Records Unit

If you need a copy of a CSUN police or traffic collision report, if you are conducting a background check on prospective employee, or if you are seeking to obtain a clearance letter—the Records Unit can help you.

The Record Unit serves as the data collection, dissemination, and retention arm of the Department of Police Services. It is responsible for the administration and coordination of administrative parking services and police arrest, crime and investigative reports, and citations. The Records Unit also prepares and distributes the Daily Crime Log, coordinates the customer satisfaction survey program, and assists in background investigative checks with other law enforcement agencies.

Getting a Copy of Crime or Traffic Record

All requests for copies of police reports must be made in writing. You can download the Release of Information Request form here, or make the request at the front counter of the CSUN Department of Police Services. Valid picture identification is required to obtain a copy of a police report.

• Copies of Crime Reports: $10.00
• Copies of Traffic Collision Reports: $10.00
• Police Clearance Letters: $15.00

Fees are to be paid in cash, cashiers check, money order, or by debit card. No credit cards or personal checks accepted. Exact amount is required.

Police reports are released via the approval of the Chief of Police, the Records Administrator, or his/her designee, according to the rules and regulations outlined in the Public Records Act and other state and federal laws. Please note: depending on the nature of the incident there may be a waiting period before a copy of your report can be released.

Getting an Impounded Vehicle Released

The Records unit handles the release of all vehicles impounded by CSUN PD. Impounded Vehicle Release: An impounded vehicle will only be released to the registered or legal owner (NO exceptions). Must have a copy of the current vehicle registration. Must have proof of current vehicle insurance. Must have a valid driver license (owner may use another person with a valid driver license to drive vehicle).

• Impounded Vehicle Release: $100.00 
• Impounded Vehicle Release for DUI: $150.00

Fees are to be paid in cash, cashiers check, money order, or by debit card. No credit cards or personal checks accepted. Exact amount is required.

Notary Public Services

Notary services are available to CSUN students, faculty, and staff by appointment only. To set up an appointment please call (818) 677-3224 or (818) 677-5343.

• Notary fee is $10.00 per signature

Fees are to be paid in cash, cashiers check, money order, or by debit card. No credit cards or personal checks accepted. Exact amount is required.

Background Checks

Law enforcement agencies or other employers may request background checks for a potential employee. Background checks are done for those who have either attended, resided, or are/were employed at Cal State Northridge. Background checks must be done in person or via fax. No information concerning a persons’ background or criminal history is given over the phone. A signed, notarized waiver must be provided in person or via fax, along with the background inquiry form. If you choose to submit your request via fax, please direct to (818) 677-5816. In-person requests must be made Monday - Friday between 8:30am and 3:30pm. To ensure your request can be done in person without delay, please call ahead at (818) 677-5343. Requests submitted via fax will be processed within 3 business days.

Police & INS Clearance Letters

The Records Unit does not process all requests for INS Clearance Letters. We only process requests for those who have lived on the CSUN campus. Otherwise, you will need to fulfill this request by visiting your local municipal or Sheriff's department. Police clearance letters must be requested in person at the CSUN Department of Police Services.

Police Clearance Letters: $15.00.

Fees are to be paid in cash, cashiers check, money order, or by debit card. No credit cards or personal checks accepted. Exact amount is required.

Clery Act

In 1990, Congress enacted the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 (HEA). This act required all postsecondary institutions participating in HEA’s Title IV student financial assistance programs to disclose campus crime statistics and security information. The act was amended in 1992, 1998, and 2000. The 1998 amendments renamed the law the Jeanne Cleary Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act in memory of a student who was slain in her dorm room in 1986. It is generally referred to as the Clery Act.

On August 14, 2008, the Higher Education Opportunity Act of HEOA (Public Law 110-315) reauthorized and expanded the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended. HOEA amended the Clery Act and created additional safety- and security-related requirements for institutions.

Annual Crime Awareness & Security Report (ASR) & Annual Fire Safety Report (Clery)

An Accredited Law Enforcement Agency