Find Orlando Police Records
Orlando police records are maintained by the Orlando Police Department for the city's 334,000 residents. OPD handles law enforcement within city limits while the Orange County Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. You can request incident reports, arrest records, crash reports, and case files through OPD's public records process. Most police records are public under Florida law. Anyone can submit a records request regardless of residency. The department processes thousands of records requests each year for residents, attorneys, media, and other requesters seeking access to Orlando police records.
Orlando Quick Facts
Orlando Police Department Records
The Orlando Police Department serves the city of Orlando and maintains records for all incidents within city limits. OPD is a major municipal police agency in Florida. The department handles patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, and specialized units across the city.
Police records are available through the department's public records process. The Orlando Police Department website at www.orlando.gov/Police provides information on how to request records. You can learn about the department, find contact information, and understand the records request process on the site.
Contact OPD at (407) 246-2470 to request police records. Staff can answer questions about available records and processing times. Most records are available within a few business days depending on the complexity of your request and the volume of pending requests.
| Agency | Orlando Police Department |
|---|---|
| Records Phone | (407) 246-2470 |
| Website | www.orlando.gov/Police |
| County | Orange County |
Requesting Police Records in Orlando
Orlando accepts public records requests through phone, mail, email, and in-person visits. Each method works for different types of requests. Phone requests are fastest for basic questions. Written requests work better for complex searches or large volumes of records.
Call (407) 246-2470 to speak with records staff. Have details ready like case numbers, dates, names, and locations. Case numbers make searches much faster. If you do not have a case number, provide as much other information as you can. This helps staff find the right records quickly in Orlando.
Your request should be specific. Include the type of record you want, the date range, location, and any identifying information you have. Vague requests take longer to process. Detailed requests help staff locate exactly what you need faster.
For crash reports, you can order copies online through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Visit www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/ to order traffic accident reports for incidents in Orlando. There is a small fee per report. Most are available within a few business days after the crash.
Available Police Records in Orlando
Orlando Police Department maintains many types of records. Incident reports document crimes, accidents, and calls for service. These reports include case numbers, dates, locations, people involved, and officer narratives. Most incident reports become public once a case is closed or investigation is complete.
Arrest records show when OPD officers take someone into custody. The records include charges, booking date, arresting officer, bond amount, and other details. Jail booking logs are maintained by the Orange County Corrections Department. You can search recent arrests online through the county jail website.
Police records in Orlando typically include:
- Case numbers and report dates
- Type of incident or crime
- Location where it occurred
- Names of involved parties
- Officer information
- Narrative descriptions
- Case outcomes
Some records may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations. Personal information like social security numbers is removed. Active criminal investigations can be withheld until cases close. Confidential informant information is protected. Juvenile records have additional privacy protections under Florida law.
Note: Body camera footage requests may take longer due to review and redaction requirements.
Record Fees in Orlando
Fees for police records vary based on the type of record and work required. Simple incident reports may cost just a few dollars. Complex requests that require hours of staff time for searching, copying, and redacting cost more. Always ask about fees when you submit your request.
Copy fees are typically $0.15 per page for paper copies. Digital copies sent by email may have lower fees. Search time is sometimes billed hourly if your request takes significant staff effort. Video and audio records often have higher fees due to the time needed for review and redaction before release in Orlando.
Some records are free to view in person but cost money to copy. Records staff can provide a cost estimate before processing your request. Payment is usually required before records are released.
Florida Public Records Law
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.
You do not have to be a Florida resident to request records. Out-of-state residents have the same rights as Florida residents. 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 in Orlando.
Active criminal intelligence and ongoing investigations can be withheld. Personal identifying information is redacted before release. You can challenge denials in court if an exemption is improperly applied. Florida courts generally favor public access when exemptions are disputed.
Statewide Police Records Resources
Beyond local Orlando records, you can access statewide 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-level documents.
For criminal 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 Orlando.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigates crashes on state roads and highways. For FHP records, call (850) 617-2000 or visit www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/contact-fhp/ for contact information. FHP maintains records for crashes, arrests, and traffic enforcement across Florida including the Orlando area.
Orange County Police Records
Orlando is in Orange County, which has its own sheriff's office serving unincorporated areas and operating the county jail. The Orange County Sheriff's Office maintains records separate from Orlando Police Department. For county-wide records, jail information, and sheriff resources, visit the Orange County police records page.