Bradford County Police Records Search
Bradford County police records are maintained by the Bradford County Sheriff's Office in Starke. This small north Florida county has about 28,000 residents. The sheriff's office provides law enforcement for the entire county including unincorporated areas. Police records include incident reports, arrest logs, traffic crash reports, and jail booking records. Public access follows Florida's public records law. You can request records in person at the sheriff's office or through written requests. The department handles all law enforcement documentation for Bradford County.
Bradford County Quick Facts
Bradford County Sheriff's Office
The Bradford County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency serving the county. Deputies patrol all areas and respond to calls for service. The office maintains records of arrests, incidents, and traffic crashes. Staff also run the county jail and handle civil process. All police records requests go through this office in Bradford County.
The Bradford County Sheriff's public records page explains how to request law enforcement documents.
This page provides the forms and contact information needed to access police records in Bradford County.
You can submit a public records request in person, by mail, or by email. Include details about the incident such as date, location, and people involved. The sheriff's office searches for the record and tells you if it can be released. Some records stay confidential during active investigations in Bradford County.
| Agency | Bradford County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 945 N Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 |
| Phone | (904) 966-6161 |
| Public Records | bradfordsheriff.org/commandstaff/public-records |
Requesting Police Records
To request police records in Bradford County, you need specific information about the incident. The more details you provide, the faster the search. Include the date, time, location, and names of people involved. A case number helps if you have one. The sheriff's office looks up the report and decides if it can be released under Florida law in Bradford County.
Florida's public records law requires agencies to respond without delay. Chapter 119, Florida Statutes sets the rules for access. Most police records are public unless an exemption applies. Active investigations may be exempt until the case closes. The agency cites the specific law if a record is denied in Bradford County.
Information needed for police records requests:
- Date and time of incident
- Street address or location
- Names of parties involved
- Type of incident
- Report or case number if known
- Officer name if available
Fees apply for copying records. The standard rate is 15 cents per page under Florida law. Certified copies cost more and include an official seal. Payment is due when you get the records or before they are mailed to you in Bradford County.
Note: Records from ongoing investigations may be withheld until the case is complete in Bradford County.
Florida State Law Enforcement Records
State agencies in Florida provide broader access to law enforcement records. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement public records page handles requests for state-level information. FDLE maintains statewide criminal records and coordinates with local agencies. The FDLE online portal accepts requests for state records including cases involving Bradford County.
For traffic crash reports, use the Florida Highway Safety crash report system. This covers all accidents in Bradford County investigated by any agency. You can also contact the Florida Highway Patrol for reports on state roads like US 301 and SR 100 in Bradford County.
Chapter 119, Florida Statutes governs all public records in the state including Bradford County.
Types of Police Records
Police records in Bradford County cover many law enforcement activities. Incident reports document crimes and calls for service. These show what officers found, witness statements, and actions taken. Arrest reports list people booked into jail with their charges and bond amounts. Both types are generally public records in Bradford County.
Traffic crash reports detail vehicle accidents. The report includes driver information, vehicles involved, injuries, and the cause. You need these for insurance claims and legal cases. Get crash reports from the investigating agency or through the state portal for incidents in Bradford County.
Common police records available:
- Incident and offense reports
- Arrest and booking records
- Traffic accident reports
- Citations and tickets
- Calls for service logs
- Property and evidence records
Some records have restricted access. Juvenile records are often confidential. Active criminal investigations may be exempt from disclosure. The agency explains the legal basis if a record cannot be released in Bradford County.
Background Checks and Criminal History
For criminal history records beyond local police reports, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The FDLE criminal history records office processes background checks. These show arrests and convictions from across Florida including Bradford County. You can request your own record or get someone else's with their consent and fingerprints.
FDLE keeps a statewide criminal database. Background checks are used for employment, licensing, and legal purposes. Fees apply and fingerprints are required. Processing takes several weeks. These records provide more complete information than local police records in Bradford County.
Public Records Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119, Florida Statutes requires agencies to provide access to most records. This includes police records in Bradford County. The law has limited exemptions. Agencies must cite the specific statute if they withhold a record.
Agencies cannot delay responses without good reason. If a record is denied, you can challenge the decision in court. Courts award attorney fees to people who win public records lawsuits. This encourages agencies to comply with the law in Bradford County.
Cities in Bradford County
Bradford County is mostly rural with few cities. Starke is the county seat and largest city. The Starke Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits. The Bradford County Sheriff's Office patrols all other areas.
Cities and communities in Bradford County include Starke, Lawtey, Hampton, Brooker, and Graham. Police records for unincorporated areas come from the Bradford County Sheriff's Office.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Bradford County. Each has its own sheriff's office and police records system. Verify which agency handled an incident before requesting records.