Records

The Records Unit maintains all police reports completed by our officers.  The Records and Evidence Units together are staffed by a records manager, an evidence technician, an evidence clerk, and two clerical assistants.  In 2010, the Records unit processed more than 660 case files, 2000 warrants, and 10,000 traffic and criminal citations.  In addition, the Records staff completes fingerprint cards for background investigations, completes payroll, and answers thousands of phone calls and lobby contacts.

Police records are accessible to the public and other law enforcement agencies for the retrieval of information.  Access to certain information will require an Open Records Request to be mailed to the address below where it can be filed and approved.  To download a copy of the form, click Open Records Request Form.  The Records Unit is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  For more information, contact Records Division Manager, Tracy Lynch. 

FEES:  There is a $5.00 charge for copies of collision reports.  The charge is $1.00 for offense reports.  Copies of reports and other related documents can be obtained by mail by requesting them in writing and sending in the necessary payment along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For large files there is an additional charge of 10 cents a page.

• Copies of videotapes are $25.00 each
• Copies of audiotapes are $5.00 each
• Copies of DVD's are $25.00 each
• Copies of 35 mm photos are $1.00 each
• Copies of Digital ID Photos are $5.00 (Pack of 4)
• Lamination of ID cards is $3.00 each
• Electrical License ID is $5.00 each
• Fingerprinting cards are $3.00 each (Note:  Beginning January 1, 2008, the Police Department will be fingerprinting only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.)

Evidence

The Evidence Unit is responsible for the security and accountability of all evidence and property seized by the Paducah Police Department's sworn officers.  In 2011, the Evidence unit took in 2840 items of evidence.  Also, in November 2011 an audit was conducted in the main evidence room.  All of the 11,765 items were physically located and verified. 

The Evidence unit releases forfeited firearms to the Kentucky State Police.  By State statute, the KSP takes the guns and resells them to licensed gun dealers.  The funds that are generated go toward the purchase of bullet proof vests.  Like many evidence rooms, the Paducah Police Department does not keep seized money on the premises.  It is deposited into a bank until it is court-ordered to be returned or forfeited for use by the Police Department.

The duties for the Evidence unit include

• Storage of evidence and recovered property
• Returning recovered property to owners or other investigating agencies
• Maintaining records on all evidence and recovered property
• Submitting evidence for analysis
• Transporting evidence to various labs and court proceedings
• Disposing of evidence following final disposition by the courts.