How to Get a Copy of a Police Report After Domestic Violence in New York

This article provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Talk to a lawyer in New York for advice about your specific situation.

If you called the police because of domestic violence in New York, there is usually a police report. Wanting a copy is completely understandable. You may need it for:

• A family court case (custody, order of protection)

• A criminal case

• Immigration applications

• Housing, shelter, or benefits

• Work, school, or safety planning

This guide explains, in plain language, how police reports work in New York and how you may be able to get a copy, step by step.

You did nothing wrong by calling the police. You deserve information, clarity, and support.

Key things to know about New York police reports in domestic violence cases

1. There may be more than one type of record

In a New York domestic violence incident, there may be multiple records:

• Domestic Incident Report (DIR) — A required NY police form for all “domestic incidents.”

• Incident/Complaint Report — The general police report.

• Arrest Report — If someone was arrested.

• 911 Call Recording or CAD Log — Emergency call audio or dispatch log.

You may be able to get some records but not others, especially if a criminal case is open.

2. Some information is confidential or restricted

Access may be limited if:

• A criminal investigation is ongoing

• You are a protected party in an order of protection

• Children/minors were involved

• Sensitive personal information appears

You may receive a redacted copy, or you may need to wait until the criminal case ends.

3. Different agencies may hold the records

Records may be held by:

• NYPD (if the incident happened in NYC)

• Local police (if outside NYC)

• County Sheriff’s Office

• District Attorney’s Office (if criminal charges were filed)

When unsure, start with the agency that responded.

4. New York’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)

FOIL allows people to request many government records, but:

• Agencies can deny requests

• Agencies can provide only partial records

• Agencies can delay release during investigations

You can appeal a denial, but the process can be draining — a lawyer or advocate can help.

Safety first: Things to consider before requesting a police report

Requesting a police report can help, but it may also create safety risks.

Think about how the abusive person might react

They might:

• Learn you requested the report

• See information that upsets them

• Gain access to your address or contact info

Consider:

• Speaking with a DV advocate first

• Using a safe address (friend, lawyer, PO box)

• Asking if the agency can redact your address

• Asking for electronic delivery (if safer)

Get support if possible

In New York, confidential support is available through:

• Domestic violence programs and shelters

• Legal aid organizations

• Family Justice Centers (NYC)

Advocates can help you:

• Decide if/when to request the report

• Understand the safest method

• Navigate police stations, FOIL requests, or courts

If in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential DV support: New York State Hotline 1-800-942-6906 (voice) or text 844-997-2121.

Step-by-step: How to request a domestic violence police report in New York

Step 1: Identify the agency and basic details

Try to gather:

• Date/time of the incident

• Location/address

• Name of arrested person (if any)

• Your name and date of birth

• Incident/complaint/DIR number (if you have it)

• The police department involved

If you do not have all of this, the agency may still find your report.

Step 2: Decide what records you want

Common records to request:

• Domestic Incident Report (DIR)

• Incident/Complaint Report

• Arrest Report

• 911 recording or CAD log

A sample request:

“I am requesting a copy of the Domestic Incident Report and any related police reports for the domestic incident on [date] at [location], where I was the victim.”

If unsure, you can ask for “any police records related to the domestic incident on [date] where I was the victim.”

Step 3: Check the local process

A. If the incident happened in New York City (NYPD)

You may:

• Contact the precinct directly

• Request through the NYPD Records Unit

• Submit a FOIL request through the NYC OpenRecords portal

If you have a lawyer, they may request it directly.

B. If the incident happened outside NYC

• Visit the police department’s website

• Look for “Records,” “FOIL,” or “Public Records”

• Many departments allow in-person or written FOIL requests

You can call:

“I was the victim in a domestic incident on [date]. I’d like to request a copy of the police report. What is your process?”

C. If there is a criminal case

The District Attorney’s Office may provide:

• Case updates

• Limited information

• Access to certain documents

Ask to speak with a victim advocate in the DA’s Office.

Step 4: Decide whether to file a FOIL request

If required, submit a FOIL request:

• Online or by email

• With identifying details

• Asking for specific documents

• Requesting non-exempt portions if redactions are required

Sample FOIL language:

“Under the Freedom of Information Law, I request copies of any Domestic Incident Reports, incident reports, complaint reports, or arrest reports related to the domestic incident on [date] at [location], involving [your name/date of birth]. If any portions are exempt, please provide the non-exempt portions and state the reasons for each redaction or denial.”

Step 5: Provide ID if requested

They may ask for:

• Photo ID

• Your date of birth

• Proof you are the victim

If worried, ask to:

• Redact your address from the ID copy

• Provide ID in person only

• Have the report sent to a lawyer or advocate

Step 6: Wait for the agency’s response

Agencies must:

• Acknowledge your FOIL request

• Provide a timeline

• Grant, partially grant, or deny the request

If denied, you can file a FOIL appeal (usually within 30 days).

Step 7: Review the report safely

When you receive the report:

• Open it in a safe location

• Expect redactions

• Expect the wording to feel clinical or incomplete

• Consider reading it with support

It is normal for police reports to feel upsetting or inaccurate.

What if the police report doesn’t match your memory?

Police reports are often:

• Summaries

• Rushed

• Written from one perspective

It is common to feel upset if:

• Details are missing

• Your words are oversimplified

• The abuser’s lies appear in the report

This does not mean you did anything wrong.

You can:

• Write your own timeline

• Discuss concerns with your lawyer

• Bring additional evidence for court

Special situations: Orders of protection, family court, immigration

Using a police report for an order of protection

A police report can help, but:

• It is not required

• Judges can grant orders based on your sworn statement alone

Using a police report in family court

A report may help show:

• A history of violence

• Safety concerns for custody or visitation

The judge will consider multiple factors, not just the report.

Using a police report for immigration

For U visas, VAWA, T visas, etc.:

• A police report can support your application

• Your immigration lawyer may request it

• They may advise on the safest way to obtain records

What if the abusive person uses the report against you?

Abusers sometimes try to:

• Obtain the report

• Share it

• Twist parts of it

This is manipulation — not your fault.

You can:

• Talk to a lawyer

• Work with a DV advocate

• Save messages or evidence showing the full story

If they publicly share your private information, this may be harassment.

Cost, timing, and practical tips

How much does it cost?

Varies by agency:

• Copy fees ($0.25/page typical)

• Extra fees for 911 audio

You may request a fee waiver.

How long does it take?

• Some reports: days to weeks

• FOIL requests: weeks to months

• Criminal cases: may delay release until case ends

Practical tips

• Keep copies of all requests

• Document who you spoke with and when

• Update your contact info if you move

• If treated poorly, ask for a supervisor

When to talk to a lawyer or advocate

Seek help if:

• Your request was denied

• You have a court case coming up

• You fear retaliation

• You want to appeal a FOIL denial

You can find help through:

• Legal aid

• DV legal programs

• Bar association referrals

Use our directory to find a New York domestic violence lawyer.

You are allowed to seek information and support

Requesting a police report can be intimidating.
But understanding what was written is your right — and your choice.

You deserve:

• Clear information

• Respect

• Safety

• Support

Move at your own pace. You never have to do this alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a copy of the DV police report if a criminal case is open?

Sometimes, but the agency may delay release under FOIL. You may get limited information through the DA’s Office.

How do I request a Domestic Incident Report (DIR)?

Contact the responding police department. They may direct you to their FOIL unit or (in NYC) the NYC OpenRecords portal.

Will my address be visible?

It depends. You can request redaction or use a safe address for delivery.

Do I need a police report for an order of protection?

No. Judges regularly grant orders without police involvement.

How long does it take?

Anywhere from days to months, depending on FOIL and whether a criminal case is open.

Can the abusive person get a copy?

Often yes, especially after a criminal case ends or through their lawyer. Some information may be redacted.

What if my FOIL request is denied?

You can appeal within the agency’s deadline, usually within 30 days. A lawyer or legal aid office can help.