Obtaining a police report in Gwinnett County is often the first critical step after a traffic collision, witnessing a significant incident, or needing documentation for legal, insurance, or personal reasons. Whether you’re seeking an official crash report to file an insurance claim, an incident report to document theft or property damage, or any other law enforcement record, understanding Gwinnett County’s processes will save you time, expense, and frustration. This comprehensive guide offers expert-level detail on every available method—online, in person, by mail, and under the Georgia Open Records Act—so you can secure the documents you need quickly and accurately.
Types of Police Reports in Gwinnett County
Before you begin, it’s important to identify which type of report you need. Gwinnett County Police Department (GCPD) categorizes its records as follows:
- Accident (Collision) Reports: Official police reports for motor vehicle collisions investigated by GCPD.
- Incident Reports: Records of non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, simple assaults, or property damage.
- Citizen Online Reports: Simplified, free reports you can file yourself online for certain low-level incidents (e.g., minor theft, identity fraud, non-injury property damage).
- Open Records Requests: Requests submitted under the Georgia Open Records Act for any police record, including dash-cam footage, body-worn camera videos, and 911 call recordings.
Choosing the correct category ensures you use the proper channel and provide all necessary information up front, minimizing delays and fees.
Obtaining Accident Reports Online
Gwinnett County partners with a third-party vendor to offer 24/7 online access to vehicle collision reports. Here’s what you need to know:
- Website: Navigate to www.buycrash.com (according to Gwinnett County Police Department).
- Cost: Approximately $5 per report, payable by credit or debit card*.
- Availability: Reports generally become available 24–72 hours after the crash is filed.
- Who Can Order: Any involved party, authorized legal representative, or insurance adjuster.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to the online portal and select “Gwinnett County, GA.”
- Enter the crash date, location details (road names, intersections), and names of involved drivers.
- Review your cart and complete payment.
- Download the PDF version of the collision report immediately.
- Save or print multiple copies as needed; you may need a certified copy for court or insurance purposes.
Because it’s available around the clock, this method is often the fastest way to retrieve a collision report without leaving your home or office.
In-Person Requests at Precincts and Headquarters
If you require a hard-copy police report or need an incident report that isn’t available online, visiting a GCPD location may be your best option. Reports are typically ready for pickup four business days after the incident report is filed (according to Gwinnett County Police Department).
What to Bring
- Photo Identification: Georgia driver’s license, state ID, passport, or another valid government-issued ID.
- Case or Report Number: If you have it—this speeds up retrieval.
- Exact Payment: Cash is preferred for amounts under $1; otherwise bring a check or money order payable to “Gwinnett County Police.”
- Incident Details: Date, time, location, and names of parties involved help staff locate your file.
Locations and Hours
| Facility | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Headquarters | 770 Hi Hope Rd, Lawrenceville, GA 30044 | (770) 513-5000 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–5:00 pm |
| Bay Creek Precinct | 185 Ozora Road, Loganville, GA 30052 | (770) 513-5833 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
| Central Precinct | 3125 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30096 | (678) 442-6500 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
| East Precinct | 2273 Alcovy Rd, Dacula, GA 30019 | (678) 442-5600 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
| North Precinct | 2735 Mall of GA Blvd, Buford, GA 30518 | (678) 442-5001 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
| South Precinct | 2180 Stone Dr, Lilburn, GA 30047 | (678) 442-5050 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
| West Precinct | 6160 Crescent Dr, Norcross, GA 30071 | (678) 442-6550 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:00 pm |
Visiting in person allows immediate pickup once the report is ready and personal assistance if you encounter any complications.
Mail-In Requests
For those unable to order online or visit in person, mail-in requests remain a reliable option. This method applies to both collision and incident reports.
Gwinnett County Police Department
Attn: Records Department
P.O. Box 602
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
What to Include
- Cover Letter
- Your full name, address, phone number, and email.
- Report or case number (if available).
- Date, time, and location of the incident.
- Names of involved parties or vehicles (license plate numbers help).
- Payment
- Cashier’s check or money order payable to “Gwinnett County Police.”
- $5 per collision report*.
- $0.10 per page for incident reports* (confirm current fees by phone before mailing).
- Cashier’s check or money order payable to “Gwinnett County Police.”
- Return Envelope
- Stamped, self-addressed envelope to return the documents.
- Optional
- Copy of your photo ID (helps verify your identity and may speed processing).
Timeline
Allow 10–14 business days for processing and return via U.S. Postal Service, depending on mail speed and Records Department workload.
Georgia Open Records Act Requests
If you need expanded records—dash-cam video, body-worn camera footage, 911 call recordings, or any official records beyond standard reports—the Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) is your route. This state law ensures public access with limited, narrowly construed exemptions.
Key Provisions
- Response Time: Agencies must acknowledge your request within three business days (according to the Georgia Open Records Act).
- Records Fee: The first 15 minutes of search are free; thereafter, fees are set at the rate of the lowest-paid employee qualified to conduct the search. Copying is $0.10 per page*; media duplication (CD, DVD, USB) may incur additional charges.
- Exemptions: Certain items—active investigation details, juvenile records, personal identifiers—may be redacted or withheld. If denied, the agency must cite the specific statute.
How to Submit
- Online Portal:
- Visit the Gwinnett County Open Records webform (search “Gwinnett County Open Records Portal”).
- Choose “Police Reports,” “911 Recordings,” “Body Camera Video,” etc.
- Provide your contact information and a detailed description of the records you seek (e.g., “Accident report for 25-12345 on March 1, 2025 at Sugarloaf Parkway and Pleasant Hill Road”).
- Submit and await acknowledgment.
- Email or Mail:
- Address your request to the County’s Open Records Officer.
- Include all details as above.
- Specify your preferred delivery format (email PDF, printed copies, CD, USB drive).
Within three business days you will receive an email or letter confirming receipt, estimated fees, or a denial notice citing the law. Final delivery typically occurs within 10–20 business days, depending on search complexity.
Citizen Online Police Reporting
For certain minor incidents that don’t require an officer on scene, Gwinnett County offers a free, web-based reporting tool:
- Eligible Incidents:
- Theft by taking (under $500)
- Entering an auto
- Identity fraud (victim must reside in Gwinnett County)
- Criminal trespass
- Criminal damage to property
- Theft of lost or mislaid property
- Requirements:
- Incident occurred in unincorporated Gwinnett County (or victim is a county resident for identity fraud).
- No known suspect or forensics required.
Process
- Visit the “File Police Report” section on the GCPD website.
- Confirm your incident qualifies for online reporting.
- Complete and submit the form with all incident details.
- Receive an immediate case number and printable PDF report.
This tool is ideal when you need quick documentation for minor property crimes without waiting for an officer or paying a fee.
Municipal Jurisdictions: When to Contact City Departments
Gwinnett County encompasses multiple incorporated cities, each with its own police department. If your incident occurred within city limits, do not request the report from GCPD. Instead, contact the relevant municipal agency directly:
- Auburn Police Department
- Braselton Police Department
- Duluth Police Department
- Lawrenceville Police Department
- Lilburn Police Department
- Loganville Police Department
- Norcross Police Department
- Snellville Police Department
- Suwanee Police Department
You can usually find the correct department by noting city signage at the scene or visiting the city’s official website. Calling your local dispatch can confirm jurisdiction, avoiding frustrating delays.
Handling Restricted or Unavailable Records
Some records are partially or fully exempt under Georgia or federal law:
- Active Investigations: Information that would compromise ongoing law enforcement operations.
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are generally confidential.
- Victim Personal Data: Personal identifiers of crime victims are redacted for privacy.
- Confidential Informants: Identities are protected by law.
If your request is denied, the agency must cite the exact legal exemption (e.g., O.C.G.A. § 50-18-72(a)(3) for ongoing criminal investigations). You may appeal a denial in Georgia Superior Court.
Attorney-Led and Expedited Requests
Legal representatives frequently obtain records more quickly by submitting:
- A letter of representation on firm letterhead.
- A request for expedited handling due to pending litigation.
- Sometimes a fee waiver for clients in personal injury claims, excluding collision report costs.
If you represent an injured party—or if you’re an insurance adjuster—call GCPD Records at (770) 513-5000 to learn about attorney protocols that may reduce fees or speed processing.
Additional Media: 911 Calls, Dash-Cam, and Body-Worn Videos
Beyond written reports, you may wish to obtain electronic media:
- 911 Call Recordings
- In-Car Dash-Cam Footage
- Officer Body-Worn Camera Videos
These always require an Open Records Request. Fees include duplication costs—typically $2 per CD or DVD*, or cost of a USB drive*. Be as precise as possible in your request (date, time window, location) to minimize search time and fees.
Timeframes at a Glance
- Citizen Online Reports: Instant
- Online Accident Portal: Available within 24–72 hours; downloadable immediately
- In-Person Pickup: Usually four business days after filing
- Mail-In Requests: 10–14 business days plus mailing time
- Open Records Requests: Acknowledgment within three business days; final delivery in 10–20 business days
Tips for a Smooth Request
- Be Precise: Case/report numbers, dates, times, and exact locations expedite searches.
- Choose the Best Method: Online for speed, in person for physical copies, mail if remote, Open Records for media.
- Prepare Payments: Confirm fees by phone or website before you order.
- Use Proper Channels: Don’t mail to precincts; mail to P.O. Box 602 for Records.
- Follow Up: If you haven’t heard back within expected timeframes, call (770) 513-5000 to check status.
Sample Mail-In Request Letter
Jane Doe
123 Main Street
Suwanee, GA 30024Gwinnett County Police Department
Attn: Records Department
P.O. Box 602
Lawrenceville, GA 30046Re: Request for Accident Report – Case No. 25-12345
Dear Records Officer,
Please provide a certified copy of the accident report for Case Number 25-12345, dated March 1, 2025 at Sugarloaf Parkway and Pleasant Hill Road. I have enclosed a cashier’s check for $5 payable to Gwinnett County Police and a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.
Thank you for your prompt assistance.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Why a Police Report Matters
A fully documented police report:
- Establishes Fault: Eyewitness statements, officer observations, and diagrams.
- Captures Property Damage: Photos and descriptive notes.
- Provides Official Records: A neutral law enforcement account, vital for insurers and courts.
- Speeds Claims: Insurance companies rely on the report to validate claims and expedite settlement.
Early access to a detailed report strengthens your position whether you’re negotiating with insurers or preparing for litigation.
Conclusion
Securing the right police report in Gwinnett County need not be complicated. Whether you leverage the convenience of online portals, the thoroughness of in-person pickup, the flexibility of mail requests, or the breadth of the Georgia Open Records Act, you have multiple pathways to obtain critical documentation. By following the detailed steps outlined above—being precise in your request, choosing the correct channel, and anticipating fees—you can acquire your report efficiently and confidently.
If your case involves complicated liability issues or you simply want help navigating the process, experienced personal injury attorneys who care, such as Rebecca Kay Sapp Law Firm, can guide you through obtaining your report while you focus on recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a police report in Gwinnett County?
Accident reports are $5 each*, whether obtained online, in person, or by mail. Incident reports are $0.10 per page*, although some victims may receive incident reports free of charge (excluding collision reports).
How long will it take to receive my report?
Online downloads are available within 24–72 hours and are immediately accessible after payment. In-person copies are usually ready four business days after filing. Mail-in requests take 10–14 business days plus postage, and Open Records Requests are acknowledged within three business days, with final delivery in 10–20 business days. (Times may vary please ask the Police station.)
Can I request a report if the incident occurred within a city?
No. If the incident happened inside any of Gwinnett County’s incorporated cities (e.g., Duluth, Lawrenceville, Norcross), you must contact that city’s police department directly.
What information should I include in my request?
Provide the case or report number (if known), the date/time/location of the incident, names of involved parties or vehicles, your contact information, and the required fee. Greater specificity leads to faster processing.
How do I get dash-cam or body-worn camera footage?
Submit an Open Records Request through the Gwinnett County Open Records Portal. Specify the incident details and type of media you need. Duplication fees (e.g., $2 per CD or DVD*) apply, and turnaround times vary based on search complexity.
*Fees may vary on obtaining police reports, costs, and expenses from third party vendor or other companies.