Hoover Police Records Search
Police records in Hoover are managed by the Hoover Police Department, which serves a city that spans two counties. The department maintains incident reports, arrest records, and traffic crash reports for all events within city limits. Hoover sits in both Jefferson County and Shelby County, so where your case gets filed depends on which part of the city the incident occurred. The Records Office handles all requests for copies of police reports. They can tell you if your report is ready and what it costs. This page covers how to request records, what fees to expect, and where to go for help.
Hoover at a Glance
Which County Handles Hoover Cases
Hoover is unique in Alabama. The city stretches across two counties. This affects where criminal cases get filed and where jail bookings happen.
If an incident occurs in the Jefferson County portion of Hoover, the case goes to Jefferson County. That means the Jefferson County Circuit Court handles any felony charges. People arrested in this area go to the Jefferson County Jail in Birmingham.
If the incident occurs in the Shelby County portion, things work differently. The case goes to Shelby County Circuit Court in Columbiana. Arrests lead to booking at the Shelby County Jail. The county line runs through the city, and officers know which side they are on.
For most record requests, it does not matter which county. You contact the Hoover Police Department either way. They have the reports. But if you need court records or want to check on someone in jail, you need to know which county has the case.
The Hoover Police Department works with both counties daily. They have good relationships with both sheriff offices. If you are unsure which county applies to your situation, just ask when you call the Records Office.
Hoover Police Department Contact Information
The Hoover Police Department operates out of the Public Safety Center. This is where you go to request records in person.
Main Address:
Hoover Public Safety Center
2020 Valleydale Road, Suite 102
Hoover, AL 35244
Records Office Phone: (205) 444-7739
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Records Office is on the first floor of the Public Safety Center. Walk in and let the staff know what you need. They can look up your case right there.
City Clerk Contact:
Wendy Dickerson, City Clerk
100 Municipal Lane
Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: (205) 444-7500
For general public records that are not police reports, you may need to go through the City Clerk instead. Police records go through the Police Department directly.
How to Request Police Records in Hoover
There are three ways to get police records from the Hoover Police Department. Pick the one that works best for you.
Request Records In Person
Go to the Public Safety Center at 2020 Valleydale Road. The Records Office is on the first floor. Bring a valid ID. Tell them what report you need. They can often print it while you wait.
Before you drive over, call ahead. The number is (205) 444-7739. Ask if your report is complete. Some reports take a few days after an incident before they are ready. Calling first saves you a wasted trip.
Request Records By Phone
Call the Records Office at (205) 444-7739. They can tell you if a report exists and what it will cost. For some records, they can mail you a copy after you send payment.
Request Records By Mail
Write a letter stating what record you want. Include your name, contact information, and details about the incident. You need to include the date, location, and names of people involved. Also include your payment.
Send a certified check or money order. The department does not accept personal checks. Make it payable to City of Hoover. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want the report mailed back.
Mail to:
Hoover Police Department
Records Office
2020 Valleydale Road, Suite 102
Hoover, AL 35244
Note that Hoover does not currently offer online requests for police records through their own website. You have to go in person, call, or mail your request.
Hoover Police Records Fees
Hoover keeps their fees simple. Reports cost $5 each. This applies to incident reports, offense reports, and crash reports.
Fee Schedule:
- Police reports: $5.00 per copy
- Crash reports: $5.00 per copy
- Credit card processing fee: 2.75%
You can pay with cash, credit card, or debit card in person. By mail, send a certified check or money order. The department does not accept personal checks at all.
The 2.75% card processing fee gets added if you pay with a credit card. On a $5 report, that comes to about 14 cents extra. Not a big deal, but worth knowing.
There is another option. You can get crash reports through the ALEA online portal. This costs $17, which is more than the $5 local fee. But some people prefer the convenience of downloading it online. Go to the ALEA portal if you want that route.
Note: Fees can change. Call to confirm the current cost before mailing a payment.
Your Right to Police Records in Alabama
Alabama law gives residents the right to access public records. This includes most police records.
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 states that every citizen has the right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing. Police reports are public writings in most cases. Arrest records, incident reports, and crash reports usually fall under this rule.
There are limits though. Active investigations may be withheld. Juvenile records are not public. Home addresses and Social Security numbers get redacted. These exemptions protect privacy and safety.
Alabama also has a residency requirement. Only Alabama residents can request public records. You need to show proof of residency like a driver's license. This rule went into effect in 2024 and applies statewide.
If a request gets denied, you can appeal. There is no administrative process. You file suit in circuit court. Most routine requests get approved without any issue.
The law does not set a deadline for how fast agencies must respond. Hoover typically processes requests within a few days. Complex requests take longer.
What Records Can You Get From Hoover Police
The Hoover Police Department maintains several types of records. Here is what you can request.
Incident Reports: These document crimes and other events that police respond to. They include the date, time, location, and description of what happened. Names of victims and witnesses may be included. Some details get redacted for privacy.
Offense Reports: When a crime occurs, officers write up an offense report. This goes into more detail than a basic incident report. It includes evidence gathered and actions taken.
Arrest Records: If someone gets arrested in Hoover, there is an arrest record. This shows charges, booking information, and bond amounts. The actual jail record comes from either Jefferson County or Shelby County, depending on where the arrest happened.
Crash Reports: Traffic accidents get documented in crash reports. These include diagrams, driver information, insurance details, and the officer's findings. Insurance companies often need these.
Background Checks: The department can do local background checks. For statewide checks, you need to go through ALEA instead.
Some records are not available. Ongoing investigations stay sealed until closed. Juvenile records require a court order. Internal affairs files about officer conduct have restrictions too.
How Long Does It Take to Get Records
Processing time varies by request type. Simple requests are fast. Complex ones take longer.
If you go in person and the report is ready, you can often get it the same day. The staff prints it and you pay at the counter. Takes maybe 15 minutes.
New reports need time for completion. After an incident, the officer has to write up the report. A supervisor reviews it. Data entry happens. This usually takes 3 to 5 business days. Serious incidents take longer because the reports are more detailed.
Crash reports follow a similar timeline. Minor fender benders get processed quickly. Major accidents with injuries take more time. The officer has to document everything thoroughly.
Mail requests add time for delivery. Figure a week to 10 days total. Your letter goes in, they process it, and the report comes back. Using certified mail adds a day or two each way.
Call ahead to check. The Records Office number is (205) 444-7739. They can tell you if your specific report is ready.
County Court and Jail Resources
Because Hoover spans two counties, you may need resources from either one.
Jefferson County Resources
For cases in the Jefferson County portion of Hoover:
- Circuit Court: Jefferson County Courthouse, 716 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham
- Jail: Jefferson County Jail, 809 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd, Birmingham
- Sheriff: (205) 325-1450
Shelby County Resources
For cases in the Shelby County portion of Hoover:
- Circuit Court: Shelby County Courthouse, 112 N Main Street, Columbiana
- Jail: Shelby County Jail, 380 McDow Road, Columbiana
- Sheriff: (205) 669-4181
Both counties have online inmate search tools. If someone was arrested in Hoover and you want to find out their status, check both county sheriff websites. The booking will be in one or the other based on location.
Legal Help in Hoover
If you need legal assistance related to police records, several options exist.
Birmingham Bar Lawyer Referral Service:
Phone: (205) 251-8006
Serves the greater Birmingham area including Hoover
Legal Services Alabama:
Provides free civil legal help to low-income residents
Phone: 1-866-456-4995
Alabama State Bar:
Lawyer referral service available
Website: alabar.org
Attorneys can help if you have trouble getting records released. They can also advise on expungement if you want records cleared. Most initial consultations are free or low cost.
Police Records in Nearby Cities
Hoover sits in the Birmingham metro area. Several other cities with police departments are close by.
Each city runs its own police department. Records requests go to that city directly. The process is similar to Hoover but fees and forms vary.
Search Police Records Now
Use the tool below to search for police records in Hoover and across Alabama.