Police Records & Public Records

How to request police reports or other public records from the JCU Police Department, what can be released, and expected timelines and fees.

How to Request Records

You may request public records in person, by telephone, or in writing (including email). Requests do not need to be in writing, and you are not required to provide your name or a reason. Providing contact information can help us clarify your request and deliver records efficiently.

Email (Records Custodian): jdaberko@jcu.edu
Phone: (216) 397-1974
Mail: Jeff Daberko, JCUPD Chief of Police & Records Custodian,
��, 1 John Carroll Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118
In Person: During regular University business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., excluding published holidays).

Optional form: To help describe your request clearly, you may complete and send the . Use of this form is optional. A requester does not need to provide their identity or intent. JCUPD may ask for clarification (e.g., identity or intended use) only to assist in identifying, locating, and delivering the requested records.

Describe the records with reasonable specificity (e.g., names, dates, locations, incident/case numbers).
If a request is ambiguous or overly broad, JCUPD will work with you to clarify or narrow it.
When practicable, electronic copies will be provided in existing electronic formats.

After we receive your request, we will acknowledge it and share next steps, anticipated timelines, and any applicable costs. For large requests, records may be provided on a rolling basis.

JCUPD Public Records Policy

I. Policy

In order to facilitate prompt access to public records and comply with Ohio law, all �� Police Department (JCUPD) employees and persons seeking to inspect or receive copies of public records of the JCUPD must adhere to this policy. Other departments of the University are not public offices and are not subject to public records disclosure requirements.

II. Requests for Public Records

Requests to inspect or copy public records may be made during regular University business hours of 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday by contacting:

Jeff Daberko
JCUPD Chief of Police and Records Custodian
Phone: (216) 397-1974
Email: jdaberko@jcu.edu
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1 John Carroll Blvd.
University Heights, OH 44118

If a request is made to any other University department or office, University staff is expected to forward the request to the JCUPD as soon as possible for processing the request. Requests can be made in person, by telephone, or in writing, including email.

An optional records request form to assist the requester and JCUPD to better understand the nature of the request and respond is available A requester does not need to provide his or her identity or his or her intent for the public records when making a request. However, JCUPD may ask for clarification as to the requester’s identity or intended use of the public records to assist in responding to a request and to enhance JCUPD’s ability to identify, locate and deliver the requested records.

III. Records Requests

The requester should identify the records sought with sufficient clarity and specificity in order to allow the JCUPD to identify, retrieve, and review the records. If the request is ambiguous or overly broad or if the JCUPD has difficulty reasonably identifying the public records being requested, the JCUPD may deny the request, but will provide the requester the opportunity to revise the request by informing the requester of the manner in which public records are ordinarily retained and retrieved. For example, a request for any and all records containing any reference to a specific individual or subject may be considered overly broad and further specifications may be requested to comply with the request.

The JCUPD may decline to create a record that contains the information requested if the record does not already exist.

Records may be subject to applicable exemptions from disclosure under Ohio or federal law (including, but not limited to, Confidential Law Enforcement Investigatory Records, student education records protected by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), records containing information governed by a right to privacy, and records that are confidential under Ohio or federal law).

IV. Responding to Record Requests

The JCUPD will make a reasonable effort to respond promptly to requests for the inspection of records that are clearly public and easily accessible. The JCUPD will make an effort to respond within a reasonable period of time to a request for copies of records that are clearly public and easily accessible. When a request is non-routine, such as requiring extensive research or review, or is voluminous, the JCUPD generally will follow-up with a response as soon as possible acknowledging the receipt of the request and indicating that any public records will be made available within a reasonable time period.

V. Making Records Available

Once a request is made, the JCUPD will make the requested public records available for inspection promptly. The time period within which records will be made available to a requester will depend upon a number of factors, including the number of records requested, the ease of retrieval, the medium on which the records are stored, the need for any legal review, and the need for redaction. A requester may inspect the requested records during normal business hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday, with the exception of published holidays.

If requested, the JCUPD will provide copies of records within a reasonable period of time. The requester may choose the medium on which the records are to be copied. The JCUPD may charge a requester the cost of producing copies and if the copies are mailed to the requester, the JCUPD may charge the requester for the actual costs of postage/delivery. The JCUPD may require advance payment of the costs associated with copying the records and delivering the records to the requester.

VI. Denial of Records and Redactions

If the JCUPD denies access to a record, in whole or in part, the JCUPD will provide the requester with an explanation, including legal authority, stating the reasons why the record was not provided. If the initial request was made in writing, the response will also be in writing. If there are any redactions, the JCUPD will notify the requester or make the redaction plainly visible.

Each redaction will be accompanied by an explanation, including legal authority. JCUPD will make reasonable efforts to work with the requester to reach a resolution as to any records request, consistent with legal obligations under applicable law. When appropriate, the Ohio Attorney General Office’s mediation services may be utilized to reach a resolution when a dispute or problem arises regarding a records request.

VII. Managing Records

JCUPD’s records are subject to records retention schedules. The JCUPD’s current schedules are available which is readily available to the public.

VIII. Records Commissions Meeting Notice

There will be a public meeting of the �� Records Commission on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in room #115 of Rodman Hall.

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