Wizzard
22 May 2007, 23:19
I am providing this in the hopes enough people with understand what can and can not be released in a police report. I investigate identity theft and know many victims need a copy of the police report to forward to various companies. A police report is usually needed to show the victim is doing something to find out who is using their good name. There are certain legal aspects that must be followed. Companies must be made aware some of the requests will not be honored.
The first aspect is the confidentiality of what is in the report. In many instances people are entered into a report based on their involvement. It could be the victim, witness, suspect or many other different categories. During any investigation, you even see it on the television, you may think this person is the suspect and later you find out they have no involvement at all.
The second aspect is innocent until proven guilty (IUPG). Let's say the investigation is over and you have identified the suspect. Regardless of the crime, they get their day in court. When they go to court only the court can determine guilt or innocence. Just because they are listed in a report as the person who committed the offense does mean they are guilty.
So why am I sending this? I have had numerous companies refuse to accept the police report they receive for various reasons. Those reasons are it is not an original report, it is not signed, it does not list this specific card or many others. Companies need to understand the report they receive is the same report the victim gets. THEY WILL NOT GET A COMPLETE REPORT. I have seen companies go after someone for collection simply because the victim claimed "I think this person is involved." Companies need to understand investigations can take several months to complete. They also need to understand in most instances, only the District Attorney Office can release a complete case report. This is only done after final disposition of the case. The final disposition can take years to finalize.
The main thing to remember is if you are contacted about a complete police report is provide them a copy of what is provided to you. If the contact you stating this is not enough have them contact the investigator handling the case. It is not the victim trying to hide something it is the law enforement agency following the letter of the law.
The first aspect is the confidentiality of what is in the report. In many instances people are entered into a report based on their involvement. It could be the victim, witness, suspect or many other different categories. During any investigation, you even see it on the television, you may think this person is the suspect and later you find out they have no involvement at all.
The second aspect is innocent until proven guilty (IUPG). Let's say the investigation is over and you have identified the suspect. Regardless of the crime, they get their day in court. When they go to court only the court can determine guilt or innocence. Just because they are listed in a report as the person who committed the offense does mean they are guilty.
So why am I sending this? I have had numerous companies refuse to accept the police report they receive for various reasons. Those reasons are it is not an original report, it is not signed, it does not list this specific card or many others. Companies need to understand the report they receive is the same report the victim gets. THEY WILL NOT GET A COMPLETE REPORT. I have seen companies go after someone for collection simply because the victim claimed "I think this person is involved." Companies need to understand investigations can take several months to complete. They also need to understand in most instances, only the District Attorney Office can release a complete case report. This is only done after final disposition of the case. The final disposition can take years to finalize.
The main thing to remember is if you are contacted about a complete police report is provide them a copy of what is provided to you. If the contact you stating this is not enough have them contact the investigator handling the case. It is not the victim trying to hide something it is the law enforement agency following the letter of the law.