office. Found property, like bicycles, may be retrieved upon proof of ownership. If you believe we have property that may be released as described above, please contact our Evidence Custodian at (704) 845-1973.
Additional Links
Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office: http://www.charmeck.org/Departments/MCSO/Home.htm
N.C. Department of Transportation Vehicle Collision Statistics: http://www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstruct/traffic/safety/ses/rankings/rankings.html
F.B.I. Crime Statistics: http://www.fbi.gov/research.htm
U.S. Census Bureau with N.C. Statistics: http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37000.html