How to Get NYPD Paperwork After a Detention in the Bronx

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Getting NYPD Records in New York

After a police stop in the Bronx, you might feel confused about what actually happened. Maybe officers questioned you on the street. Maybe they took you to the precinct, held you for hours, then let you go with a slip of paper or nothing at all. Whether you were arrested or just detained, that interaction likely created paperwork. In New York, getting access to that paperwork can help you make sense of the event, protect your rights, or prepare for any legal steps ahead.

At Horn Wright, LLP, our Bronx false imprisonment attorneys help New Yorkers request and secure official records after run-ins with the NYPD. If you were stopped, detained, or arrested in the Bronx, our attorneys can walk you through the exact process to get your documents. We focus on your experience and make sure your story is backed by facts from the official record.

Understand What “Detention” Means in New York

In New York State, police don’t need to arrest you to create a record. A detention can happen when an officer stops you briefly to ask questions, search your bag, or check for ID. If they prevent you from walking away, even for a few minutes, that’s considered a stop or detention. These moments often generate a form or entry in the NYPD system.

In the Bronx, many stops happen during patrols around places like Fordham Road, Grand Concourse, or along the 2 and 5 subway lines. These stops might not lead to charges, but they can still affect your record.

If you were held at a precinct like the 47th or 40th without charges, that’s still a detention. The same goes if officers gave you a desk appearance ticket (DAT) and told you to appear later at Bronx Criminal Court. In all of these situations, official documentation likely exists.

Know What Type of NYPD Paperwork to Expect

Every interaction with the NYPD can generate a different kind of document, depending on what took place. Knowing what to ask for helps avoid confusion.

Here are the most common types:

• Stop Report (UF-250): If you were stopped and questioned but not arrested, the officer may have filled out this form.
• Arrest Report: This includes details like charges, time, location, and the officer’s name.
• Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT): Given when you’re released from custody with a court date.
• Property Voucher: Lists items police took from you, such as your phone or wallet.
• Criminal Court Complaint: Filed by prosecutors after arrest, outlines charges and alleged actions.

Not all paperwork is handed to you right away. Some documents are only created after the fact, filed electronically, or sent directly to the court.

Request the Stop Report or UF-250 Form

If you were stopped but not arrested in the Bronx, a UF-250 form might exist. This form documents why officers stopped you, what questions they asked, and whether they searched you. You have the right to request a copy.

To get it, you’ll need to file a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request. Use the NYPD’s Records Access portal, or send a written request to NYPD Records Access Officer.

Include details like:

• Date, time, and location of the stop
• Description of what happened
• Your name and any ID numbers

Be specific. Mention you’re requesting the UF-250 or stop report. It can take several weeks to hear back.

Request Arrest Records Through the NYPD

If NYPD officers took you into custody, even briefly, they likely created an arrest report. You can request this paperwork directly from the NYPD.

Start by visiting the Arrest Inquiry section on the NYPD’s official site. You’ll need identifying information such as:

• Your name and date of birth
• Date and location of arrest
• Arrest number, if available

You can also go in person to the NYPD Records Room at 1 Police Plaza or to the precinct where you were held. In the Bronx, this could be the 44th, 46th, or another local precinct.

Bring valid photo ID and any paperwork you were given. Be prepared to explain why you’re requesting the records. Even a simple explanation like needing them for your legal file will help.

Obtain Your Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) Copy

A Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) tells you when and where to appear in court. If you lost it or never received a copy, you can still get that information.

DATs are issued at the precinct after processing. If yours is missing, contact the Bronx Criminal Court directly. Ask the clerk’s office to search for your case by name and date of birth. You can also check the WebCrims system online. Missing your date can lead to a bench warrant.

You can also:

• Visit the court in person with ID
• Request a written copy of the ticket
• Ask about the next court appearance

Start with the court clerk or the WebCrims database. Both options make it easier to confirm your appearance date and replace a lost DAT, so you stay on track and avoid unnecessary complications.

Get Property Voucher Information

When officers take your personal belongings, they should issue a Property Clerk Invoice or voucher. These list everything NYPD took during your detention or arrest.

If you didn’t receive a voucher or lost it, you can request a copy from the precinct where your property was taken. Property is typically held at a designated Property Clerk’s Office, and in the Bronx, this is often managed out of the 120-55 Queens Blvd storage facility, though precincts maintain logs as well.

You’ll need:

• Your name
• The date of the detention or arrest
• Details about the items

Depending on your case, some property may not be returned right away. Weapons, for instance, require special court orders for release.

Access Bronx Criminal Court Records

If you were arrested and charged, Bronx Criminal Court holds several documents related to your case. You can request these records for your own use.

Two main ways to access records:

• Visit the courthouse at 215 E 161st St, and speak to the records office
• Search online via the WebCrims platform

Documents available include:

• Criminal Court Complaints
• Court calendars with hearing dates
• Disposition records if your case is closed

Always bring ID when visiting in person. If your case is sealed under New York law, access may be limited.

Use the NYPD FOIL Portal for Broader Requests

Not every type of paperwork falls neatly into a category. Sometimes you may need body camera footage, radio transmissions, or disciplinary records related to your stop. These broader materials also fall under FOIL.

Go to the NYPD FOIL Portal and create an account. Include as much detail as possible:

• Officer names or badge numbers
• Specific date, time, and location
• What kind of documents or data you’re seeking

Use clear language. Instead of asking for “all records,” specify “stop report and body cam footage from March 10, 2023, near 138th Street and Brook Avenue.”

Track the request through the same portal. You’ll get a request number and updates via email.

Track the Status of Your Request

Once you file a FOIL or document request, the waiting begins. In New York City, you can monitor progress through the OpenRecords Portal. Log in to check updates, estimated response times, or any messages from the agency.

If a request is delayed, you can submit a follow-up message in the portal. Keep copies of all communications. If you’re denied access, the portal also explains how to appeal that decision.

Response times vary. Some simple requests return in a few weeks. Others, especially those involving sensitive footage or high volumes, can take months.

When to Seek Legal Help 

You may run into dead ends. Maybe your request was denied. Maybe the paperwork came back incomplete. Or maybe the documents show something that raises questions about how you were treated. If that happens, speaking to an attorney can help.

Legal support makes the most sense when:

• You believe your rights were violated during a stop
• You were wrongfully arrested or charged
• NYPD won’t release important paperwork
• Evidence contradicts officer statements, such as in cases involving false imprisonment

In the Bronx, where stops are concentrated in certain areas, community members often face repeated detentions. Legal help can give you tools to respond.

Take the Next Step Toward Securing Your Records

If you need help getting your NYPD paperwork after a detention in the Bronx, Horn Wright, LLP, is here for you. Our team understands how the system works and how to get results quickly. We listen to your story, gather every document tied to your case, and help you take back control. 

Whether you were stopped on the Grand Concourse or held at a local precinct, we can help you get answers. Reach out today to speak with a Bronx attorney who puts your experience first.