The Winter Haven Police Department utilizes a centralized records management section whose responsibilities are to maintain hard copies of all reports and to enter computer data into the Police Department’s records management computer system. These different forms of documentation are used when needed by the court system or the Police Department or when dealing with public requests.
The Police Department forwards the computer-generated data taken from all offense reports to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for the state’s Uniform Crime Reporting system.
Records Division FAQ
- Where do I go to get a copy of a police report?
- Are police reports available to anyone?
- Am I entitled to police report information about my neighbor’s activities?
- Can I get information about criminal activity in my neighborhood?
- May I use police report information to solicit business from the victims of crimes?
Where do I go to get a copy of a police report?
We are located on the 1st floor of the Winter Haven Police Department, 125 North Lake Silver Drive, NW, Winter Haven, Florida. The Public Records window is open Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are closed on all official government holidays. Copies of all police reports and documents open to public access are available from the Records Section. There is a charge of 15 cents per page for single copies and 20 cents for double-sided copies.
Are police reports available to anyone?
Yes, with very few limitations such as juvenile information, the identity of a victim of a sexual offense or domestic violence and reports containing information about open or ongoing investigations. Nearly all police reports are available to anyone.
Am I entitled to police report information about my neighbor’s activities?
Florida Public Records Law allows anyone to request police report information about any individual.
Can I get information about criminal activity in my neighborhood?
Yes. A crime activity “grid” can be run for a specific period of time.
May I use police report information to solicit business from the victims of crimes?
No. Public Records Law prohibits the use of police report information for the commercial solicitation of victims of crimes.