Discovering errors on your Colorado police report can be frustrating and concerning, especially when those mistakes could impact insurance claims, legal proceedings, your driving record, and more. Whether it’s incorrect personal information, inaccurate accident details, or missing witness statements, police report errors are more common than you might think.
But there’s good news. Colorado law provides mechanisms for correcting these errors on a police report, though the process requires patience and proper documentation. Understanding how to navigate the correction process can help ensure your police report accurately reflects what happened and protects your interests moving forward.
Getting your police report corrected isn’t just about accuracy: it’s about protecting your legal and financial future. Below you’ll find information about identifying, documenting, and correcting errors on your Colorado police report so you can protect your rights.
Common Types of Errors Found in Colorado Police Reports
Suffering an accident is stressful enough, and that creates room for error. Police reports are often drafted under chaotic circumstances, and officers must piece together information from multiple sources while managing an active scene. This environment naturally leads to various types of mistakes that can significantly impact the report’s accuracy and usefulness, such as those outlined below:
Factual and Circumstantial Errors
Some of the most problematic errors involve the basic facts of what occurred. Some examples include:
- Incorrect date, time, or location of the incident
- Wrong weather or road conditions
- Inaccurate description of how the accident happened
Personal Information Mistakes
Administrative errors can cause significant personal complications. Below are some administrative mistakes you might see:
- Misspelled names of drivers, passengers, or witnesses
- Incorrect addresses or contact information
- Wrong driver’s license numbers or insurance information
- Inaccurate vehicle descriptions, license plates, or VIN numbers
- Missing information about other involved parties
Witness and Statement Errors
Mistakes go beyond the personal information for you or the others involved in an accident. Problems with witness information can undermine the report’s credibility, like the following:
- Missing witness statements or contact information
- Incorrectly attributed quotes or statements
- Failure to include all witnesses present at the scene
- Inaccurate recording of witness observations
Officer Opinion and Conclusion Errors
While officers must make determinations based on available evidence, sometimes these conclusions contain errors. For example, these can include incorrect fault determination or contributing factors, wrong citation issuance or traffic violations information, or inaccurate assessment of vehicle damage.
Mistakes are a part of life, but they can have detrimental effects on your situation after an accident. Understanding these common errors can help you systematically review your police report and identify areas that need correction.
Read More: Want to Learn More About All the Information Included in a Police Report?
Step-by-Step Process for Requesting Corrections
If you notice an error on your police report, don’t panic: there are ways to fix these mistakes so they don’t impact your case later on. However, correcting errors on your Colorado police report requires following specific procedures that vary depending on the law enforcement agency that created the report. The process generally involves formal requests and supporting documentation. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to fix errors:
1. Contact the Reporting Agency
Your first step should always be contacting the law enforcement agency that filed the original report. Call the records department of the appropriate police department or sheriff’s office. Ask to speak with the reporting officer and explain the specific errors you’ve identified and why they need correction. Be sure to request information about their specific correction procedures so you can stay informed.
2. Gather Supporting Documentation
Before submitting any formal correction request, compile evidence that supports your claims. Below, we provide examples of supporting documentation that can serve as evidence for your correction efforts.
3. Submit a Formal Written Request
Most agencies require written correction requests that include information, including (but not limited to) your full name and contact information, the report number and date of the incident, specific errors you’re requesting to be corrected, a detailed explanation of what the correct information should be, copies of supporting documentation, and more.
4. Follow Agency-Specific Procedures
While most agencies operate similarly, different Colorado law enforcement agencies may have varying requirements. For instance:
- Some agencies have specific forms for correction requests
- Certain types of errors may require different procedures
- Deadlines for requesting corrections may vary
- Some agencies charge fees for processing correction requests
5. Be Prepared for the Review Process
Once submitted, agencies will review your request and supporting evidence. Be aware that the process can take several weeks to complete. The agency may contact you for additional information, and not all requested changes may be approved. You’ll typically receive written notification of the decision at the end of the process.
In Colorado, the city of Denver’s government website has helpful contact information regarding submitting, finding, and learning more about police reports.
Evidence You May Need to Support Your Correction Request
As frustrating as it is to have to fix a mistake on a police report, it’s important to ensure you have all the information you need to make a strong case for correction. Successfully correcting police report errors requires compelling evidence that clearly demonstrates the inaccuracy and establishes what the right information is. In fact, the strength of your evidence often determines whether your correction request will be approved.
Below are just a few examples of supporting evidence that you can use when working to correct a detail on a police report:
- Photographic evidence
- Official documents and records
- Witness documentation
- Technical and expert evidence
- Digital and electronic evidence
Don’t Overlook the Value of an Accurate Police Report
Remember that correcting your police report is often just one step in protecting your interests after an accident. The evidence you gather and the documentation you create during the correction process often proves valuable in multiple contexts beyond the report itself, such as insurance reports, legal proceedings, personal injury claims, and more.
While fixing errors on necessary documentation, like a police report, can be a hassle, it’s well worth the reward of seeking the justice you deserve.