Criminal Investigation Question

Generally speaking when does information become available as part of the public record??? My daughters boyfriend was accused by his former employer of theft and yet he signed a confession statement that he committed the crime. Anyhow 8 weeks since he signed the statement and he insist that they could not prove anything but yet the police department has not dropped the investigation nor released him from interest. I had a discussion with his Dad today and told him the reality is he is still under investigation and that they are waiting for the victim/former employer to certify just how much was stolen also I said to the Dad about his confession that if he really did not do it then he should not have put the pen in his hand until he was given legal council or at least stood his ground and be jailed until bail had been posted.

I would like to be able to see where the process is....asking the boyfriend will produce nothing...do I have the right under public records law to view these records.