How to Make a Public Records Request to the Boston Police Department

Updated

You can start a public records request through the Boston Police Department's website at police.boston.gov, which links to a dedicated "Public Records Request" page for submitting requests to the department. Members of the media have a separate path: the site directs media to request records in writing at [email protected]. The site does not publish the specific form fields, response timelines, or fees, so treat the website's Public Records Request link as your starting point and follow the instructions provided there.

Public Records Requests Through the Website

The BPD homepage lists "Public Records Request" as a standalone resource with the description "Make a public records request to the Boston Police Department." That is the official entry point for records requests from the general public.

What to expect when you use it

  • Input: Your request describing the records you want, submitted through the Public Records Request page linked from the homepage.
  • Action: The department processes the request under the applicable public records rules.
  • Expected result: The department responds according to its records process. Because the site does not state timelines or fees, check the request page itself for any instructions before submitting.

Practical tips for a smoother request

  1. Be specific about the record, not the topic. Identify the document type, incident or case reference, and a date range where you have one. A request for "all records about an incident" is harder to process than a request for a named report covering a defined period.
  2. Use the official channel. Submit through the Public Records Request link on police.boston.gov rather than informal email addresses, so your request is logged as a records request.
  3. Keep a copy of what you sent. Save your submitted request text and any confirmation you receive.

Media Requests: A Separate Written Channel

The site gives members of the media a distinct instruction: "Please request records in writing at: [email protected]." If you are requesting records in a media capacity, use that written channel rather than the general public records route.

What to include in a media records request

  • Your name, outlet, and contact details.
  • The specific records sought, with identifying details such as incident date, location, or report number.
  • The format you need (for example, electronic copies) and any deadline tied to your reporting.

The site does not describe response times for media requests, so plan around the possibility that a response may take time and follow up in writing if needed.

What Kinds of Records You Can Ask For

The site does not publish a list of requestable record types. In practice, a police department holds records such as incident and offense reports, arrest information, internal correspondence, and policy documents, and public records law generally governs which of these are disclosable. The department's own pages point to related public-facing resources that can help you frame a request:

Resource on the site How it helps with a records request
Data & Transparency Hub Dashboards with the latest crime statistics — check these first; you may not need a formal request for aggregate crime data.
BPDnews Feed Public safety alerts, missing persons notices, and updates on investigations and arrests — useful for identifying the incident or report you want to request.
Most Wanted Information on sought individuals — relevant if your request concerns a specific case the department has publicized.
CrimeStoppers Anonymous tip channel (1-800-494-TIPS / text "TIP" to CRIME) — this is for tips, not records requests.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Sending a records request to the tip line. CrimeStoppers and the anonymous tip app are for crime information, not public records.
  • Assuming the Data Hub replaces a request. The dashboards offer aggregate statistics; a request for a specific report or document still goes through the Public Records Request process.
  • Leaving out identifying details. Without a date, location, or report number, the department may be unable to locate the record you want.
  • Using the media email for a personal request. The MediaRelations address is described on the site as the route for members of the media; the general public should use the Public Records Request link.

Quick Reference

  • General public: Start at police.boston.gov and follow the "Public Records Request" link.
  • Media: Submit your request in writing to [email protected].
  • Before you request: Check the Data & Transparency Hub and BPDnews for information that may already be public.
  • Not for records: CrimeStoppers tips (1-800-494-TIPS; text "TIP" to 27463).