FAQ's
Transparency, Records, and Public Access - North Carolina Law
At the Apex Police Department, we are committed to transparency and accountability, while also upholding the privacy rights and legal protections afforded to individuals under North Carolina law. This landing page is designed to help community members better understand what information can—and cannot—be released by our department. It also aims to answer common questions and combat misinformation. From access to police reports and body-worn camera footage, to understanding why certain records are restricted, these answers aim to clarify the balance between public access and lawful confidentiality.
| What information is the Police Department prohibited from releasing? |
Under N.C. Gen. Statutes §132 and §160A-168, police departments cannot release certain types of information, including:
- Personnel records of law enforcement employees (except for limited basic information such as name, rank, salary, etc.)
- Juvenile records
- Ongoing internal investigations or disciplinary actions
- Information that could compromise a criminal investigation
- Certain victim or witness identities, particularly in cases involving sexual assault or domestic violence
We follow state laws to protect due process, privacy rights, and the integrity of investigations. Remember, as officers we enforce the law, we don’t make it. Even when it comes to releasing information, we are held to a standard.
| Can I get access to Body-Worn Camera (BWC) video? |
Not automatically. In North Carolina, body-worn and dashboard camera footage is not public record, and generally cannot be released without a court order. To obtain footage, you must file a formal petition in court under N.C. Gen. Stat. §132-1.4A. A judge will determine whether the footage should be released based on factors such as:
- Whether it’s in the public interest
- The privacy rights of those depicted
- Whether it interferes with an active investigation
Certain footage can be released, but only under specific circumstances as listed here.
| Why doesn't the department release mugshots of arrestees? |
Mugshots are not taken by the Apex Police Department.
- Once someone has been arrested, they are transported to Wake County Detention Center. At the Wake County Detention Center, they are processed, and a photo (mugshot) is taken.
- At that point, the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services, releases information. You can follow the information they release (including seeing a mug shot) here.
- Additional records may be available through from the Wake County Clerk of Court. Please check with the Clerk's office for any records that may be available.
It’s important to note that the Apex Police Department will not release information on behalf of the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services or the North Carolina Court System.
| Can I see or request a police report? |
Yes, but with limitations. The "basic incident report" is public record and usually includes:
- Nature of the incident
- Date, time, and location
- Names of individuals charged or arrested
- Type of force used (if any)
However, full investigative files, narratives, and evidence details are not released by Apex Police Department while a case is active. Additional portions may be available at a later date but typically require a court order. The District Attorney's office may release reports, filings, or other evidence which usually become public record when filed with the court. More information can be found in N.C. Gen. Stat. §132-1.4(a).
You can submit a public records release request here.
| How long does it take to get a public record or police report? |
Response times vary depending on the complexity of the request, volume of pending requests, and current staffing levels. Simple reports may be available within a few business days, while complex requests involving video footage or research and redactions may take longer. We process requests as efficiently as possible while remaining compliant with state law.
| Are 911 calls public record? |
Yes, recordings and transcripts of 911 calls are typically considered public record under North Carolina State law. However, portions may be redacted to protect:
- Personally, identifiable information
- Victim identities (especially in sensitive crimes)
- Details related to active investigations
Please see N.C. Gen. Stat. §132-1.4A for more information.
| Why are some names of people arrested not listed publicly? |
Names may be withheld in certain situations, including:
- When the person is a juvenile - - N.C. Gen. Stat. §7B-101(14), §7B-1501(7), and §7B-3000(b)
- When release would endanger someone’s safety (e.g., confidential informants or victims in domestic violence cases) - N.C. Gen. Stat. §132-1.4(d) and §15A-904
- When doing so would interfere with an ongoing investigation - N.C. Gen. Stat. §132-1.4(a)
| Am I legally required to give my driver's license if I am pulled over in North Carolina? |
According to N.C. Gen. Stat. §20-29, anyone operating a motor vehicle must carry a valid driver’s license and show it to law enforcement upon request. The law is clear: if you're pulled over, you cannot refuse to provide your license. Failing to do so can result in arrest. Driving is a privilege in NC, not a right. By receiving a license and operating a motor vehicle, you have agreed to provide your license to a police officer if you are stopped.
Despite what some social media posts or online forums may claim, there are no special exceptions to North Carolina’s requirement to present your driver's license during a traffic stop. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. §20-29, drivers are legally obligated to carry and present a valid license when requested by law enforcement.
Some people may mistakenly believe they can refuse by invoking the Fifth Amendment, claiming it protects them from self-incrimination. This is not how the Fifth Amendment works. It applies to testimony in criminal cases—not routine identification during a lawful stop. Refusing to provide your license is not protected under the Constitution and can result in arrest.
Bottom line: If you're operating a vehicle in North Carolina and an officer asks for your license, you must provide it—no hidden rules, no legal loopholes.
| How can I stay informed? |
The best way to stay informed about developing emergencies and other Apex Police Department news is:
- Sign-up for ReadyWake Alerts: These alerts will come via SMS or email (whatever you prefer) alerting you to life threatening events and severe weather happening in the area.
- Follow Apex Police Facebook: Almost all initial news releases will be posted on Facebook in the form of “News Release”. This information is what we also send to our media partners.
- Follow Apex Police Instagram: All news releases will be shared as an Instagram story linking back to the Facebook “News Release” post as an alert. You can see prior news releases in the highlight reel labeled “News”.
Need help?
Email our Public Information Officer to help clarify any questions you may have. Pleas check out the links below as helpful tools to answer your questions.