FAQs

No, the Lathrop Police Department does not offer VIN verification.  Please contact your local DMV or CHP for VIN verification.

If your request meets the criteria for release of disclosable public records because it needs to follow the guidelines set forth by the "California Public Records Act" and strictly to Government, Evidence, Labor and Civil codes when releasing reports. A records team member will process the written request with ten working days or the requesting party will be notified by email if the request cannot be fulfilled.

• Reports will only be released to parties involved in the incident.
• Request for reports can be accepted by mail, email or in person.
• You must bring a valid form of I.D. to receive a copy of any reports, or attach a copy of your I.D. through the correspondence you choose to take. 
• When requested in person, every effort will be made to release the information during the initial visit. If this is not possible, reports will be emailed/mail to the address listed on the application. 
• Certain reports may not be available for release because the investigation is still ongoing, or because release of the report is restricted by law in order to protect the integrity of the investigation, especially if it could lead to apprehension of a responsible individual(s) in the future.
• The report may have redacted (blacked/blanked out) areas or missing pages.  Redaction are required by laws and policies that govern the release of police information. 

You may request a copy of a report if you are:

• A victim of a crime
• An authorized representative of the victim of a crime (with a signed waiver, authorization to release)
• The insurance carrier against whom a claim has been made or may be made
• A person who suffered bodily injury or property damage because of an incident, including, but not limited to, a traffic collision

If you were arrested:

If you have been arrested and have not appeared in court, the Records Unit will not release the report. The case must be adjudicated before the report may be released.  The court or prosecution will discuss options for obtaining the report at your arraignment. 

Collision reports:

Collision reports are releasable to drivers, authorized representative of the driver, owners of vehicles or of property damage and persons who may incur civil liability. (CVC 20012). 

To obtain a copy of the report you will need to fill out a Report Request Form. You may return the form by email/mail or drip it off at the Lathrop Police Department front desk.

For more information about status of your request, please contact the Records unit at (209) 647-6400.

Call the Superior Court of California County of San Joaquin at (209) 239-1316 (Manteca Branch) for the fine amounts.  You may either mail the payment to the courthouse, take it to the courthouse or pay for the violation online on the courts website under "Online Services". You will find more information on the backside of your violation ticket. 

To locate your vehicle you will need the following information:

• Vehicle license plate or VIN (Vehicle Identification Number-this can be found on registration or your insurance card) number
• Registered owner's name and address
• Year, make and model of vehicle
• Last known location of vehicle

Then you can call the Lathrop Police Department at (209) 647-6400.