Is the police department required to release information on police calls?

Question

I just saw one of my neighbors get arrested and I called the Sheriff's Dept. to see what was going on and she rudely told me that she couldn't tell me what was going on. I asked when it would be released and she didn't give a definite answer. I alway thought that information was public.

I don't think I am being noisy because I want to know what is happening doors away from where I reside. If they are investigating a meth lab I want to know before the house blows up.

Answer 1

It is not instantly public. Most departments don't release information about ongoing investigations The department may release basic information about the call right away "Disturbance at 123 Main Street, white male arrested"

However, most won't release more detailed information on a case until an investigation is over and it is adjudicated

Answer 2

The only information covered by the FOIA law (Freedom of Information Act) is general information regarding an arrest (suspect's name, age, and address, location of arrest, etc.), crime, or incident of interest. Any other information does not qualify, as that information, if released to the public, could jeopardize an ongoing investigation, and it's successful completion. Only if/when the case is finally closed, can more detailed information be released. Remember, in these United States, every man, woman, and child accused of a crime is considered innocent, until proven guilty, in a court of law. The release of detailed information could prevent the suspect from receiving a fair trial (as in possibly tainting a jury, etc.).

Answer 3

The above answers have already mostly answered your question. Being a dispatcher myself, I would like to go a bit further and comment on your statement about the rude lady you talked to. Many many many MANY times we get calls from locals or the media wanting information about something that is currently in progress. We cannot give out that sort of information while things are still going on at the scene. We can tell you where it is occurring and if anyone is in custody, but we can't release names (if we even know the name yet) and we can't give specifics (again, even if we know the details). We also don't usually have time to talk with people wanting to know what is happening. We are trying to get everything run that needs to be run, trying to keep track of all of our officers, handling 3 more similar situations (all of which need the same types of things run), trying to keep track of which officer is on which scene, and besides that running traffic for 2 other cops. Then we get the calls from concerned neighbors like yourself. I understand your concern, but have a little compassion on the stressed out dispatcher. As far as her indefinite answer, she doesn't have any idea when the cop is going to sit down and get his report done. Dispatchers deal with a lot of things that people have no idea about (that includes the officers). Most dispatchers are paid less than the officers, most of which don't get paid too well themselves. True, they are not putting their lives on the line like an officer on the street is, but they deal with a lot of bulls**t, cope with a lot of stress and are for the most part unappreciated.

Answer 4

If you want to get any information related to that incident, you will need to go down to your local sheriff's office or city hall and fill out a request for public records.

Answer 5

It is really none of your business unless you are involved in the reason for the arrest. The information becomes public when it becomes a court case. Your local newspaper MAY have information if it is given to them by the police.

Answer 6

It is public record once the report is filed at the station. The lady you spoke to wasn't at the scene to be able to tell you what happened.

Answer 7

Unless ur directly involved or affected you have no reason to know, being nosey doesn't mean you have to know... I never tell people that ask me questions like that unless it's a close relative....

Answer 8

I don't know, even around here if you ask in person like "Why were they chasing that car" or something they won't even tell you.