West Palm Beach City Police Records are the official reports, logs, and case files kept by the West Palm Beach Police Department, also called WPBPD. The records cover incident reports, arrest reports, traffic crash reports, 911 audio, and computer-aided dispatch logs.
Anyone in the public can ask for these records under Florida law. You can order them online, by email, mail, fax, or in person. The records division at 600 Banyan Boulevard handles every request for cases that took place inside the city limits. This page explains how to get a West Palm Beach police report, what record types exist, what each one costs, and who to call for each type of request.
West Palm Beach Police Department
The West Palm Beach Police Department serves the city of West Palm Beach, which is the county seat of Palm Beach County. The department runs patrol units, a detective bureau, a traffic unit, and a records division. The records division stores all case files, incident reports, and arrest records. It also answers public records requests from lawyers, insurance firms, media, and the public. The agency works under the Chief of Police and the city manager. WPBPD covers about 55 square miles of land and water inside the city.
Department Address and Phone Numbers
The main police building sits in downtown West Palm Beach. You can visit the front desk for help in person. The non-emergency line is open all day, every day, for callers who need to report a non-urgent issue or check on a case. For any real emergency, always dial 911. The full contact list appears below so you can reach the right office the first time.
- Main Address: 600 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
- Non-Emergency Phone: (561) 822-1900
- Emergency Phone: 911
- Records Division Phone: (561) 822-1880
- Records Email: policeprr@wpb.org
- Official Website: wpb.org/departments/police-department
Records Division Hours of Operation
The records division takes requests Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The lobby window closes for a short lunch break around midday. Phone lines stay open during business hours. Email requests get logged at any time of day, even overnight, but staff answer them during open hours. Plan ahead for city holidays, which the city calendar posts each year. The records lobby is closed on weekends.
Florida Public Records Law Explained
Florida’s public records law, called Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes (FSS 119), gives every person the right to see and copy government records. This includes police reports kept by the West Palm Beach Police Department. The law covers all Florida cities, counties, and state agencies. You do not need to live in West Palm Beach to ask for records. You do not need to give a reason for your request. The agency must respond in a reasonable amount of time. The same law covers the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Who Can Request Records Under FSS 119
Any person, business, or group can submit a request. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen. You do not need to be a Florida resident. You do not need to be tied to the case in any way. The only rule is that the records must be public under state law. The agency will not ask why you want the records. They will only check if the records can be released at all. Most adult requesters face no limits at all.
Records Exempt From Public Disclosure
Some records cannot be released. Active criminal investigation files stay sealed until the case is closed. Juvenile records get extra protection under state law. Body camera footage may need redaction before release. Personal data like Social Security numbers, home addresses of victims, and medical details get removed before any release. The agency must cite the exact law when they deny a request. They cannot deny a request without a legal reason.
Response Times and Copy Fees
Florida law gives agencies a “reasonable” time to respond. Simple requests often take 3 to 5 business days. Large requests with many reports can take 30 days or more. The first 15 minutes of staff time are free. After that, you pay for the time it takes to locate, copy, and redact records. Copies cost $0.15 per page for one-sided copies and $0.20 per page for two-sided copies. The agency sends a written cost estimate before they start the work. You pay before the records get released.
Types of Police Records You Can Request
West Palm Beach police records cover many document types. Each type has a different release process. Some take minutes to get. Others take weeks. Knowing the right type helps you get the right record the first time you ask. The list below shows the main record types you can request from WPBPD. Each type has its own form, fee, and waiting period.
Incident Reports and Case Files
Incident reports are the most common record. Officers write them after responding to a call for service. The report lists the date, time, location, names of people involved, and what the officers saw or did. You can get reports for theft, burglary, assault, vandalism, fraud, and many other crimes. The report number or case number speeds up your request. You can see this number on any notice, letter, or email you got from police.
Arrest Records and Booking Records
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody. The record lists the charges, the date, and the arresting officer. Arrest data gets sent to the Palm Beach County jail right after booking. The Sheriff’s Office keeps the booking photos and jail logs. You can ask WPBPD for the arrest report itself. You can ask PBSO for the booking photos and jail records. Arrest data also goes to the FDLE state database for background checks.
Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports come from the officer who came to the scene. The report shows who was involved, what damage took place, and any tickets given. You can ask WPBPD for crashes on city streets. For state roads and interstates, contact the Florida Highway Patrol. Most crash reports are ready within 5 to 10 days after the crash. The state system takes longer than the local office. Crash reports for hit-and-run cases can take several weeks.
Body Camera Footage and 911 Audio
Body camera video and 911 call audio are public records in Florida. They take longer to release than paper reports. Staff must watch each video and listen to each audio clip to remove faces, voices, and other private data. A short video clip may take 1 to 2 weeks. A long video may take 30 to 60 days. You pay for the redaction time at the staff hourly rate. Always ask about the cost before you submit a large request for footage.
Computer-Aided Dispatch Records
Computer-aided dispatch records, also called CAD logs, show every call that came into the 911 center. The log lists the call type, the time of the call, the unit that responded, and the final outcome. CAD logs are public records under Florida law. You can request them from WPBPD or from PBSO, depending on which agency answered the call. CAD logs often have personal data redacted before release. The redaction follows state law.
How to Get a Police Report in West Palm Beach
You have five ways to ask for a West Palm Beach police report. Pick the way that fits your case and your timeline. The fastest path is the online portal for simple requests. Email works well for written requests and document attachments. Mail is good for people who live outside the area. Fax is rare but still used by some law firms. In-person visits work when you need the record the same day. Each method has its own steps and time frame.
Submit a Request Through the Online Portal
The city runs an online public records portal through the city website. You fill out a form with your name, contact data, and details about the record. Include the case number, report number, date, and address of the incident. The portal sends your request to the records division right away. You get a tracking number by email. Check the portal for status updates. The portal accepts credit card payments for any fees. Most online requests get an answer within 3 business days.
Send a Request by Email
Email requests go to policeprr@wpb.org. Put “Public Records Request” in the subject line. List the case number, date, location, and names. Add your phone number and mailing address. The records staff will reply with a fee estimate. Pay the fee by mail or through the online portal. The records get emailed or mailed when payment clears. Email is best for one or two reports. Use a separate email for each case so the staff can track them.
Mail a Written Request
Mail a letter to the records division at 600 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Include the case number, date, and location in the letter. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return mail. Include a check or money order for the fee. The agency will not cash the check until the record is ready. Mail is the best option when you live outside Florida or want a paper record of your request.
Fax a Records Request
Fax a request to the records division at the number listed on the website. Include the case number, date, and location. Add your return fax number or mailing address. Fax is rare today, but it still works for simple requests. Include payment data if the fee is known up front. Some agencies no longer take fax requests, so call first to confirm the fax number is active. The fax line shares the main office number at most agencies.
Pick Up Records in Person
Visit the records division at 600 Banyan Boulevard. Bring a photo ID. Tell the clerk what you need. Pay the fee at the front window. The clerk may print the record while you wait. Simple reports take 10 to 15 minutes to pull. Old reports may need a longer search. In-person pickup is the fastest way to get a record the same day. The front desk accepts cash, check, money order, and credit card payments.
Search by Name or Case Number
The records division can search by person name or case number. A name search needs a first and last name plus a date range. The system will list all reports for that name within the date range. A case number search is faster. The case number looks like “WPB-2024-001234.” You can see this number on any letter, ticket, or notice you got from police. Bring the case number to speed up your request and lower the fee.
Ordering Traffic Crash Reports in West Palm Beach
Traffic crash reports go through a different system than other police reports. The state keeps the official copy. The local police keep a working copy. Most people order the state copy for legal and insurance use. The state system costs less and ships faster. Local copies work for some court cases. The state copy works for all official use. The state system also lets you download the report as a PDF right away.
Florida Crash Report Costs
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) sets the price. A long-form crash report costs $10. A short-form report costs $8. A certified copy costs extra. Payment goes by credit card, check, or money order. Reports older than 5 years may cost more due to archive fees. Some third-party websites add a fee for searching. The state site does not charge extra. Always use the state site to save money.
How to Order From FLHSMV
Visit the FLHSMV crash report portal at flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports. Enter the crash date, county, and city. Add at least one name from the crash. The system will locate the report. Pay the fee by credit card. Download the PDF right away or wait for the mail copy. The mail copy takes 7 to 10 business days. Most people get the report within 24 hours through the online download option.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Records
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, also called PBSO, covers the unincorporated parts of Palm Beach County. PBSO also runs the county jail and assists city police on regional cases. If your case involved a deputy instead of a city officer, you need PBSO records. The Sheriff’s Office keeps jail records, booking photos, and warrant lists. Contact PBSO for all inmate-related queries and for any case outside the city limits.
Jail and Booking Records
The main county jail sits in West Palm Beach. PBSO keeps all booking records and jail logs. The online inmate search tool is free to use. You can search by name or booking date. Booking photos get posted online once the booking is done. To get a copy of the full jail file, submit a records request to PBSO. The fee schedule matches the city rates. The PBSO address is on the PBSO website home page.
When to Contact PBSO Instead
Contact PBSO if a deputy responded to your call. Contact PBSO if the case happened outside the city. Contact PBSO for any jail or inmate question. Contact PBSO for warrant checks. PBSO does not handle city cases. WPBPD does not handle county cases. Check the agency name on any notice you got to pick the right one. The agency name is at the top of any letter or report you received.
FDLE and Statewide Criminal Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, called FDLE, keeps the statewide criminal history database. Every arrest in Florida goes to FDLE. This includes arrests by WPBPD, PBSO, and all other Florida agencies. FDLE runs background checks for jobs, licenses, and immigration cases. You can ask FDLE for your own record or for state-level crime data. FDLE also tracks sex offenders and missing persons across the state.
FDLE Public Records Portal
FDLE runs a public records portal at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal. You can search for arrest data, crime stats, and agency reports. The portal has a fee schedule posted on the site. The fee covers staff time to search and copy records. The portal accepts online payments. Most requests take 5 to 10 business days to process. Large data requests can take 30 days. FDLE works with local agencies to gather records when needed.
Statewide Background Check Requests
To get your own criminal history, use the FDLE record request form. The form is on the FDLE website at fdle.state.fl.us. The fee is $24 for a name check and $30 for a fingerprint check. Mail the form and fee to FDLE in Tallahassee. The result comes by mail in 2 to 4 weeks. You can also use an FDLE-approved vendor for faster service. LiveScan fingerprinting is available at many local sheriff’s offices.
Court Records and the Clerk of Court
Court records for criminal cases get kept by the Palm Beach County Clerk of Court. The clerk maintains case files, court dockets, and judgment records. Some court records are online. Other records need a visit to the courthouse. The clerk charges fees for certified copies of court documents. The main courthouse sits in downtown West Palm Beach. The clerk also handles marriage licenses, civil cases, and traffic tickets.
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
The Clerk of Court office is at 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The phone number is (561) 355-2996. Office hours run from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can search the court docket online for free. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. The clerk accepts cash, check, and credit card. There is also a branch office in Delray Beach and Belle Glade.
Online Court Record Search
The clerk runs an online portal for court records. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The portal shows case status, hearing dates, and judgment entries. Some documents cost a fee to view. Others are free. The portal works for both criminal and civil cases. The search tool is free to use. You pay only for the document copies. The portal works on phones, tablets, and computers.
Common Reasons People Request Police Records
People ask for police reports for many reasons. The most common reasons involve insurance, court cases, and personal checks. The records division sees thousands of requests each year. Knowing your reason helps the staff locate the right record. It also helps you pick the right type of report for your needs. The list below shows the most common reasons people contact the records division in West Palm Beach.
Insurance and Accident Claims
Insurance companies need a crash report to process a claim. The report shows fault, damage, and injuries. Most insurers will not pay a claim without a police report. Request the report within 24 to 48 hours of the crash. The FLHSMV portal is the fastest way to get the state copy. Your insurance agent can also order the report for you with a signed release form. The state system accepts insurance company logins for bulk requests.
Records for Legal Cases
Lawyers need police reports for criminal defense, civil suits, and personal injury cases. The report lists witnesses, evidence, and officer notes. Court deadlines often control the request timeline. A written request with the case number speeds up the process. Some lawyers use a subpoena instead of a public records request. Talk to your lawyer about the best method. Subpoenas work for active cases. Public records requests work for closed cases.
Personal Background Checks
Some people want their own criminal record for a job, license, or immigration case. Request your own record from FDLE for the full state view. You can also ask WPBPD for any local incident reports that name you. The records division will only release your record to you with valid photo ID. The fee is the same as for any public records request. The result shows arrests, dispositions, and case outcomes.
West Palm Beach Police Contact and Location
The West Palm Beach Police Department sits in the heart of downtown. The address is 600 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The building has a public lobby where you can ask for records in person. The map below shows the exact location near city hall and the courthouse. Free street parking is available nearby. Paid parking garages sit within a short walk of the front door.
| Contact Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 600 Banyan Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 |
| Non-Emergency Phone | (561) 822-1900 |
| Records Division Phone | (561) 822-1880 |
| Records Email | policeprr@wpb.org |
| Website | wpb.org/departments/police-department |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common things people ask about West Palm Beach police records. Each answer gives clear steps and the right contact point. The questions cover cost, timing, online access, and what to do if your request gets denied. Read through to locate the right path for your case. If your question is not here, call the records division at (561) 822-1880 for direct help.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report?
Simple requests through the online portal or in person take 1 to 3 business days. Email and mail requests take 5 to 7 business days. Large requests with many reports take 30 days. Body camera video and 911 audio take 30 to 60 days. The agency must respond in a “reasonable” time under FSS 119. Always ask for a tracking number when you submit a request. The tracking number lets you check status and follow up if needed.
Can I Get a Police Report for Free?
Florida law makes the first 15 minutes of staff time free. If your request takes less than 15 minutes to fill, you pay nothing for the search time. Most simple incident reports fall in this group. You still pay for paper copies. The fee is $0.15 per one-sided page and $0.20 per two-sided page. Some online services are free for basic searches but charge for full document copies. The FLHSMV crash report system charges a flat fee per report.
What If My Request Gets Denied?
The agency must cite the exact law that blocks the release. You can ask the agency to reconsider the denial. You can file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General. You can also sue the agency in court to force the release. A lawyer who handles public records cases can help. The law favors release, so denials are rare for closed cases. Active cases and juvenile records are the most common reasons for denial.
Can I Get Records From Another City Through WPBPD?
No. WPBPD only handles cases from inside the city of West Palm Beach. For other cities, contact that city’s police department. For county areas, contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. For state records, contact FDLE. Each agency keeps its own records. Trying to get all records from one place will cause delays. The records division will return your request with a referral to the right agency if you ask the wrong one.
How Do I Find My Case Number?
Your case number is on any letter, email, or notice you got from police. It looks like “WPB-2024-001234.” The number is on the bottom of a traffic ticket. It is on the top of any officer business card. It is on any voicemail message you got from the officer. If you lost the number, you can call the records division and ask for a name search. The name search needs your full name and a date range for the incident.
Are Arrest Records and Incident Reports the Same?
No. An incident report is written when officers respond to a call. An arrest report is written when someone is taken into custody. Many arrests come from incident reports, but the two documents are separate records. A simple theft call may only have an incident report if no arrest happened. A DUI stop will have both an incident report and an arrest report. Each report has its own number and its own fee.
Can I Get a Police Report if the Case Is Still Active?
Active criminal cases are exempt from release under Florida law. The agency will hold your request until the case is closed. You can ask for status updates by phone. The case becomes public when the investigation ends, the suspect is charged, or the case goes to court. Some active cases get partial release with redactions. The records staff can tell you what you can get now and what you must wait for.