If you've been involved in a car accident in Tempe, Arizona, obtaining a copy of the police report is an essential step in the process of seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. The police report contains critical information about the accident, including the names and contact information of witnesses, the at-fault driver's insurance information, and the responding officer's observations of the scene. In this blog post, we'll discuss how car crash victims can obtain a copy of the police report from the Tempe Police Department.
Step 1: Gather Information at the Scene of the Accident
Before you contact the Tempe Police Department to request a copy of the police report, you'll need to gather some essential information about the accident. This information includes:
The date, time, and location of the accident
The name and badge number of the responding officer(s)
The Traffic Accident Report number, also known as the Departmental Report Number (GO#)
Having this information on hand will make obtaining the police report much smoother.
Step 2: Contact the Tempe Police Department
To obtain a copy of the police report, the Tempe Police Department's Records Unit will direct you to submit a request to the Unit’s Traffic Report Partner.
The Tempe Police Department has partnered with BuyCrash to provide traffic accident reports online. BuyCrash allows you to submit your request from the comfort of your own home. Click here to complete an online request form with BuyCrash.
If you would like to speak to a representative from the Tempe Police Department about your traffic accident report, you can visit the Tempe Police Department's Records Unit at 120 E. 5th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Step 3: Pay the Fee
The fee for a copy of the police report varies depending on the length of the report. As of 2023, the fee for a standard report is $5.00 for the first twenty (20) pages, and then an additional $.25 for each additional page. You can pay the fee in person or by mail with a check or money order made out to the City of Tempe. If you submit your request online, you'll be directed to pay the fee using a credit or debit card.
To see the most current Tempe Police Department Records Copy Fee Schedule, click here.
Step 4: Receive the Police Report
Once you've paid the fee, the Tempe Police Department will process your request and send you a copy of the police report. The time it takes to receive the report can vary, but it typically takes several weeks.
In conclusion, obtaining a copy of your traffic accident report from the Tempe Police Department is typically a simple process. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your request is processed quickly and efficiently, allowing you to obtain the information you need to move forward after your accident. If you have any questions or concerns about the process, don't hesitate to contact The Dr. Lawyer Law Group for assistance with your Tempe car accident case.