How to Get a Copy of a Police Report After Domestic Violence in New Jersey
Learn how to get a copy of a domestic violence police report in New Jersey, who can access it, timelines, safety tips, and what to do if your request is denied.
This article provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Talk to a lawyer in New Jersey for advice about your specific situation.
Experiencing domestic violence is overwhelming. If the police were called, you may later need a copy of the police report for court, immigration, housing, work, or your own records.
In New Jersey, getting a copy of a police report after a domestic violence incident can feel confusing — especially when you are already under stress. This guide explains the process step-by-step, highlights important safety issues, and helps you understand your options.
Why you might need a copy of a domestic violence police report
Survivors in New Jersey often request a police report for reasons such as:
Applying for or extending a Temporary or Final Restraining Order (TRO/FRO)
Preparing for family court (custody or parenting time cases)
Participating in a criminal case
Applying for victim compensation
Supporting immigration cases (VAWA, U visa, etc.)
Providing documentation to a landlord, employer, or school
Keeping personal records for safety and future planning
You are not required to have a police report to get help or be believed. But when it exists, it can be an important document.
Key things to know about New Jersey police reports in domestic violence cases
1. Police reports are usually public records — but DV cases get extra protection
New Jersey’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA) generally allows the public to request police reports.
However, domestic violence cases have enhanced confidentiality, especially for:
Addresses and contact information
Information about children
Medical or mental health details
Sensitive personal information
These sections may be redacted (blacked out) before the report is released.
2. There may be multiple types of records
A DV incident in New Jersey may produce:
Police incident/offense report
Domestic Violence Offense Report
TRO/FRO paperwork
Criminal complaint or warrant
Body camera footage
911 recordings
Photos taken by police
Each may have different rules for access.
3. Timing matters
You may face delays if:
A criminal investigation is still ongoing
The report involves minors
Prosecutors request temporary nondisclosure
Basic incident information is typically available earlier than detailed reports.
4. You do NOT have to request alone
Advocates and attorneys can:
Help you complete forms
Think through safety risks
Communicate with police on your behalf
Store records safely
Safety planning before requesting your police report
Requesting records can increase risk if the abusive person:
Lives with you
Checks your mail
Monitors your phone or email
Has threatened you about involving the police
Consider:
Safe ways to receive the report
Attorney’s office
DV advocate’s office
PO box
Trusted friend/family member’s address
A safe email account the abuser cannot access
Safe storage options
Outside the home
With an advocate
Secure password-protected cloud storage
Encrypted digital folder
Talk with a New Jersey DV advocate for help creating a safety plan.
Step-by-step: How to request a police report in New Jersey
Step 1: Identify the correct police department
It may be:
A municipal police department
A county sheriff’s office
New Jersey State Police
Check any paperwork you received. If unsure, call the non-emergency number for the town where the incident occurred.
Step 2: Gather identifying details
Helpful information:
Your full name and DOB
Date or approximate date of the incident
Location
Abusive person’s name (if known)
Police case/incident number
If you don’t have all of this — that’s okay. Provide what you can.
Step 3: Choose how to request the report
Most NJ departments accept requests:
In person
Online (many use OPRA portals)
By mail or email (using an OPRA form)
Ask:
“How do I request a copy of the police report from a domestic violence incident?”
Step 4: Understand OPRA vs. victim-specific access
There are two pathways:
A. OPRA request (public records request)
Standard process
Must be answered within 7 business days
May include more redactions
B. Victim-specific request
Some departments allow victims to request certain records without a formal OPRA request.
You can ask:
“I am the victim in the incident. Is there a victim-specific process, or should I file an OPRA request?”
Step 5: Complete the request form
Forms may be labeled:
OPRA Request Form
Police Records Request
Incident Report Request
In your request, write:
“Police incident report and any related domestic violence offense report for the incident on [date] at [location], where I am the victim.”
You can request the report be sent to an attorney or advocate for safety.
Step 6: Ask about fees and processing times
Most departments:
Charge small fees for paper copies
Provide digital copies for little or no cost
Ask:
“Is there a fee?”
“Can I receive it electronically?”
“When should I expect a response?”
Step 7: Receive and store your report safely
Choose the safest delivery method:
In person
Email to a safe account
Mail to a safe address
If picking up in person, consider bringing someone with you.
What you might see in a New Jersey domestic violence police report
Police reports often include:
Names and basic information
Officer’s narrative
Observed injuries or damage
Listed charges
DV offense forms
Witness names (sometimes redacted)
It’s normal for reports to feel incomplete — they reflect the officer’s snapshot, not your full experience.
Who else can access the report?
The abusive person may get access in certain situations
If they are a defendant in a criminal case
Through their attorney
Through an OPRA request (with DV-specific redactions)
Protected information may include:
Your address
Children’s details
Medical information
Sensitive identifiers
If worried, speak with:
A DV advocate
The prosecutor’s victim-witness office
A New Jersey attorney
If your request is denied
Common reasons:
Ongoing investigation
Juvenile involvement
Privacy protections
Request too broad
If denied:
Read the explanation
Call the records custodian for clarification
Narrow or modify your request
Consider an OPRA appeal
Appeals can go through:
The Government Records Council (GRC)
The New Jersey Superior Court
Get legal advice before filing an appeal.
Other records you may request
Some require more steps:
911 recordings
Body camera footage
Dispatch logs
Photos
TRO/FRO court records
These often require:
A subpoena
Court order
Request through the prosecutor
How police reports are used in NJ legal cases
Restraining orders (TRO/FRO)
Judges may consider the report but it is not required.
Criminal cases
Prosecutors and defense attorneys use the report to prepare the case.
Family court (custody/parenting time)
Reports can support a pattern of abuse, but judges consider the whole context.
Immigration cases
Reports can support VAWA, U visa, or similar applications.
Always consider reviewing the report with a lawyer or advocate first.
Emotional impact: What to expect
It is normal to feel:
Overwhelmed
Triggered
Validated
Angry
Confused
Your feelings are valid. You can:
Read the report with a trusted advocate
Take breaks
Seek emotional support
When to talk to a New Jersey lawyer
It is helpful to speak with an attorney if:
You have a TRO/FRO case
You are involved in criminal or custody proceedings
Your request was denied
You have immigration concerns
You are worried about the abuser seeing your report
Lawyers can also help request additional records safely.
Practical tips for New Jersey survivors
Write down details while they are fresh
Keep copies of all requests
Use contact information the abuser cannot access
Ask for help from advocates or legal aid
Request records when you feel ready
You deserve safety, clarity, and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a copy of the report if there is an ongoing criminal case?
You can usually get a basic incident report, but detailed reports may be withheld during an active investigation.
Will my abuser see the report?
If they are charged with a crime, their attorney will likely receive the report — but sensitive information can be redacted.
How long does it take to receive the report?
OPRA requires a response within 7 business days, but DV-related records may take longer.
Do I have to pay?
Paper copies typically cost a small fee; digital copies may be free.
What if the report is wrong?
Police reports are summaries. Talk with a lawyer about how to clarify the record in court.
Can I request 911 recordings or bodycam video?
Yes, but they often require a subpoena or prosecutor involvement.
Do I need a lawyer to make the request?
No, but a lawyer is helpful for restraining order, criminal, immigration, or custody cases.
Is it safe to keep the report at home?
If you live with the abusive person, consider storing the report elsewhere to reduce risk.