How do I get a copy of a police report?

When people are involved in a traffic crash, or victimized by thieves, or suffer property damage, very often they need to obtain a copy of the police report. The copy may be needed for insurance purposes, or for proof that the incident was reported. Copies will be released in accordance with the Florida Public Records Act.

The responding officer will provide you with a form with instructions on how to obtain a copy of the report. Additionally, if it was a traffic crash, information needed to notify your insurance company will be provided on the form.

Whatever the reason, it is very simple to get a copy of the police report. The Records personnel at the Neptune Beach Police Department work Monday thru Friday, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. The office is closed for lunch from 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. and all legal holidays.

To request a copy of an incident report you may do so either in person or by mail. There is no charge for reports of four (4) pages or less. There is a $.15 per page fee for each additional page. If you request the copy by mail, a self-addressed stamped envelope must be sent with your request as well as any applicable fees. Requests are processed in the order that they come in.

Crash reports require that for the first 60 days it may only be released to those involved in the crash or their representatives. It also requires that the person fill out a request form verifying that they are legally able to obtain the report per FSS 316.066. There is a flat fee of $2.00 for all crash reports.

To ensure your report is available, it is best to call the Records Section, 270-2413, during regular business hours. The Communications Center (duty dispatcher) and/or patrol officers do not have the capability to look up or retrieve reports, therefore, cannot provide information on availability of any reports.

All reports are released in accordance to FSS 119.07. There are however exemptions to some reports that may require that certain information be redacted, such as cases involving sexual abuse, juvenile cases or ongoing investigations.

Changes to any report must be made by the reporting officer. Additions to reports must be made by the officer assigned to investigate the crime. Records personnel are not authorized to make any changes or additions.

Reports cannot be read over the telephone, you must request a report to obtain the information you need.

Obtaining a copy is a very simple process. If you have any questions, call the Records Section 270-2413 and personnel will assist you.