Tampa Police Records Database
Tampa is the third largest city in Florida with over 414,000 residents. Police records for Tampa are maintained by the Tampa Police Department, which handles law enforcement within city limits. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas of the county. You can access Tampa police records including incident reports, arrest logs, crash reports, and case files through the department's public records process. Florida's open records law makes most police records available to anyone who submits a request, regardless of where they live or why they need the information.
Tampa Quick Facts
Tampa Police Department Overview
The Tampa Police Department serves the city of Tampa and maintains records for all incidents within city limits. TPD is one of the largest municipal police agencies in Florida. The department handles thousands of calls for service each year and creates extensive records for each case.
You can find information about Tampa police records on the city website. Visit www.tampa.gov/police to learn about the department and how to request records. The website provides contact information and details on the public records request process for Tampa.
For records requests, call the Tampa Police Department at (813) 276-3200. Staff can answer questions about available records and how to obtain copies. Many records are available within a few business days depending on the complexity of your request.
| Agency | Tampa Police Department |
|---|---|
| Phone | (813) 276-3200 |
| Website | www.tampa.gov/police |
| County | Hillsborough County |
How to Request Records in Tampa
Tampa accepts public records requests through several methods. You can call, visit in person, or submit written requests by mail or email. Each method works for different situations. Phone requests are fastest for simple questions. Written requests work better for complex or detailed record searches.
Call (813) 276-3200 to speak with staff about your records request. Have as much detail ready as you can. Case numbers make searches much easier. 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 in Tampa.
Your request should be as specific as possible. Include the type of record, date range, location, and any names or case numbers you know. Vague requests take longer to process. Detailed requests help staff find exactly what you need faster.
For traffic 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 crash reports for incidents in Tampa. There is a small fee for each report. Most are available within a few days.
Police Records Available in Tampa
Tampa Police Department maintains several types of records. Incident reports document crimes, accidents, and calls for service. These reports include case numbers, dates, locations, people involved, and officer narratives describing what happened. Most incident reports become public once the case is closed.
Arrest records show when TPD 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 Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. You can search recent arrests online through the county jail website.
Tampa police records typically contain:
- Case numbers and dates
- Type of incident or offense
- Location where it occurred
- Names of involved parties
- Officer names and badge numbers
- Narrative descriptions of events
- Case outcomes and dispositions
Some records may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations. Personal information like social security numbers and bank account details are removed. Active criminal investigations can be withheld until the case closes. Juvenile records have additional privacy protections under Florida law.
Note: Video and audio records may take longer to process due to review and redaction requirements.
Fees for Tampa Police Records
Fees for police records depend on the type of record and amount of work needed. Simple incident reports may cost just a few dollars for copies. Complex requests that require hours of staff time for searching and redacting cost more. Always ask about fees when you submit your request in Tampa.
Copy fees are typically $0.15 per page for paper copies. Digital copies sent by email may have lower costs. Search time is sometimes billed hourly if your request takes significant staff effort. Video footage and audio recordings often have higher fees because of the time needed for review and redaction before release.
Some records are free to view in person but cost money to copy. The records staff can give you a cost estimate before processing your request. Payment is usually required before records are released in Tampa.
Public Records Law in Florida
Florida's public records law is one of the strongest in the nation. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes governs access to government records. Under Florida Statute § 119.07, every person has the right to inspect and copy public records. Police records fall under this law.
You do not need to give a reason for your records request. You do not have to be a Florida resident. Anyone can request police records from Tampa or any other Florida agency. The agency must respond promptly to your request. Most agencies respond within a few business days.
If a record is denied, the agency must cite a specific legal exemption. Active criminal intelligence and ongoing investigations can be withheld. Personal identifying information is redacted. Confidential informant information is protected. You can challenge denials in court if needed in Tampa.
Statewide Police Records Access
Beyond local Tampa 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 background check. You submit fingerprints and a completed application by mail or in person at FDLE headquarters in Tallahassee. Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days. FDLE compiles arrest and conviction data from all Florida agencies including Tampa.
The Florida Highway Patrol handles crashes on state highways and roads. For FHP records, call (850) 617-2000 or visit www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/contact-fhp/ for contact information. Most FHP crash reports can be ordered online through the state website.
Hillsborough County Police Records
Tampa is in Hillsborough County, which has its own sheriff's office serving unincorporated areas and operating the county jail. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office maintains records separate from Tampa Police Department. For county-wide records, jail bookings, and sheriff information, visit the Hillsborough County police records page.