Terre Haute Police Department Records are official documents created and maintained by the city’s law enforcement agency to track incidents, arrests, traffic collisions, investigations, and evidence. These records serve residents, legal professionals, journalists, researchers, and insurance companies who need accurate, timely public safety data. The Records Division, located at 330 N. 5th Street, processes all requests for accident reports, incident summaries, digital scene photos, body-camera footage, and internal policy documents. Requests must be made by phone—faxed submissions are not accepted—and fees vary by document type. Most records are delivered within three to seven business days, depending on complexity and volume.
How to Request Terre Haute Police Department Records
All requests for Terre Haute Police Department Records begin with a phone call to the Records Division at (812) 238-1661. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and does not accept email or online forms for standard report requests. You will need to provide your name, contact information, case number (if known), date of incident, and names of involved parties. Accident reports cost $12 each, incident reports are billed at $0.10 per page, and digital scene photographs are supplied on a USB drive for an additional $5. Payment is accepted in cash, money orders, or credit/debit cards—personal checks are not allowed. For mailed requests, the division sends a pre-addressed envelope with step-by-step instructions to ensure proper delivery.
Types of Records Available
The Terre Haute Police Department maintains several categories of public records. Accident reports detail vehicle collisions, including location, time, vehicles involved, injuries, and responding officers. Incident reports cover crimes such as theft, vandalism, domestic disputes, and suspicious activity. Digital evidence includes photographs from crime scenes, traffic stops, and accident sites, stored securely and released only with proper authorization. Arrest logs list individuals taken into custody, charges filed, booking times, and current status. Investigation reports summarize detective work on major cases, though sensitive details may be redacted to protect ongoing operations. Body-camera footage and internal policy documents require formal Public Information Requests submitted to the City Legal Department.
Fees and Payment Methods
Fees for Terre Haute Police Department Records are set by city ordinance and vary by document type and format. Accident reports cost a flat rate of $12 per copy. Incident reports are charged at $0.10 per printed page or $0.15 per digital page. Digital scene photos are delivered on a USB flash drive for $5 per request. Jail and court-related documents from the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office cost $0.30 per page for printed copies. Payments must be made at the time of pickup or included with mailed requests. Accepted forms include cash, money orders, and major credit/debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted under any circumstances. Fee waivers are not available for standard public records, but reduced rates may apply for bulk or nonprofit requests with prior approval.
Processing Times and Delivery Options
Most Terre Haute Police Department Records are ready within five business days for in-person pickup. Complex requests involving multiple incidents, body-camera footage, or internal investigations may take up to ten business days. Mail-order requests require extra time for shipping both ways. The Records Division provides a pre-addressed, stamped return envelope for mailed submissions to streamline the process. For urgent needs, call ahead to confirm availability and expedite handling when possible. Digital files can be emailed if requested in advance and paid for online via the city’s secure portal. Printed copies must be picked up in person or sent via certified mail with tracking.
Online Access and Public Portals
While the Terre Haute Police Department does not offer full online access to all records, several public portals provide partial data. The County Office website hosts arrest logs, criminal histories, and investigation summaries updated nightly. The Indiana State Police maintain a statewide criminal history system that includes felony arrests in Vigo County. The City Jail offers an online inmate lookup tool showing custody status, bond amounts, and court dates. However, detailed reports, photos, and internal documents still require direct contact with the Records Division. The Office of Public Information manages formal requests for body-camera footage and policy documents through email submission to the Legal Department.
Visiting the Records Division
The Records Division is located inside the municipal building at 330 N. 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding federal holidays. Walk-in visitors should bring a valid photo ID and case details if available. Staff assist with form completion, fee calculation, and record interpretation. Large or complex requests may require scheduling an appointment. Parking is available in the adjacent city lot, and the building is accessible for individuals with disabilities. For directions, use the official city map linked below.
Terre Haute Police Department Structure and Staff
The Terre Haute Police Department employs 133 sworn officers and approximately 35 civilian personnel as of 2023. It holds accreditation from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), ensuring compliance with state standards for training, equipment, and procedures. Officers are divided into three main divisions: Operations, Investigations, and Special Services. The Operations Division includes Uniform Patrol, a two-team K-9 unit, and a Traffic Division responsible for roadway safety and collision reconstruction. The Investigations Division handles major crimes, narcotics enforcement, and forensic analysis. Special Services manages community outreach, training programs, crisis negotiation, and youth safety initiatives. The department’s headquarters at 1211 Wabash Avenue houses a 24-hour dispatch center and a digital evidence system that archives over 250,000 files annually.
Traffic Division and School Safety Programs
The Traffic Division oversees school crossing guards, traffic grants, and DUI enforcement initiatives. It coordinates over 25 volunteer crossing guards across local elementary schools to ensure student safety during peak hours. In 2022, the division received $150,000 from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to fund “Operation Pullover,” a program targeting repeat drunk drivers on major roads. Sgt. Jim Schneider serves as the primary contact for traffic-related inquiries and can be reached at (812) 244-2216 or via email. The division maintains databases for citations, crash reports, and vehicle inspections, accessible to authorized agencies and the public upon request.
Jail Records and Inmate Information
Jail records for Terre Haute are managed by the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, not the city police. The Terre Haute City Jail does not allow visits; detainees are transferred to the Vigo County Juvenile Center at 1919 Hunt Road for scheduled visits. Family members must call (812) 462-3414 at least 48 hours in advance to arrange visitation. Daily inmate rosters, booking photos, charge sheets, and bail information are posted online and updated every 24 hours. Copies of jail documents cost $0.30 per page. Court records, including sentencing and parole decisions, are archived at the Vigo County Courthouse and available during regular business hours.
Public Information Requests and Body-Camera Footage
Requests for body-camera footage, internal investigations, or departmental policies must go through the Office of Public Information. Submit formal Public Information Requests (PIR) by emailing the City Legal Department. The office acknowledges receipt within three business days and provides a full response within ten business days, unless exempt under Indiana’s Open Records Act. Fees for these documents are $0.20 per page. Requestors may schedule in-person reviews at the Legal Department. A public log tracks all PIR submissions and outcomes for transparency.
Community Policing and Outreach Efforts
The Terre Haute Police Department runs monthly town-hall meetings to discuss local safety concerns and build trust with residents. A citizen-police liaison program connects community leaders with department officials to address neighborhood issues. Recent initiatives include a body-camera rollout, a mobile “citizen-report” app for non-emergency tips, and partnerships with schools for youth safety workshops. These efforts aim to reduce crime, improve response times, and foster positive relationships between officers and the public.
Statistical Overview and Jurisdiction
Terre Haute covers 43 square miles with a population of about 67,067 residents, resulting in one officer per 504 people. The department’s 2023 budget was $12.4 million, funding patrol operations, technology upgrades, and community programs. There are five police agencies serving the area, including city, county, and state units. According to the Indiana Department of Law Enforcement, Terre Haute ranks 358th out of 865 cities for police departments per capita. All agencies cooperate through a joint dispatch center and shared evidence storage at 1101 South Culver Avenue.
Background Checks and Criminal Histories
Free background checks for Terre Haute are available through the Indiana Statewide Criminal History System. This database includes felony convictions, misdemeanor offenses, and pending warrants. The Terre Haute Police Department’s public liaison can verify identities, provide arrest reports, and confirm case dispositions for $0.25 per page. Submit requests to 1211 Wabash Avenue or call (812) 238-1661. Responses are guaranteed within ten business days. Sex offender listings are also publicly accessible through state portals.
Related Agencies and Cross-Jurisdictional Cooperation
Terre Haute works closely with the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, and federal agencies for major investigations. Shared systems include real-time crime analytics, digital evidence archives, and joint training exercises. Inter-agency cooperation ensures faster response times and better resource allocation. Public records may be split across multiple offices, so requesters should verify which agency holds the needed documents before submitting applications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Terre Haute Police Department Records
Residents often have questions about accessing, interpreting, and using police records. Below are answers to the most common inquiries based on current policies and procedures.
How long does it take to get a police report from Terre Haute?
Most standard reports, like accident or incident summaries, are ready within five business days. Complex requests involving body-camera footage or internal investigations may take up to ten business days. Mail orders require additional shipping time. Call the Records Division at (812) 238-1661 to check status or request expedited service.
Can I get Terre Haute police records online?
Partial records, such as arrest logs and inmate status, are available online through the County Office and Sheriff’s websites. However, detailed reports, photos, and internal documents must be requested by phone or in person. The city is working to expand digital access but currently limits online downloads to protect privacy and security.
Are body-camera videos public record in Terre Haute?
Yes, but they require a formal Public Information Request submitted to the City Legal Department. Not all footage is released—some may be withheld due to ongoing investigations, victim privacy, or legal exemptions. Processing takes up to ten business days, and fees apply.
What forms of payment does the Records Division accept?
The division accepts cash, money orders, and credit/debit cards. Personal checks are not accepted under any circumstances. Payment must be made at pickup or included with mailed requests.
Can I visit someone in the Terre Haute City Jail?
No. The city jail does not allow visits. Detainees are transferred to the Vigo County Juvenile Center at 1919 Hunt Road. Call (812) 462-3414 at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a visit.
How much do Terre Haute police records cost?
Accident reports cost $12 each. Incident reports are $0.10 per printed page or $0.15 per digital page. Scene photos on USB cost $5. Jail documents from the Sheriff’s Office cost $0.30 per page. Fees are non-negotiable and must be paid upfront.
Who do I contact for help understanding a police report?
Staff at the Records Division can explain terminology and guide you through the document. For legal interpretation, consult an attorney. The public liaison at (812) 238-1661 also assists with clarifications.
Official Contact Information
Terre Haute Police Department Records Division
330 N. 5th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47807
Phone: (812) 238-1661
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Website: https://terrehaute.in.gov/departments/pd/department-divisions/support-services/records-division