Delaware · Kent County
How to Get a Police Report in Dover, DE
Getting a police report in Dover starts with one question: which agency handled your incident? Dover is served by 8 law enforcement agencies, and each maintains its own records. This guide covers the agencies serving Dover, Kent County, what reports cost in Delaware, and how to submit your request correctly the first time.
What this site does: we publish agency-level records data and email you exact request instructions for your incident, typically within 72 hours. What we do not do: obtain reports for you or act on behalf of any government agency.
Law Enforcement Agencies Serving Dover
Delaware State Police
Type: Primary state law enforcement agency
Sworn officers: 658
Full-time civilian staff: 240
Service area: Dover, Kent County
ZIP: 19903
Dover Police Department
Type: Local police department
Sworn officers: 90
Full-time civilian staff: 28
Part-time staff: 0 officers, 1 civilians
Service area: Dover, Kent County
ZIP: 19904
Delaware Capitol Police Department
Type: Special jurisdiction
Sworn officers: 38
Full-time civilian staff: 25
Service area: Dover, Kent County
ZIP: 19903
Delaware DNREC - Fish & Wildlife Enforcement
Type: Special jurisdiction
Sworn officers: 23
Full-time civilian staff: 5
Part-time staff: 2 officers, 7 civilians
Service area: Dover, Kent County
ZIP: 19901
Delaware DNREC - Division of Parks and Recreation
Type: Special jurisdiction
Sworn officers: 21
Full-time civilian staff: 5
Part-time staff: 2 officers, 5 civilians
Service area: Dover, Kent County
ZIP: 19901
Delaware State Fire Marshal
Type: Special jurisdiction
Sworn officers: 20
Full-time civilian staff: 36
Part-time staff: 0 officers, 8 civilians
Service area: Dover, Kent County
ZIP: 19904
Delaware State University Public Safety Dept.
Type: Special jurisdiction
Sworn officers: 18
Full-time civilian staff: 22
Part-time staff: 3 officers, 3 civilians
Service area: Dover, Kent County
ZIP: 19901
Delaware DNREC - Environmental Crimes Unit
Type: Special jurisdiction
Sworn officers: 12
Full-time civilian staff: 2
Service area: Dover, Kent County
ZIP: 19901
How to Request Your Report
Identify the responding agency
Your report is held by the agency that responded — in most Dover incidents, Dover Police Department. Check any paperwork, citation, or exchange-of-information slip from the scene; it names the agency and often a report number.
Choose your request route
For traffic crash reports handled by state police, Delaware offers an official request process. For local incidents, contact the agency's records division directly, in person, by mail, or through its online portal if one exists. Requests are made under the Freedom of Information Act; 29 Del. C. §§ 10001-10007.
Provide identifying details
You will need the date and location of the incident, names of involved parties, and the report or case number if you have one. Bring photo ID; some agencies require it for unredacted copies.
Pay the copy fee
Delaware state agencies charge $25 for crash report copies; local departments set their own fees, typically in a similar range.
Common Questions
How much does a police report cost in Delaware?
The state agency fee for crash reports in Delaware is $25. Local departments set their own copy fees, most commonly between $5 and $25. Fee waivers sometimes apply to crime victims; ask the records division.
How long until my Dover report is available?
Local agencies vary: simple incident reports are often ready within days, while reports tied to open investigations may be held until the case closes.
Can someone else request my report for me?
Usually yes. Involved parties, their attorneys, and insurers can typically obtain copies. Some records are restricted or redacted for uninvolved third parties under the Freedom of Information Act; 29 Del. C. §§ 10001-10007.
What is the difference between a crash report and an incident report?
A crash report documents a traffic collision and in Delaware may be requested through the state's official crash report system. An incident report covers other police responses such as theft, assault, or property damage, and is requested from the local agency that responded.