The central repository of police department records
The Records Unit is responsible for the release of police report copies, processing background checks, letters of good conduct and other documentation. Additionally, the unit is responsible for filing crime reports, processing traffic citations, criminal and collision reports, for releasing stored and impounded vehicles, and for managing arrest warrants and release of police records.
The Records Unit is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00AM to 3:00PM (excluding holidays). Records personnel assist citizens with crime reports, accident reports and other services, and assist other agencies with local records checks and other relevant information.
Records Requests
Records Unit staff can be reached at (530) 752-6823.
The California Public Records Act states police reports are public records, however some may be exempt from release to the public. Exceptions are:
- Crime reports may be released to the victim, their authorized representative, or an insurance carrier against which a claim might be made. [CaGC 6254(f)]
- Arrest information (including arrest reports) is classified as confidential after 30 days from the date of the arrest.
- Collision reports are releasable to drivers, authorized representative of the driver, owners of vehicles or of property damaged and persons who may incur civil liability. [CVC 20012]
Requesting a copy of police reports
- Law Enforcement Agencies
Fax a request on your department letterhead to (530) 752-3216. Requests will be processed within 72 hours. - Personal Requests
Complete the application found here: UCDPD Records Request Form. You may also pick up and submit an application directly from our office during normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) at the Fire and Police Building (map location). Please allow 10 days for the UC Davis Police Department to process your request. - Attorneys and Insurance Companies
Submit your request on your company letterhead with a self-addressed envelope. Please allow 10 days for the UC Davis Police Department to process your request.
Please use the mailing address listed below to submit your request:
UC Davis Police Department
Attn: Records Unit
One Shields Ave
Davis, California 95616
Background Checks
The UC Davis Police Department processes background check requests that are mailed to our office with a self-addressed envelope.
Background checks will be processed within 3-5 business days. All requests must include an authorization form signed by the applicant.
Our mailing address is:
UC Davis Police Department
Attn: Records Unit
One Shields Ave.
Davis, CA 95616
More information about our processes
Clearance Letters
The UC Davis Police Department provides clearance letters (also known as "letters of good conduct") free of charge. The letter details whether the applicant does or does not have an arrest record within our Davis or Sacramento jurisdiction only.
Applicants may pick up a Clearance Letter Request form at the front counter in the lobby of the Police Department Building, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., or download and print out the application provided below. Requests for Clearance Letters will be processed within 10 days.
The process:
- Submit the application. Name, DOB, and phone number must be legible
- You will be contacted when the letter has been completed
- Show a valid photo ID when picking your letter up. (Only the applicant may pick up the letter)
Download the Clearance Letter Request form (pdf)
Vehicle Impound Release
If your vehicle was impounded due to a specific vehicle code violation, you are required to obtain a release from the police department prior to the vehicle's release to you from the tow yard. The tow yard will require all towing fees are paid prior to release. The vehicle is released to the registered owner and the vehicle must be currently registered with DMV. The registered owner must have a valid license or have a licensed driver who is willing to take responsibility for driving the vehicle from the tow yard.