Search Miami Police Records
Miami police records are maintained by the Miami Police Department, which serves the city's 487,000 residents. The department handles law enforcement within city limits while the Miami-Dade Police Department covers unincorporated areas of the county. You can request incident reports, arrest records, crash reports, and case files through the department's public records process. Most police records in Miami are available to the public under Florida's open records law. Anyone can submit a records request regardless of where they live.
Miami Quick Facts
Miami Police Department Records
The Miami Police Department is one of the largest municipal police agencies in Florida. MPD serves the city of Miami and surrounding areas within city limits. The department maintains records for all incidents, arrests, and cases handled by its officers.
Police records are available through the city's public records process. You can contact MPD at (305) 579-6111 to request records. The department website at www.miamigov.com provides information on how to submit requests. Many records can be obtained by calling the records division or visiting MPD headquarters.
| Agency | Miami Police Department |
|---|---|
| Records Phone | (305) 579-6111 |
| Website | www.miamigov.com |
| County | Miami-Dade County |
MPD keeps incident reports, arrest records, case files, and other law enforcement documents. Digital records from recent years are easier to access than older paper files. The records division can help you locate specific reports if you have details like dates, case numbers, or names involved.
How to Get Police Records in Miami
Requesting police records in Miami starts with contacting the right agency. If the incident happened within Miami city limits, contact Miami Police Department. For incidents in unincorporated Miami-Dade County, contact the Miami-Dade Police Department instead. Each agency has its own records process.
Call (305) 579-6111 to speak with MPD records staff. Have as much information ready as you can. Case numbers help the most. If you do not have a case number, provide the date, location, and names of people involved. This helps staff find the right records quickly.
You can also visit the city's website to learn about public records requests. The city has a formal process for all records requests. Some agencies accept email requests. Others want written submissions by mail. Ask about the preferred method when you call in Miami.
For crash reports, visit the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/ to order copies online. Crash reports cost a small fee. Most are available within a few business days after the crash occurred in Miami.
Miami Police Records Available
Miami Police Department maintains many types of records. Incident reports document crimes, accidents, and calls for service. These reports show what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. Officers write narratives describing the events. Most incident reports are public once a case is closed.
Arrest records show when MPD officers take someone into custody. The records include booking date, charges, arresting officer, and bond information. Jail booking logs are maintained by the Miami-Dade Corrections Department. You can search booking logs online through the county website.
Police records in Miami typically include:
- Case numbers and report dates
- Type of incident or crime
- Location where it occurred
- Names of involved parties
- Officer information
- Case outcomes and dispositions
Some records may be redacted to protect privacy or active investigations. Personal information like social security numbers is removed. Confidential informant details are withheld. Juvenile records have extra protections under Florida law.
Record Fees in Miami
Fees for police records vary depending on the type of record and amount of work needed. Simple incident reports may cost just a few dollars. Complex requests that require hours of staff time cost more. Always ask about fees when you submit your request.
Copy fees are typically $0.15 per page in Florida. Digital copies sent by email may have lower costs. Search time is sometimes billed hourly if your request takes significant effort. Video and audio records often have higher fees due to review and redaction time needed before release.
Some records are free to view in person but cost money to copy. The records division can give you a cost estimate before processing your request in Miami.
Public Records Law in Miami
Florida has strong public records laws. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes governs access to government records including police records. Under Florida Statute § 119.07, every person has the right to inspect and copy public records. You do not need to give a reason for your request.
Agencies must respond to requests promptly. Most respond within a few business days. If records are denied, the agency must cite a specific legal exemption. Active criminal investigations can be withheld. Personal identifying information is redacted before release in Miami.
You do not have to be a Miami resident to request records. Out-of-state residents have the same rights as Florida residents under the law. Media, researchers, attorneys, and the general public can all request police records from MPD.
Note: Florida courts generally favor public access when exemptions are challenged.
Statewide Resources for Police Records
Beyond local Miami records, you can access state-level police data through Florida agencies. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal history records for the entire state. FDLE's Public Records Portal at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal handles requests for state documents.
For background checks, contact FDLE at (850) 410-8161. The fee is $24 per check. You submit fingerprints and an application by mail or in person in Tallahassee. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days typically. FDLE compiles arrest and conviction data from all Florida agencies including Miami.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigates crashes on state roads. For FHP records, call (850) 617-2000 or visit www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/contact-fhp/ for more information. FHP maintains records for crashes, arrests, and traffic enforcement across Florida including Miami.
Miami-Dade County Police Records
Miami is in Miami-Dade County, which has its own police department serving unincorporated areas. The Miami-Dade Police Department is separate from Miami Police Department. Each handles records for their jurisdiction. For county-wide records and sheriff information, visit the Miami-Dade County police records page.