It’s not uncommon for police reports to contain errors. While police reports are not generally admissible at trial, it may still be important to try to correct inaccuracies. An inaccurate police report can have serious consequences.
First, gather any evidence that supports your claim of inaccuracies. This may include witness statements, photographs, and any other documentation that contradicts the information in the police report. It’s important to have as much evidence as possible to support your claim, as this will make it more likely that the police department will take your request to amend the report seriously.
Second, contact the police department where the report was filed. Call the police department and ask to speak to the officer who filed the report. It is best to do this through an attorney to prevent further statements you made to the officer.
Third, request a copy of the police report. Your attorney should do this for you. After verifying who you are, the department will provide you with a copy of the report.
Fourth, review the report and identify any inaccuracies. Carefully review the report and note any errors or inaccuracies. Make sure to include specific information, such as the page and line number where the error appears. Talk with your accident attorney about these mistakes.
Fifth, write a letter to the police department. If the officer will not change the inaccuracies, in some cases it Draft a letter to the police department outlining the inaccuracies you’ve identified and providing evidence to support your claims. In your letter, request that the department amend the report and make sure to include your contact information.
Sixth, follow-up with the police department, the officer, and their supervisor. After a week or two, follow up with the police department to inquire about the status of your request to amend the report.
Correcting an inaccurate police report can be a time-consuming and challenging process, but it’s important to take action to ensure that the record of the incident is as accurate as possible.
It’s always good to consult an attorney or legal advisor to provide you guidance on the process and your specific case.
