utah police reports public record basics and options

What counts as public in Utah?

Under the Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA), many police reports are presumptively public, but certain details can be withheld. Active investigations, juvenile matters, victim identities, and medical data are often redacted or restricted, balancing transparency with privacy and safety.

Ways to get a report

Requesting is flexible: some departments host online portals, crashes appear in statewide tools, and traditional GRAMA requests by email, mail, or at a records counter still work. Third‑party sites can help, but agencies remain the authoritative source for certified copies.

• Online portals: Fastest for common incident or crash reports; may require a case number.
• GRAMA form: Good for older files or attachments; expect a brief wait.
• In person: Useful for verification and certified copies.
• Third‑party services: Convenient summaries, but verify against the agency record.

Tips and benefits

Have names, dates, and location ready; fees per page or search time are typical, and agencies usually respond within ten business days. Access supports accountability, insurance claims, and personal documentation. When in doubt, ask the records officer-appeals are available under GRAMA.