Find Charlottesville Police Records

Charlottesville police records are maintained by the Charlottesville Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, and the city's Circuit Court. As an independent city in central Virginia, Charlottesville operates its own law enforcement and court system. Police records here include arrest reports, incident files, summaries of police calls, and criminal case documents. This page covers how to request records through the police department, file a FOIA request, search court databases online, and use Virginia State Police tools for broader criminal history searches.

Charlottesville Police Department Records

The Charlottesville Police Department offers two types of records to the public: summaries and full reports. Summaries are the first page of a police report. They contain limited information like the date, time, general location, type of incident, and how the call was resolved. If you are the reporting party or the victim listed in the report, you can request a summary directly from the police department.

People who are not involved in the police incident are not eligible to get a summary. If you want a full police report with officer notes and narratives, you need to submit a FOIA request. Keep in mind that under Virginia Code Section 2.2-3706(B)(1), full police reports are exempt from mandatory release under FOIA. The police department can choose to release them but is not required to do so.

This distinction matters. Summaries are easier to get if you have standing. Full reports go through a more formal process. Either way, start with the police department's records unit.

Charlottesville Police Records FOIA Process

The City of Charlottesville accepts FOIA requests through several methods. You can submit by U.S. Mail, fax, online through the city's records request system, by email, in person, or over the phone. You do not need to put your request in writing. You do not need to mention FOIA by name. Just describe the records you need with "reasonable specificity," which is a common-sense standard under Virginia law.

The Charlottesville records request page provides details on how to submit. The City Attorney's Office handles general FOIA coordination. You can email FOIA@charlottesville.org or call 434-970-3827. The mailing address is PO Box 911, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Fax requests go to 434-970-3890.

The city must respond within five working days. An extension of up to seven more days is possible if responding in five days is not practical. Fees reflect actual costs for searching and copying records. Staff time is charged at the hourly rate of the employee doing the work. If you want a cost estimate before the city begins, ask for one. You have that right under FOIA.

Police Records Exemptions in Charlottesville

Not all police records are open to the public. Virginia law provides specific exemptions that let agencies withhold certain files. In Charlottesville, commonly used exemptions include personnel records under Section 2.2-3705.1(1), attorney-client privilege, attorney work product, and vendor proprietary information. Contract negotiation records and administrative investigation files are also exempt.

Criminal investigation records get special treatment. Under Section 2.2-3706, police departments can withhold records tied to ongoing investigations. Even closed investigations may have portions that stay exempt. If the city denies part or all of your request, they must cite the specific exemption and explain why it applies. You can appeal a denial to the courts or contact the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council for guidance.

Charlottesville Sheriff's Office

The Charlottesville Sheriff's Office is a separate agency from the police department. Sheriff James Brown runs the office. The sheriff handles courthouse security, service of court papers, and operation of the local jail. If you need records from the sheriff rather than the police, contact that office directly.

The sheriff handles FOIA requests for records in his custody. Jail booking records, inmate information, and records related to service of process fall under the sheriff's domain. Use the same FOIA process and provide enough detail so staff can locate what you need.

Charlottesville Circuit Court Records

The Charlottesville Circuit Court sits in the 16th Judicial Circuit. It handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, and family law proceedings. The court shares the circuit with Albemarle County. Court records are kept by the Clerk of Court. You can visit the clerk's office to request copies of case files.

Online, search Charlottesville court records through the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System. Look up cases by name, case number, or hearing date. This free tool covers all Virginia circuit courts. For misdemeanor and traffic cases, use the General District Court Online Case Information System.

Both databases are maintained by the Virginia Judicial System. They are free and do not require an account. Online records give a good overview but may not include every document in the physical file.

Virginia State Police Criminal History

For a criminal history check that covers Charlottesville and all of Virginia, go through the Virginia State Police. Submit Form SP-167 to the Central Criminal Records Exchange. The fee is $15. Have the form notarized before mailing it to Virginia State Police, CARE, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235.

The Virginia State Police FOIA portal accepts requests for state police records electronically. Processing for SP-167 requests takes about 15 business days. The results cover arrests and convictions statewide. This is a name-based search, so accurate information produces better results. The Sex Offender Registry is also searchable online at no cost.

Below is the Charlottesville police reports page, which explains how to get summaries and full reports from the department.

This page outlines the difference between summaries and full reports and who is eligible to receive them.

The screenshot below shows the Charlottesville FOIA request page for submitting records requests to the city.

Use this page to learn about submission methods, response times, and your rights under Virginia FOIA.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia independent cities are near Charlottesville. Each maintains its own police department and court system.