The Fairfield Police Department maintains official crime and traffic accident records in accordance with Ohio public records laws and requirements. Here you'll find guidance on obtaining reports, tips for submitting a request, applicable fees, and general information on Ohio's records laws. We are committed to providing access to public records in a timely and lawful manner while protecting privacy and sensitive information.
How to Obtain Records/Reports
- Visit the Fairfield PD during regular business hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm (except holidays) - Submit a written request, including a self-addressed stamped envelope, to:
Fairfield Police Department
c/o Records Section
5230 Pleasant Avenue
Fairfield, OH 45014 - Contact us at 513-867-6011 and request a report via fax
- Submit your request online
- Visit the Crash Reports page
- Be Specific & Descriptive
Provide as much detailed information about the records you're looking for as possible. Include dates, times, case numbers, locations, individual(s) involved, and/or specific types of records. - Keep Your Request Focused
An overly broad request can slow processing time and may be deemed ambiguous. Narrowing your request as much as possible helps staff locate records more quickly. - Make Your Request in Writing
Although not required by Ohio law, submitting your request in writing (via email or regular mail) may reduce misunderstanding and will create a clear record of your request. - Limit Your Request to Records Not Reasons
A public records request must ask for existing records, not an explanation of actions taken or decisions made. - Understand Response Times
Under Ohio law, records must be made available within a reasonable time. Requests that are focused and narrow in scope are completed more quickly than broad, expansive requests. - Be Prepared to Collaborate
If your request is unclear or too broad, staff may need to contact you to refine it. A cooperative approach can avoid delays and help us get you the records you need.
Requests for body-worn, fleet, and other law enforcement video recordings often required extended processing time. These types of records must be carefully reviewed to identify and redact information protected by law, including personally identifiable information (PII), medical information, juvenile information, and other exempt content.
Video records are reviewed and redacted in accordance with Ohio law and Department policy. A summary of commonly redacted content is available here Headline.
Under Ohio law, fees may apply to body-worn and fleet camera requests to cover the actual cost of reviewing, redacting, and producing these records. When applicable, requesters will be notified of any estimated costs and must provide payment before any processing begins.
Ohio's Public Records and Open Meetings laws, collectively known as the "Sunshine Laws", are designed to ensure transparency and accountability in government by providing the public with access to records maintained by public offices.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, most records created or received by public offices are considered public records and are available for inspection or copying, unless an exemption applies.
Some records, or portions of records, may be exempt from release due to privacy concerns, ongoing investigations, or other legal protections. When applicable, exempt information will be redacted in accordance with state law.
The Fairfield Police Department is committed to complying with Ohio's Sunshine Laws while balancing the need to protect sensitive information and the integrity of criminal investigations.
For more information about Ohio's Sunshine Laws, visit the Ohio Attorney General's page here Headline.