Colonial Heights Police Records

Colonial Heights police records include arrest reports, public safety incident files, crash reports, and criminal case data from this independent city south of Richmond. The Colonial Heights Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and Circuit Court each maintain different types of police records. Requesting these records involves the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and direct contact with city agencies. This page covers the process for getting police records in Colonial Heights, including contacts, fees, and online court search tools.

Colonial Heights Police Department

The Colonial Heights Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency for the city. Major Robert Ruxer is the designated FOIA officer for police records. He handles requests for incident reports, arrest records, crash reports, and other law enforcement files. The police department is located at 100-A Highland Avenue.

Public safety incident reports and police crash reports are among the most commonly requested records from the department. You can file your request through the city's online FOIA Request Center, by mail, fax, email, in person, or by phone. The Colonial Heights FOIA page lists the preferred method as the online Request Center. Written requests should identify the records with "reasonable specificity."

The city must respond within five working days. "Day One" is the day after the request is received. Weekends and holidays do not count. If more time is needed, the city can extend the deadline by seven days, making it 12 business days total. For very large requests that would disrupt operations, the city may petition the court for more time.

Colonial Heights Police Records Fees

Fees for police records in Colonial Heights follow the actual cost model set by Virginia FOIA. The city can charge for the real cost of searching, copying, and providing records. Staff time is billed at the actual hourly rate of the employee doing the work. Duplication costs reflect actual expenses.

You can request a cost estimate before the city starts work. If the estimated cost goes above $200, the city may require a deposit. Any unpaid FOIA bills that are more than 30 days past due must be cleared before the city will process new requests from the same person. This policy encourages requesters to pay promptly and helps the city manage its resources.

How to Get Colonial Heights Police Records

Colonial Heights has several offices that handle different types of records. The police department holds incident reports, arrest data, and crash reports. The Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Todd Wilson, handles jail records, service of process, and courthouse security records. The Circuit Court Clerk maintains case files for felony and civil proceedings.

The City Attorney's office handles FOIA requests for general government departments. Andrew A. Meyer is the City Attorney. His office coordinates requests that do not fall under a specific constitutional officer. You can reach his office through Jeri-Ann Tomlin at (804) 520-9316 or tomlinj@colonialheightsva.gov. The mailing address is 201 James Ave, Colonial Heights, VA 23834.

Each constitutional officer handles their own FOIA requests. If you need records from the Commonwealth's Attorney (A. Gray Collins, III), the Commissioner of Revenue (William Feasenmyer), or the Treasurer (Teresa Cherry), contact that office directly. Their contact details are listed on the city's FOIA page.

Note: Emergency Communications records go through Ashley Rainey at (804) 805-8502. Fire and EMS records have separate contacts for fire records (Kenneth Bish) and EMS records (Stephen Hoke).

Colonial Heights Police Records Exemptions

Not all police records are public. Virginia FOIA provides exemptions that allow agencies to withhold certain files. In Colonial Heights, commonly used exemptions include personnel records under Section 2.2-3705.1(1), attorney-client privilege, and attorney work product. Vendor proprietary information, contract negotiation records, and income or tax information under Section 58.1-3.A are also exempt.

Criminal investigation records get extra protection. Open investigation files can be withheld in full. Even after a case closes, certain portions may stay exempt. If the city denies part or all of your request, they must cite the specific exemption and give you a written explanation. You can appeal through the courts or contact the Virginia FOIA Advisory Council for help.

Colonial Heights Circuit Court Records

The Colonial Heights Circuit Court sits in the 12th Judicial Circuit. The Clerk of Court is Stacy Stafford. Her office is at 550 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. You can reach the clerk at (804) 520-9364 or staffords@colonialheightsva.gov. The clerk maintains records for felony criminal cases, civil matters over $25,000, and family law proceedings.

Search Colonial Heights court records online using the Virginia Circuit Court Case Information System. This free tool covers all Virginia circuit courts and lets you search by name, case number, or hearing date. For misdemeanor and traffic cases, the General District Court Online Case Information System provides similar search features.

Both databases are maintained by the Virginia Judicial System. They are free and require no account. Results provide an overview of charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes, but may not include every document in the physical file.

Virginia State Police Criminal History

For a statewide criminal history check covering Colonial Heights and all of Virginia, use the Virginia State Police. Submit Form SP-167 to the Central Criminal Records Exchange. The fee is $15. Have it notarized and mail it to Virginia State Police, CARE, 7700 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235. Processing takes about 15 business days.

The Virginia State Police FOIA portal accepts electronic requests for state police records. The Sex Offender Registry is free to search online by name or location.

The screenshot below shows the Colonial Heights FOIA Rights and Responsibilities page.

This page lists all FOIA officers by department and explains the process for requesting city records.

Nearby Cities

These Virginia independent cities are near Colonial Heights. Each runs its own police department and court system.