Central Berks Regional Police Department is a public agency and subject to the provisions of the Pennsylvania Right to Know Act. The “Request for Access to Public Records” is available below and is also available in the administrative office at the police department. All requests must be made in writing, verbally (in person or telephonically), or by facsimile. Chief Raymond Serafin has been designated as the Central Berks Regional Police Department Open Record’s Officer. Requests for public records shall be directed to Chief Raymond Serafin, 2147 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA 19606. Telephone 610-779-1100 Ext.221; Fax 610-779-7315 or via email at info@centralberks.org. Requests received after 4PM will be dated next business day.
When a request is received for public access to public requests the police department will make a determination within five (5) business says of receipt of request, to grant or deny request. The person or entity requesting the information will be promptly notified of the department’s decision.
If the denial involves criminal records of a local police department, you have a right to appeal this denial in writing to: John Q. Adams, Esquire, Berks County District Attorney, 633 Court Street, Berks County District Attorney, 633 Court Street, Berks County Services Center 5th Floor, Reading, PA 19601.
If any other request is denied or deemed denied for any reason, the requester may file an appeal in writing with the Pennsylvania State Office of Open Records addressed to: Office of Open Records, 333 Market Street, 16th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2234. Appeals can also be filed online at Office of Open Records website, https://www.openrecords.pa.gov.
If you choose to file an appeal you must do so within 15 days of the mailing date of the agency’s response. Please note that a copy of your original RTKL request, the agency’s extension notice (if applicable), the officer’s affidavit (if applicable), and the denial letter should be included when filing an appeal.
Additional information can be found in the Open Records Resolution 2018-2019 and Office of Open Records website, https://www.openrecords.pa.gov.