The Park City Police Department has provided updated guidance for residents regarding the process of requesting official records and accessing traffic accident reports online. According to information released by the city on July 28, 2026, citizens can utilize specific digital tools and follow established legal protocols under the Government Records Access and Management Act to obtain municipal documentation.
Online Accident Report Access
For those seeking information regarding traffic incidents, the police department now offers online access to accident reports through CrashDocs.org. This digital service allows individuals to obtain copies of traffic accident reports without visiting the police department in person.
The city noted that the fee for obtaining a report via the online platform is $10, which matches the cost of requesting a report in person at the department. To use the service, requesters must provide their name, the date of the accident, and the specific report number. The department cautioned that these reports are typically available 5 to 10 business days after the incident has occurred.
Understanding GRAMA Regulations
The Park City Police Department also manages requests made under the Government Records Access and Management Act, commonly referred to as GRAMA. This Utah law grants the public the right to access certain records maintained or controlled by government entities, as defined in Title 63G, Chapter 2, of the Utah Code.
While many documents are considered public, the department clarified that not all records are subject to disclosure. Records may be classified as public, protected, private, or controlled. Under GRAMA, records classified as protected, private, or controlled are not disclosed unless a specific exception applies or a court orders the release of the information.
Available Public Records
A 'record' under the law is broadly defined to include various formats, such as books, letters, documents, maps, plans, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings, and electronic data. However, certain materials like notes and drafts are specifically excluded from disclosure requirements.
To ensure efficiency, the city encourages residents to check the Park City Municipal website for information before submitting a formal GRAMA request. Many frequently requested items are already available online without the need for a formal application, including Council minutes and recordings, the Park City Municipal Code, ordinances, resolutions, and Planning Commission staff reports and minutes.
Submission Procedures and Requirements
When a formal request is necessary, the police department requires all GRAMA requests to be submitted in writing. To process a request for records held by the Park City Police Department, individuals should email records@parkcity.org. The written request must include the requester's name, a mailing address, a daytime phone number if available, and a description of the requested record that identifies it with reasonable specificity.
The department noted that they are not required to fulfill requests for prospective records; the document must exist at or before the date the request is made. Additionally, government entities are not obligated to fulfill requests that constitute an unreasonable duplication of prior requests made by the same person.
Response Timelines and Fees
The department also outlined the timelines for responding to these inquiries. For standard, non-expedited requests, governmental entities have a maximum of ten business days to respond. For expedited requests, the response window is reduced to five business days.
The city noted that any person seeking an expedited response must include an explanation demonstrating how the faster response will benefit the public rather than just the individual making the request. The department also reminded the public that fees may be charged for fulfilling GRAMA requests in accordance with established fee schedules.
