Coralville Police Department
1503 5th St, Coralville, IA 52241. Non-emergency: (319) 248-1800. Emergency: 911. Mailing: P.O. Box 5911, Coralville, IA 52241. Patrol services 24/7. Records and administrative windows have standard weekday business hours — call ahead to confirm.
What CPD handles
The Coralville Police Department is the primary law-enforcement agency inside the Coralville city limits. They handle:
- Traffic enforcement on city streets.
- OWI investigations and arrests — see the OWI guide.
- Domestic disputes and protective-order calls.
- Property crimes — theft, burglary, vandalism, fraud.
- Assault and other person crimes.
- Drug investigations, often in coordination with the Johnson County Drug Task Force or state/federal partners.
- Welfare checks, mental-health response, and missing-person investigations.
- Accident response and Iowa crash report preparation.
Jurisdiction — who responds in Coralville
Coralville's law enforcement is a patchwork. Understanding it helps when you call the right agency:
| Agency | Where they cover |
|---|---|
| Coralville Police Department | Inside Coralville city limits — primary patrol. |
| Johnson County Sheriff | Unincorporated Johnson County, jail operations, court security, civil process. |
| Iowa State Patrol | I-80, I-380, US-218, and Iowa highways — primary jurisdiction on interstates. |
| University of Iowa Police | U of I campus and university property. |
| Iowa City Police | Iowa City limits — often coordinates with CPD on cross-border incidents. |
| DCI / DEA / FBI | State and federal investigations — drugs, public corruption, complex fraud. |
On a typical traffic stop on I-80 inside Coralville's footprint, the Iowa State Patrol may handle it. On a domestic call at a Coralville apartment, CPD responds. On a serious crime, agencies often coordinate — and prosecution still goes to the Johnson County Courthouse for state matters.
How to file a police report
- In progress / emergency: call 911.
- Non-emergency: call (319) 248-1800 or come to the station at 1503 5th St.
- Online reporting: CPD typically offers online forms for certain non-violent matters (lost property, harassing communications, some thefts where the suspect is unknown). Check the department's official website for the current online-report list.
When you file a report, you'll get a case number. Hold onto it — you'll need it for insurance, prosecutors, attorneys, or your own follow-up. You can ask for a copy of your own statement after submitting it.
Public records (Iowa Code 22)
Iowa's open records law is codified in Iowa Code Chapter 22. Most CPD records are public on request, subject to specific exemptions:
- Generally releasable: incident reports (with redactions), accident reports, arrest records, daily logs.
- Conditionally released or redacted: body camera footage, ongoing investigation files, juvenile information, victim personal information, peace officer personal information, certain witness identities.
- Generally exempt: active investigation work product, sensitive intelligence, certain personnel files.
Submit a records request in writing (paper, email, or via any form CPD provides). The agency must respond within a reasonable time. Fees may be charged for copying and staff time — Chapter 22 caps what agencies can charge to the actual cost.
Accident reports
If you were in a crash in Coralville:
- If the responding officer prepared an Iowa Crash Report, you can request a copy from CPD records.
- For state-prepared crash reports, the Iowa Department of Transportation also distributes them — there's typically an online lookup and a small fee.
- Insurance carriers may pull the report directly; ask your adjuster.
- For lawsuit purposes, your car accident attorney can obtain it.
Body camera footage
Iowa law treats body camera footage as a public record under Chapter 22, but agencies routinely apply exemptions and redactions. To request body cam:
- Submit a written request with the date, time, location, and (if known) the officers or case number.
- Expect possible redactions for victim and witness identities, juveniles, and unrelated bystanders.
- Expect potential delays for review and redaction.
- If your request is denied or excessively delayed, you may have legal remedies through the Iowa Public Information Board.
After an arrest in Coralville
Adults arrested in Coralville are typically taken to the Johnson County Jail in Iowa City for booking. After booking:
- Initial appearance before a magistrate at the Johnson County Courthouse, usually within 24 hours.
- The magistrate addresses bond, conditions of release, and appointment of counsel if you can't afford one.
- If released, you receive court dates for the next stages.
- If held, your attorney can move for bond review.
For juveniles, the process runs through juvenile court and the juvenile detention system, which is largely closed to the public.
Right to remain silent
You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel. Politely tell the officers you want a lawyer and that you don't wish to answer questions. Then actually stay silent. Talk to your criminal defense attorney before you talk to anyone else.
Paying citations
Coralville traffic citations are paid through the Iowa courts system — not at the police department. See the Iowa traffic court guide for the three ways to pay (online at iowacourts.gov, in person at Coralville City Hall, 1512 7th St weekdays 7:30 AM–5:00 PM, or by mail to the Iowa City clerk's traffic office).
FAQ — Coralville Police
What's the non-emergency number?
(319) 248-1800. For an emergency in progress, call 911.
How do I get a copy of a police report?
Submit a public records request to CPD records (in person at 1503 5th St, or in writing). You'll typically receive a redacted copy. Iowa Code Chapter 22 governs the process.
Can I get body camera footage?
You can request it. CPD will review for redaction or exemption (victim privacy, ongoing investigation, etc.). Expect possible redactions and processing delays.
Where do I go after a Coralville arrest?
Adult arrestees go to the Johnson County Jail in Iowa City for booking, then to initial appearance at the Johnson County Courthouse — usually within 24 hours.
Who handles a crash on I-80 in Coralville?
Generally the Iowa State Patrol on interstates. CPD may assist. The crash report is filed accordingly — request it from the agency that wrote it.
Should I talk to officers if they ask me questions?
Be polite, identify yourself if required, and decline to answer substantive questions until you have a lawyer. You have the right to remain silent and the right to counsel.