Who can access a police report according to the Open Records Act?

The correct answer reflects the principle of transparency and accountability within law enforcement as established by the Open Records Act. This legislation is designed to promote public access to government documents, including police reports.

Under this act, anyone can request access to police reports, as these documents are considered public records unless they fall under specific exemptions. This means that individuals who are not directly involved in a case—such as the public at large—have the right to obtain a copy. The rationale for this open access is to uphold democratic principles, allowing citizens to hold government entities accountable and to ensure that law enforcement agencies operate transparently.

This open access helps foster trust between the community and the police, as it allows for scrutiny of police actions, promotes informed citizenry, and can help ensure that investigations are conducted properly.

The other options suggest restricted access, which is not aligned with the core intent of the Open Records Act. While victims of a crime may have specific rights regarding their reports, the act allows broader public access supporting greater transparency.