Access Hendry County Police Records
Police records in Hendry County come from the Sheriff's Office based in LaBelle. This rural county in southwest Florida has about 42,000 residents. The sheriff provides law enforcement for the entire county, including LaBelle, Clewiston, and surrounding areas. All incident reports, arrest records, and booking logs are kept at the main office. Public access follows Florida's open records law, making most police documents available to anyone who requests them.
Hendry County Quick Facts
Hendry County Sheriff's Office
The Hendry County Sheriff's Office operates from LaBelle on West Cowboy Way. Deputies patrol the county, investigate crimes, and run the jail. All police reports created by deputies are stored at this location. The office handles public records requests during business hours. You can walk in, call, or send a written request by mail or email.
The sheriff's website at www.hendryfla.net/public_information/public_records_requests.php provides info on submitting public records requests. This page explains the process and what to expect when you ask for police records in Hendry County. Staff respond to requests according to Florida law timelines.
| Address |
Hendry County Sheriff's Office 101 S Bridge Street LaBelle, FL 33935 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (863) 674-5600 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Records Request Page | hendryfla.net/public_information/public_records_requests.php |
How to Get Police Records
Requesting police records from Hendry County is straightforward. Start by gathering details about the incident. Know the date, location, and names of people involved. If you have a case number, that helps too. The more info you provide, the faster staff can find your records.
For in-person requests, visit the sheriff's office in LaBelle during business hours. Bring your ID and incident details. Staff will help you fill out a request form. Simple requests often get processed the same day. Complex or large requests take longer in Hendry County.
Written requests can be sent by mail or email. Include your name, phone number, and mailing address. Describe what records you need clearly. Under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, agencies must respond within a reasonable time. Hendry County typically processes routine requests in a few business days.
What to include when requesting records in Hendry County:
- Your full name and contact info
- Date of the incident or date range
- Location where it happened
- Names of people involved
- Type of record (incident report, arrest record, crash report)
- Case or report number if known
Copy fees in Hendry County follow Florida law. Standard copies cost up to 15 cents per page for single-sided and 20 cents for double-sided. Electronic records sent by email may be free. Certified copies require official seals and cost more. Ask staff for a fee estimate if you're requesting many pages.
Types of Police Records Available
Incident reports are the main type of police record requested in Hendry County. These documents describe what happened when deputies responded to a call. They include the date, time, location, people involved, witness info, and the deputy's findings. Most incident reports become public once the investigation is closed.
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody by Hendry County deputies. The record lists the charges, arresting officer, and booking details. Booking logs from the jail include mugshots, fingerprints, and bond amounts. These logs are public records unless sealed by a judge.
Traffic crash reports can be ordered through the Florida state system. The Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles website at www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/ handles crash reports from all agencies. You pay a small fee and get the report by email. This works for crashes investigated by the sheriff or Florida Highway Patrol in Hendry County.
The Hendry County Clerk of Court maintains records for criminal and traffic cases that go through the court system. Their online database at www.hendryclerk.org/official-records/ lets you search by name or case number. You can view case status, charges, and dispositions. This complements police reports when you need the full story of a case in Hendry County.
Florida Statewide Police Resources
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement maintains criminal records for the entire state. FDLE's public records portal at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal handles requests for state-level police documents. This is useful if you need records from multiple agencies or statewide background checks.
FDLE also processes criminal background checks for $24 per person. These checks search the Florida criminal database. You submit fingerprints at approved vendors near Hendry County. Results come back in about one week. Call FDLE at (850) 410-8161 for background check questions.
The Florida Highway Patrol patrols US 27 and State Road 80 through Hendry County. For serious crashes or incidents on these routes, FHP may be the investigating agency. Contact them at www.flhsmv.gov/florida-highway-patrol/contact-fhp/ to request reports they created in Hendry County.
Public Records Law in Florida
Florida's public records law makes most police documents available to anyone. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes controls access in Hendry County. You have the right to inspect and copy records without explaining why you want them. Agencies must provide records within a reasonable time.
Some police records have exemptions. Active criminal investigations can be withheld until the case is closed. Confidential informant identities are protected. Juvenile records and sealed cases are not public. Personal details like social security numbers may be redacted from released records in Hendry County.
If the sheriff denies your request in Hendry County, they must cite the specific statute that exempts the records. You can challenge denials through the courts. Most issues get resolved by discussing the request with the records custodian before legal action is needed.
Note: You can inspect records for free before paying for copies in Hendry County.
Related Agencies in Hendry County
The Clewiston Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Clewiston. For incidents within the city, contact their department directly. Records from city police are separate from the sheriff's records. Make sure you know which agency responded to your incident in Hendry County.
The Hendry County Clerk of Court keeps court records for both criminal and civil cases. Their office is in the courthouse in LaBelle. You can search case files, get certified copies, and review court dockets. These records complement police reports when you need the full legal history of a case.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has law enforcement authority in wildlife management areas throughout Hendry County. Their officers write reports for incidents in conservation areas. These records are maintained separately from local police files.
Nearby Counties
Hendry County borders several southwest Florida counties. Check the exact location of your incident to make sure you contact the right agency. Each sheriff has jurisdiction only within their county lines.