Chicago Police Department Criminal Records are managed through a centralized system designed to provide public access to verified arrest data, incident reports, and official crime statistics. The Records Customer Service Section operates from 3510 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 300, within the Public Safety Headquarters. This office serves residents Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering in-person assistance for requests including incident reports, traffic collision documents, citizen complaint files, and sworn affidavit copies. Identity verification is required before any record is released. Payments can be made using cash, credit card, or electronic transfer. For urgent needs, the Records Division can be reached at (312) 745-5623 during business hours.
How to Request Chicago Police Department Criminal Records
Residents can obtain Chicago Police Department Criminal Records in person, online, or by mail. In-person requests are processed at the Public Safety Headquarters during standard hours. Online access is available through multiple portals managed by the department, allowing users to search arrest records, download crime reports, and file non-emergency complaints. Mail requests must include a completed application form, valid identification, and payment. All requests are subject to state and local privacy laws, which restrict access to juvenile records and certain sensitive information. The department ensures compliance with Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) guidelines while protecting individual rights.
Required Documents for Record Requests
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
- Completed records request form (available online or at the office)
- Proof of relationship or legal interest (if requesting someone else’s record)
- Payment for processing fees (varies by document type)
Online Access to Arrest and Incident Data
The Chicago Police Department provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records. The Arrest Search Home portal allows users to retrieve detailed arrest dossiers, including full name, mugshot, date of birth, address, booking ID, charges, arrest time and location, release details, and bond information. This database updates nightly from the Central Booking System, ensuring current accuracy. Users can search by name or booking number. The system is available to law enforcement agencies, media outlets, and the general public.
Searchable Crime Database Features
The department’s crime database supports filtering by address, community area, ward, beat, or proximity to schools and parks. It includes homicide reports, domestic violence cases, index crimes, juvenile incidents, hate crimes, and trend analyses. Each report is downloadable as a PDF with a unique identifier. The data spans multiple years and is updated regularly. Researchers, journalists, and community members use this tool to monitor local safety trends and support public awareness efforts.
Adult Arrest Search: Public Access Portal
The Adult Arrest Search tool, developed in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, offers unrestricted access to records of individuals charged as adults. Juvenile records are excluded to comply with Illinois confidentiality laws. Each entry includes the arresting agency, charge description, booking date, bond amount and type, and court docket number. Results can be sorted by arrest date, charge severity, or neighborhood. This transparency initiative supports accountability and public safety awareness across Chicago’s 77 community areas.
Online Crime Reporting System
Victims of non-emergency crimes can use the 24/7 Online Reporting System to file theft, vandalism, or lost property reports. After selecting the crime type and providing incident details, users upload photos or documents. The system generates a case number and forwards the report to the correct precinct. Emergency situations must be reported by calling 911 immediately. This service reduces wait times and improves response efficiency for low-priority incidents.
Public Records Release: Officer-Involved Shootings
The Chicago Police Department maintains a public archive of officer-involved shooting investigations. Each release includes full reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and final dispositions. Notable cases include the October 4, 2021 shooting (Reference JE397290) and the September 19, 2021 incident (Reference JE379439). These documents are available in PDF format and reflect the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability in use-of-force cases.
Crime Statistics and Annual Reports
The department publishes annual crime statistics through official channels and third-party aggregators. In 2019, Chicago recorded 97,978 criminal incidents, including 16,820 violent crimes and 81,158 property crimes. Violent offenses included 492 homicides, 1,761 rapes, 7,983 robberies, and 6,584 aggravated assaults. Property crimes consisted of 23,502 burglaries, 34,119 motor vehicle thefts, and 23,537 larceny-theft cases. This data is updated yearly and supports policy development, resource allocation, and community safety planning.
Data Access for Researchers and Journalists
Researchers can download datasets in CSV format from authorized sources. These files include incident numbers, dates, locations, crime types, and dispositions. Filters allow sorting by precinct, month, or crime category. The information helps identify patterns such as seasonal spikes in burglaries or increases in violent crime in specific neighborhoods. Journalists use this data for investigative reporting and public service announcements.
Contact Information and Office Hours
The Records Services Division is located at 3510 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653. General inquiries can be emailed through the department’s secure contact form. Non-emergency calls are accepted at (312) 746-6000 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Media requests should be directed to the Press Office at (312) 744-9100. Mail correspondence must be addressed to the Records Services Division, 3rd Floor, Suite 300. In-person visits are recommended for complex requests requiring immediate assistance.
Visiting the Records Customer Service Section
- Location: 3510 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60653
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Phone: (312) 745-5623
- Required: Valid ID and completed request form
- Payment: Cash, credit card, or electronic transfer accepted
Expungement and RAP Sheet Requests
Individuals seeking to review or expunge their criminal history must contact the Records Services Division. Certified technicians verify identity, collect fees, and forward applications to the Illinois State Police for cross-jurisdictional validation. RAP sheets (Record of Arrest and Prosecution) include all arrests, charges, and dispositions within Illinois. Expungement eligibility depends on offense type, conviction status, and time since completion of sentence. Legal counsel is recommended for complex cases.
August 2022 Public Record Release
The August 2022 dataset includes recent police reports with incident numbers, filing dates, and disposition codes. It covers traffic collisions, assaults, burglaries, and administrative citations. Users can filter by precinct or crime type to detect emerging trends, such as a rise in residential break-ins in the Near North Side during summer months. This release supports data-driven community safety initiatives and academic research.
Social Media and Public Communication
The Chicago Police Department uses official social media channels to share case updates, safety alerts, and community events. Superintendent David O. Brown’s Twitter account announces major arrests, such as the charging of Sebastian Aguilar, 37, with first-degree murder. The feed also promotes town hall meetings and provides guidance on filing civilian complaints. These platforms enhance transparency and foster direct engagement with residents.
Related Public Record Resources
While the Chicago Police Department provides comprehensive access to local criminal records, users may also need information from other jurisdictions. Related resources include Minnesota criminal history databases, Escambia County court records, Yavapai County superior court filings, and Batesville County jail mugshots. These external links support broader background checks and legal research needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Police Department Criminal Records
Accessing criminal records in Chicago involves understanding available services, required documentation, and legal limitations. Below are common questions and detailed answers to help users navigate the process efficiently.
How do I get a copy of my own criminal record from the Chicago Police Department?
You can request your criminal record by visiting the Records Customer Service Section at 3510 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 300, during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and complete a request form. You may also submit your application by mail with copies of your ID and payment. The process typically takes 5–10 business days. Online access is limited to arrest data through the Arrest Search Home portal. For full RAP sheets, in-person or mailed requests are required. Fees vary based on document type and processing speed.
Are juvenile records available through the Chicago Police Department?
No, juvenile records are not publicly accessible. Illinois law protects the privacy of minors involved in criminal cases. Only authorized agencies, legal guardians, or the individuals themselves (upon reaching adulthood) can request these records under strict conditions. The Adult Arrest Search portal explicitly excludes juvenile data. This policy ensures compliance with state confidentiality statutes and supports rehabilitation efforts for young offenders.
Can I file a police report online for a stolen vehicle?
Yes, if the theft is not an emergency, you can use the Online Reporting System. Select “Theft” as the crime category, describe the incident, and upload photos of the vehicle and any relevant documents. The system will generate a case number and forward the report to your local precinct. If the vehicle is actively being stolen or you are in immediate danger, call 911 right away. Online reports are processed within 24–48 hours.
How often is the arrest database updated?
The Arrest Search Home database refreshes every night using data from the Central Booking System. This ensures that new arrests, releases, and bond updates appear within 24 hours. Users can trust the information is current as of the previous day. For real-time updates during ongoing investigations, contact the Records Division directly at (312) 745-5623.
What should I do if I find incorrect information in my criminal record?
If you discover errors in your record, submit a correction request to the Records Services Division. Include your full name, booking ID (if known), a description of the error, and supporting documents such as court dispositions or dismissal notices. The department will review your case and coordinate with the Illinois State Police to update the record. This process may take several weeks. Legal assistance is advised for complex discrepancies.
Are body camera videos from officer-involved shootings publicly available?
Yes, after an investigation is complete, the Chicago Police Department releases body camera footage along with full reports and witness statements. These materials are posted in the Public Records Release archive. Notable cases like the October 4, 2021 shooting are fully documented. Videos are redacted to protect privacy when necessary. Requests for unreleased footage must go through the FOIA process.
Can I search for crime statistics by neighborhood?
Absolutely. The searchable crime database allows filtering by community area, ward, beat, or proximity to schools and parks. You can view homicide rates, domestic violence incidents, hate crimes, and trend analyses for any part of Chicago. Reports are downloadable in PDF format and include historical data. This tool is ideal for residents, researchers, and city planners monitoring local safety conditions.
Official Contact Details
Chicago Police Department – Public Safety Headquarters
3510 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60653
Non-emergency phone: (312) 746-6000
Records Division: (312) 745-5623
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Official website: https://home.chicagopolice.org