Find Tempe Police Records

Tempe police records are maintained by the Tempe Police Department in the east Phoenix metro area. The department serves approximately 190,000 residents including Arizona State University. You can request incident reports, arrest records, and other documents through their JustFOIA portal or by email. Tempe PD also uses BuyCrash for online access to traffic collision reports, making accident reports available faster.

How to Request Tempe Police Records

Submit requests through the JustFOIA portal. Create an account to submit requests, track progress, and receive notifications when records are ready. The online system works well for most standard Tempe police records requests. You can pay any applicable fees electronically through the portal.

You can also email PD_RecordsRequests@tempe.gov or visit the lobby at 120 E. 5th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281. The phone line at (480) 350-8588 is available 7 days a week from 5am to midnight. Lobby hours are Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Staff can help you determine what records exist and explain the request process.

For collision reports, use BuyCrash. This portal provides online access to traffic accident reports. Reports are usually available within 14 days of the crash. BuyCrash is faster than going through the general records process for traffic incidents. The system charges a separate fee for access.

Processing times vary based on the type of request. Simple incident reports are often ready within a week or two. Requests for body camera footage or other video take longer because staff must review and redact protected content. Complex requests involving multiple incidents or large document sets need more time. The department will contact you if they need additional information to locate your records.

Tempe Police Records Fees

Arrest records cost $5 for the first 20 pages. Each additional page adds $0.25. Most standard Tempe police records fall within the base fee since they are typically under 20 pages. Longer investigation files or reports with many attachments may exceed the base and incur extra charges.

Video recordings are charged at the state maximum rate of $46 per hour reviewed under ARS 39-129. This covers body camera footage, interview recordings, and surveillance video. The fee pays for staff time to watch the footage, identify protected content, and apply redactions. Long videos add up quickly so consider narrowing your request to specific time frames when possible.

Crime victims receive free copies under ARS 39-127. Identify yourself as the victim when you submit your request. Staff will verify your status and waive fees for one copy of reports, audio, and video from your case. This benefit applies to Part I crimes, domestic violence, and sexual offenses.

Traffic collision reports through BuyCrash have separate fees and service charges. LexisNexis adds a convenience fee on top of the base report cost. Check the BuyCrash site for current pricing. Involved parties can often get their collision report faster through this portal than through the regular records process.

Arizona Public Records Access

ARS 39-121 gives the public access to police records during office hours. Tempe police records fall under this law. You do not need to explain why you want the records. Anyone can request records regardless of their reason or where they live.

Some records have restrictions under state and federal law. Active investigations may delay release until the case is closed. Records involving juveniles have names and identifying information removed. Victim information is protected in many situations. Medical records, social security numbers, and other sensitive data are blacked out before release. The department follows state law when deciding what to withhold or redact.

If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal. ARS 39-121.02 allows you to file a special action in superior court. The court can order release of wrongly withheld records and may award attorney fees if you prevail. Most routine requests are approved without issue.

Tempe Police Contact Information

Contact the records division for Tempe police records requests. Staff can answer questions about fees, processing times, and what records are available.

Records Office:

• Address: 120 E. 5th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281
• Phone: (480) 350-8588 (7 days, 5am-midnight)
• Email: PD_RecordsRequests@tempe.gov
• Lobby Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Online Portals:

• Records: tempe.justfoia.com
• Collision Reports: buycrash.lexisnexisrisk.com

Tempe and Maricopa County

Tempe sits in Maricopa County. For incidents outside city limits, contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff handles unincorporated areas and provides contract services to some smaller communities. MCSO has a separate records request process through their Phoenix headquarters.

Tempe is home to Arizona State University. The university has its own police department for incidents on campus. ASU PD handles records requests separately from Tempe PD. If an incident occurred on university property, contact ASU Police for those records. The two departments work together but maintain separate records systems.

Nearby Arizona Cities

These cities border Tempe and have their own police departments.