Records Division

The Bay Village Police Department maintains records according to Ohio Revised Code Chapter 149. A public record is a record held by a public office (police department) which is stored on a fixed medium and is created, received, or sent under the jurisdiction of a public office which documents the following:

• Decisions
• Functions
• Operations
• Organization
• Policies
• Procedures
• Other activities of the office

Download the Public Records Request Form (PDF).

Public Records

Many records of the police department and its activities are public record. These include OH-1 traffic crash reports, initial police reports, closed case reports and 911 audio. Some information is excluded from public records including medical records, trial preparation material, confidential law enforcement investigatory records and other records not public by law.

Records Retention Schedule

Records are maintained according to a Records Retention Schedule filed with the State of Ohio. This schedule dictates which records may be destroyed and when these eligible records can be destroyed.

Public Records Maintenance

The Bay Village Police Department acknowledges that public record disclosure laws are liberally construed to release records and we comply with all local, state and federal laws regarding the dissemination of records information. The Police Department will provide prompt inspection of public records upon request and copies of public records within a reasonable amount of time. All records are stored safely until destruction under the Department’s Schedule of Record Retention and Disposition.

Public Records Policy

The Bay Village Police Department will:

• Acknowledge that public record disclosure laws are liberally construed to release records and narrowly construe all exceptions in favor of disclosure.
• Comply with local, state, and federal laws regarding the dissemination of public records information.
• Provide prompt inspection of public records upon request.
• Provide copies of public records upon request within a reasonable amount of time.
• Provide safe storage of all records.
• Allow for requests by mail, in person or via email.
• Redact information exempt from public release and provide an explanation for any denials of request.
• Provide for public review of the Public Records Policy at the records window.
• Follow "Schedule of Record Retention and Disposition" determined by the Bay Village Records Commission in compliance with ORC Chapter 149.
• Provide for prompt disposal of records based on the Schedule of Record Retention and Disposition.

Helpful Resources

You can obtain a records request report at the Records window at the Bay Village Police Department. The hours of operation are 8:30-11:30 and 12:00-5:00  Monday through Friday. Requests may be made in person, by phone 440-899-3466 or you may email our Records Clerk Chris Ross.