police report from 1969 in Indianapolis, Indiana
I'm sorry to hear about your experience, and I hope this guide helps in navigating the process. Accessing a record can be challenging because the record may be archived, microfilmed, or even destroyed if it exceeds retention periods (typically 10–75 years for incident reports, depending on the case type). At that time, the agency was the Indianapolis Police Department (IPD), which merged into the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) in 2007. Sexual assault reports involving minors (you mentioned being 15) are often treated as sensitive or juvenile records, which may require proof of identity, a court order, or victim status verification for release, and some details could be redacted for privacy.
Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), you have the right to request public records, but agencies can deny access if the record is confidential or no longer exists. Here's a step-by-step guide based on current procedures (as of early 2026):
1. Start with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Records Division
- This is the primary custodian for old IPD reports. Even for historical records, IMPD handles requests and can direct you if the report has been transferred to archives.
- How to Request:
- Submit in person or by mail: Provide as many details as possible (e.g., exact date, location, your name as the victim/reporting party, any known case/report number, names of involved parties, or officers).
- Address: IMPD Citizens' Service Office, 50 N. Alabama St., Suite E100, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
- In person: Visit Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–3:45 p.m. (closed noon–12:45 p.m. and holidays). Bring photo ID.
- By mail: Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a written request.
- Phone for inquiries: (317) 327-3811 (non-emergency line) or (317) 327-6160 (records-specific).
- Fees: $5 per report for paper copies. No fee if you're the victim and provide a valid ID.
- Processing Time: Varies; expect 7–30 days, longer for archived searches. If the report is on microfilm or off-site, it could take weeks.
- Special Notes: Mention it's a sexual assault report from 1969—they may require additional verification (e.g., birth certificate or affidavit) due to sensitivity. If no arrest/conviction occurred, the report might be limited to incident details.
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