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Records Department

The Records Department is currently open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. Civilians can come to the Records Department in person to obtain copies of accident reports, verification letters, good conduct letters, or local background checks.

The Records Department is located on the third floor of the police station. Civilians will be required to sign in at the front desk to obtain a visitor badge and take the lobby elevator to the third floor where the Records Department is located.

Please bring your ID and a check or money order made payable to the City of Lancaster. If the ID does not have your current address, a current billing envelope showing a current address can be used. 

Accident Reports – $15.00
Verification Letters – $15.00
Good Conduct Letters – $22.00
Local Background Check – $22.00

If you would like to receive your record or letter via USPS, please provide a stamped self-addressed envelope.

Record Request Form

Civilians also have the option fill out and mail in a Request Form for accident reports or verification letters. Please include a check or money order made payable to the City of Lancaster for $15.00 and provide a stamped self-addressed envelope. Cash payments are only accepted for in-person requests.

Records Request Form (PDF) – English
Formulario de Solicitud de Registros (PDF) – Español

Mail to
Lancaster City Police/Records Department
39 W Chestnut St
Lancaster, PA 17603

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can the I fill out the Request Form before coming to the station?

Yes, you may fill out the form before coming to the station but it is not necessary when requesting records in person at the police station. This form is for requesting accident reports or verification letters only. Please note, the name of the person making the request must be named in the report.

2. What types of reports can I request from the Lancaster City Police Records Department?

Civilians can request crash reports, verification letters, good conduct letters, and background checks. The Lancaster City Bureau of Police can only release background check information on incidents that occurred in our jurisdiction.  If a state wide background check is needed, citizens should visit https://epatch.state.pa.us/

3. When will I receive the requested report or letter?

It depends on the status of the report. Reports go through a variety of checks to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in the report.

4. How will I be notified when the requested report or letter is available?

You can request to be called when your report or letter is ready or have it sent via email or by USPS as long as the fee has been paid in advance.

5. What types of payments are accepted?

Checks and money orders made payable to the City of Lancaster are accepted forms of payment. Cash payments are only accepted for in-person requests.

6. What do I need to bring with me?

Bring your ID and a check or money order made payable to the City of Lancaster. If the ID does not have the current address, a current billing envelope showing a current address can be used. 

Please provide a stamped self-addressed envelope if you would like to receive your record or letter via USPS.

How can contact the Records Department?

Please call 717-735-6670 to talk with someone from our Records Department.