Birmingham City Police Records are public files kept by the Birmingham Police Department in Alabama. These records cover crime reports, accident reports, arrest logs, and incident files from the city limits of Birmingham.
Any person can ask for a copy, but each type of record has its own rules, fees, and steps. This page explains who runs the records office, how to file a request, and what to expect from the process.
About the Birmingham Police Department Records Division
The Birmingham Police Department Records Division handles every public request for police files in the city. The office sits inside BPD headquarters on 1st Avenue North. Staff members process requests for incident reports, accident reports, arrest records, and copies of 911 calls. They also run the Axon Evidence online portal that lets people search for and download reports from home.
Role of the Records Division
The Records Division keeps paper and digital files from every case that BPD opens in Birmingham. Officers write their reports, and the records team enters the data into a citywide computer system. After that, the file becomes a public record under Alabama law. The division also stamps each report with a case number that people can use to track their file later.
Administrative Operations Bureau
The Administrative Operations Bureau supervises the Records Division along with other support units. This bureau sets policy for how long reports stay in the system and how staff respond to written requests. It also handles FOIA requests, which are formal letters asking for records under Alabama’s open records law. Anyone who needs a report that the regular public counter cannot release must file a FOIA request with this bureau.
Types of Birmingham Police Records You Can Request
BPD keeps many kinds of files, but not all of them are open to the public. Some reports are free to view, while others need a written request or a court order. Knowing the type you need will save time when you visit the office or fill out the online form.
Incident and Crime Reports
An incident report covers a call for service, a criminal act, or a suspicious event. These reports list the date, location, names of the people involved, and a short summary of what happened. Most incident reports are public after the investigation closes. You can ask for a copy by case number, by name, or by the date and place of the event.
Accident and Crash Reports
Birmingham police respond to traffic crashes inside the city. The crash report shows which cars were involved, who was injured, and whether any driver got a ticket. Alabama law makes these reports open to the drivers, passengers, insurance companies, and lawyers. Crash reports are usually ready within 7 to 10 business days after the wreck.
Arrest Records and Booking Photos
Arrest records show when a person was taken into custody, the charges, and the booking officer. Booking photos, also called mugshots, are public unless a court seals them. The Jefferson County Jail keeps the original booking file, while BPD holds the arrest report from the street. You may need to contact both offices for a full file.
911 Calls and Audio
Audio from 911 calls is kept by BPD for a set number of months. The public may listen to the call after the case ends and a request is filed. There is usually a small fee for copying the audio to a CD or USB drive. Some calls, such as those involving minors or ongoing investigations, may stay sealed by court order.
How to Get a Birmingham Alabama Police Report
There are three main ways to get a police report in Birmingham. You can visit the Records Division in person, search the Axon Evidence portal online, or send a written request by mail or email. The fastest method is the online portal, but not every report shows up there. In-person visits are best for older cases or special file types.
Step One: Gather Case Details
Before you file a request, write down the case number, the date of the event, and the full names of the people involved. The case number looks like a year followed by a string of digits, such as 2026-0012345. If you do not know the case number, the date and street name will help staff locate the file.
Step Two: Choose a Request Method
Pick the method that fits your need. The online portal works for most reports from the past few years. The in-person counter helps with older cases and certified copies. A written request is right for sealed files, bulk requests, or FOIA matters that need a paper trail.
Step Three: Pay the Required Fee
Birmingham charges a fee for each report. The fee covers the cost of copying, redacting, and mailing the file. Payment can be cash, money order, or credit card at the counter. Online orders are paid by credit or debit card through the portal.
Step Four: Pick Up or Download the File
Once staff finishes the request, you can pick up the report at the Records Division, receive it by email, or download it from the portal. Most in-person requests are ready the same day. FOIA requests take longer because they go through a legal review.
Birmingham Police Department Records Portal
The Axon Evidence online portal is the main search tool for Birmingham police records. It holds incident reports, crash reports, and arrest logs. You can search by name, case number, or date range. The portal is open 24 hours a day, and you do not need an account to look up a case.
How to Search the Portal
Go to the BPD public records page and click the Axon Evidence link. Type the last name of the person involved and the year of the event. A list of matching cases will appear, and each row shows the case number, date, and a short description. Click the row to see the full report if it is available for download.
What the Portal Does Not Show
The portal does not carry every file. Cold cases, internal affairs files, and sealed juvenile records do not appear in the search results. For those files, you must file a written request or a FOIA. The portal also does not show real-time arrest data from the Jefferson County Jail.
Payment Through the Portal
Each download costs a small fee set by the city. You pay the fee when you click the download button. The system accepts major credit cards and debit cards. A receipt is emailed to you, and the report saves as a PDF on your device.
Birmingham Police Records Request Form and PDF
You can download a PDF request form from the Birmingham Police Department website. The form asks for your name, contact info, the case number, and the type of record you want. Fill out the form, sign it, and either bring it to the Records Division or email it to the records email contact listed on the BPD site.
What the Form Asks For
The form has four short sections. The first section asks for your full name, address, phone, and email. The second section asks for the case number, date of the event, and the address where it happened. The third section lists the type of record, such as incident, crash, or arrest. The last section is a signature line for you to sign and date.
When to Use the PDF Form
Use the PDF form when the online portal does not show the file you need. It also works for bulk requests, such as a lawyer who needs several reports for a case. The PDF form creates a paper trail, which is helpful if the request is denied and you need to appeal.
Submitting the Form
You can bring the form to the Records Division, mail it to the BPD address, or email a scanned copy. The email contact is listed on the BPD public records page. Be sure to attach a copy of your photo ID, as the city may ask for proof of identity before releasing certain records.
Birmingham Alabama Police Records Phone Number and Contact
The Records Division can be reached by phone during business hours. Staff can answer questions about fees, report status, and pickup times. The phone line is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central Time.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Records Division Phone | (205) 254-6510 |
| BPD Main Line | (205) 328-9311 |
| Records Email | records@birminghamal.gov |
| Mailing Address | Birmingham Police Department, Records Division, 1710 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Online Portal | Axon Evidence public search via BPD website |
Birmingham Police Records Request Process
The request process has a clear set of steps. Each step is short, but skipping one can delay the file. The timeline below shows how long each step usually takes.
Standard Timeline
Most incident reports are ready within 3 to 5 business days. Crash reports take 7 to 10 business days because the investigating officer must finish the report and a supervisor must approve it. Arrest records are ready within 1 to 3 days after booking. FOIA requests take 10 to 30 calendar days because of the legal review.
Reasons a Request May Be Delayed
A request can be delayed if the case is still open, the report is missing key details, or the file is stored in an off-site archive. A court order can also delay a report. Staff will call or email you if there is a delay and explain what is needed to finish the request.
Steps to Speed Up a Request
You can speed up a request by giving the case number, the exact date, and the full name of every person involved. Pay the fee on time, and pick a clear contact method so staff can reach you. If you are a lawyer or insurance agent, attach proof of your role so the office can release the file without a second review.
Birmingham AL Police Records Fees
Fees cover the cost of copying, redacting, and mailing police records. The city sets these fees, and they can change from year to year. Always call the Records Division or check the BPD website for the current rate before you pay.
| Record Type | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Incident Report Copy | $5.00 | Each report, standard copy |
| Certified Incident Report | $15.00 | Includes court seal |
| Crash Report Copy | $10.00 | Available 7-10 days after crash |
| Arrest Report Copy | $5.00 | Same-day pickup common |
| 911 Audio Copy | $25.00 | Per call, on CD or USB |
| FOIA Request Fee | Varies | Based on staff time and copies |
Birmingham Police FOIA Request
Alabama’s open records law lets any person ask for a copy of a public record. A FOIA request is the formal way to ask for files that the regular counter cannot release. The Administrative Operations Bureau handles all FOIA requests for BPD.
How to File a FOIA Request
Write a letter or email that includes your name, address, phone, and a clear description of the records you want. Sign the letter and date it. Mail it to the BPD Records Division or email the records email contact. The bureau will respond in writing within 10 to 30 calendar days.
Records Often Asked for by FOIA
People file FOIA requests for use of force reports, internal affairs summaries, crime statistics, and police policies. Lawyers also file FOIA requests for body camera footage in active lawsuits. The bureau reviews each request and may redact personal details before release.
FOIA Fees and Waivers
The bureau may charge a fee based on the time it takes staff to find, copy, and review the file. The fee is set at a rate per hour and covers the cost of materials. You can ask for a fee waiver if the request is for news reporting, academic study, or public interest. The bureau will review your waiver request and respond in writing.
Searching Birmingham Police Records by Name and Case Number
You can search for records by name, case number, or date range. The Axon Evidence portal is the fastest tool for name searches. The Records Division counter is the best place for case number lookups on older files.
Name Search Steps
Type the last name of the person in the portal search bar. Add the first name and a year if you have that data. The portal will list every public case that matches. Each row shows the case number, the date, and a short description of the event.
Case Number Lookup
A case number starts with the year, followed by a hyphen and a string of digits. If you have the case number, type it into the portal search bar. The full report will load if the file is open to the public. If nothing loads, the file may be sealed, and you must file a written request.
Date and Location Search
If you do not have a name or case number, search by date and street name. The portal lets you enter a date range and a city block. This method is useful for crash reports, noise complaints, and other street-level events. Staff at the counter can also run this search for you.
Common Questions About Birmingham Police Records
People often have questions about cost, time, and access. The questions below cover the most common topics and give short answers. If your question is not listed, call the Records Division during business hours.
How long does it take to get a report?
Incident reports are ready in 3 to 5 business days. Crash reports take 7 to 10 business days. Arrest records are ready in 1 to 3 days. FOIA requests take 10 to 30 calendar days. Delays can happen if the case is open or the file is in an off-site archive.
Can I get a report if I am not the person named in it?
Yes, in most cases. Alabama law makes police reports public after the case closes. You do not need to be a party to the case to ask for a copy. Some details, such as Social Security numbers and home addresses, are redacted before release.
What if my report is not in the online portal?
Older reports and sealed files do not show up in the portal. You must file a written request or a FOIA for those files. Bring the case number, date, and names to the Records Division, and staff will search the off-site archive for you.
Can I get a copy of body camera footage?
Body camera footage is not open to the public by default. A lawyer or a person involved in the incident can file a FOIA request. The footage is reviewed and redacted before release. The review can take 30 days or more.
What forms of ID do I need?
You must show a valid photo ID when you pick up a report in person. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport works. If someone else picks up the report for you, they must bring your written permission and their own photo ID.
Are juvenile records open to the public?
No. Juvenile records are sealed by Alabama law. Only the parents, the juvenile’s lawyer, and the court can view the file. Police reports that mention a juvenile suspect may be released with the juvenile’s name redacted.
Can I get a report from another city through BPD?
No. The Birmingham Police Department only holds reports for events inside the city limits. For reports in other cities, such as Hoover or Vestavia Hills, you must contact that city’s police department. For state-level reports, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
FAQs About Birmingham City Police Records
The questions below cover the topics that come up most often in search and in real life. Each answer is a quick read and points you to the right office or form.
Where do I go in person to get a police report in Birmingham?
You can visit the Birmingham Police Department Records Division at 1710 1st Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203. The office is on the first floor of BPD headquarters, across from the City Hall entrance. Bring a photo ID, the case number, and the date of the event. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Parking is available on the street and in the nearby city lots. Most in-person requests are ready the same day.
How do I search for a Birmingham police incident by name?
Use the Axon Evidence online portal on the Birmingham Police Department website. Type the last name of the person and the year of the event into the search bar. The portal will list every public case that matches the name. Click a row to open the case detail page. If the report is available, you can download a copy and pay the fee by credit or debit card. If nothing loads, the file may be sealed, and you must file a written request.
What is the cost of a crash report in Birmingham?
A standard crash report from the Birmingham Police Department costs $10.00. The fee covers a single copy of the report and a small administrative charge. Certified copies cost more because they include a court seal. You can pay the fee at the counter with cash, money order, or credit card. Online orders are paid through the Axon Evidence portal. The report is ready 7 to 10 business days after the crash.
Can I email a request for Birmingham police records?
Yes, the Records Division accepts requests by email. Send your request to records@birminghamal.gov. Include your full name, contact info, the case number, and the type of record you want. Attach a scanned copy of your photo ID and the signed PDF request form. Staff will reply with a fee quote and a pickup time. Most email requests are processed within 3 to 5 business days.
How do I file a FOIA request with the Birmingham Police Department?
Write a letter or email that includes your name, address, phone, and a clear description of the records. Sign and date the letter, then mail it to the Records Division or email it to records@birminghamal.gov. The Administrative Operations Bureau will review your request and respond in 10 to 30 calendar days. You may be charged a fee based on staff time. You can ask for a fee waiver if the request is for news, academic study, or public interest.
Are Birmingham police records free to view?
No, most records have a fee. The fee covers the cost of copying, redacting, and mailing the file. Some files, such as crime statistics and policy documents, are free to view on the BPD website. You can also look at public docket sheets at the courthouse for free, but the full police report costs money.
Can I get a police report if the case is still open?
No, open cases are not open to the public. Alabama law keeps the file sealed until the investigation closes. You can check the status of the case by calling the Records Division. Once the case closes, you can file a request for the report. In some cases, a court order can release part of the file before the case ends.