Records

Goal

The goal of the records unit is to provide accurate police information in a timely manner in compliance with the law.

The daily responsibilities of the unit are handled by three full-time staff members who process incoming police reports, fulfill open records requests, maintain computer data, and manage the alarm billing.

The unit is also responsible for compiling the monthly Uniform Crime Report that is submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety regarding crime statistics.

Open Records Requests

Records staff members have 10 working days, by law, to fulfill records requests. Not all reports and data within reports is public information. Trained staff members remove data that is not considered public prior to releasing reports.

Requests for police reports and crime statistics must be submitted in writing. The request must be as detailed as possible, including the type of information needed, report number if known, dates and times, and location. This information will assist staff members in completing your request without delay.

There are three formats for submitting open records requests: Complete the open records request form (PDF) and mail it or turn it in at:

  1. Cedar Hill Police Department
    285 Uptown Boulevard
    Building 200
    Cedar Hill, Texas 75104
  2. Fax a completed open records request form (PDF) to 972-291-5172.
  3. Email your request to Cedar Hill Police Records.

Traffic Accident Reports

Traffic accident report requests may be submitted in any of the formats listed above or see the section below for information on how to purchase your traffic accident report online. There are significant legislative changes related to obtaining accident reports from us. These changes are outlined here for informational purposes only. This is not meant to be considered as legal advice or opinion.

On written request and payment of any required fee, release is granted to:

  • Governmental agency that has use for the information for accident prevention purposes
  • the court in which a case involving a person involved in the accident is pending if the report is subpoenaed; or
  • any person directly concerned in the accident or having a proper interest therein, including:
    • any person involved in the accident;
    • the authorized representative of any person involved in the accident;
    • a driver involved in the accident;
    • an employer, parent, or legal guardian of a driver involved in the accident;
    • the owner of a vehicle or property damaged in the accident;
    • a person who has established financial responsibility for a vehicle involved in the accident in a manner described by Section 601.051, including a policyholder of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy covering the vehicle;
    • an insurance company that issued an insurance policy covering a vehicle involved in the accident;
    • an insurance company that issued a policy covering any person involved in the accident;
    • a person under contract to provide claims or underwriting information to a person who has established financial responsibility for a vehicle involved including the insurance company that issued a policy for any vehicle involved in the accident or covering any person involved in the accident or a person under contract to provide claims or underwriting information to those entities;
    • a radio or television station that holds a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission;
    • a newspaper that is:
      • a free newspaper of general circulation or qualified under Section 2051.044, Government Code, to publish legal notices;
      • published at least once a week; and
      • available and of interest to the general public in connection with the dissemination of news; or
    • any person who may sue because of death resulting from the accident.

Any person may obtain a redacted copy of an accident/crash report. Redactions will include but not limited to:

  • Names and personal identifiers of any person listed in the report;
  • Addresses and telephone numbers of any person listed in the report;
  • License plate number of any vehicle listed in the report;
  • Name of insurer and any policy number related to financial responsibility;
  • Information related to the disposition/dates of person injured or killed in the accident;
  • Certain information regarding dates and times on the report.

Purchase Your Accident Report Online

Customers may now purchase an accident report online for convenience through our authorized vendor. Reports from July 1, 2016 through the current time are available. It generally takes 10 business days to have a crash report available for purchase. Please contact our records department if you need a report that occurred before July 1, 2016.