Clearwater City Police Records include incident reports, arrest logs, traffic crash reports, and 911 call audio. The Clearwater Police Department keeps these records for the city of Clearwater in Pinellas County, Florida.
Anyone can ask for copies under Florida public records law. You do not need to live in Clearwater. You do not need a reason to ask. This page explains how to get police reports, who to call, what fees you may pay, and where to search online.
Clearwater Police Department Overview
The Clearwater Police Department is the main law enforcement agency for the city. It serves over 117,000 residents. The department has patrol officers, detectives, traffic units, and a records division. The records division handles all public requests for police files. Most reports filed inside the city limits stay with the police department. Reports filed in unincorporated parts of the county go to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
Agency Role and Jurisdiction
CPD officers respond to calls inside the Clearwater city limits. They patrol streets, investigate crimes, arrest suspects, and write reports. The department also works with state and federal agencies on joint cases. For any record filed by a CPD officer, you contact the city police. For records filed by deputies, you contact the county Sheriff’s Office.
Headquarters Location
The Clearwater Police Department headquarters sits at 645 Pierce Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. The building houses the records division, detectives, and the chief’s office. You can visit in person during business hours. Bring a photo ID. Bring the case number if you have one. The lobby opens Monday through Friday during standard city hours.
How to Reach the Records Division
You can reach the records division by phone, email, mail, or in person. The non-emergency line is (727) 562-4242. Call this number and ask for the records unit. For emergencies, dial 911. The department website is myclearwater.com/police. You can also send a written request by mail to the headquarters address.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 645 Pierce Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 |
| Non-Emergency Phone | (727) 562-4242 |
| Emergency Phone | 911 |
| Website | myclearwater.com/police |
Types of Police Records Available
Clearwater City Police Records cover many document types. Some records are free. Others cost money. Some records take hours. Others take weeks. The type of record you need decides the cost and wait time. Below are the main record types you can request.
Incident Reports
Incident reports describe what officers found at a scene. They include the date, time, location, names, and a short story of the event. You can ask for incident reports for theft, burglary, assault, vandalism, and other crimes. Reports are usually ready a few days after the incident. Active investigations may stay sealed until the case closes.
Arrest Records
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody. They list the charges, booking date, and arresting officer. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office keeps jail records. You can search the Sheriff’s website for current inmates. For older arrest records, you submit a public records request. Most adult arrest records are open to the public.
Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports cover car accidents. If police came to your accident, they filed a report. You can order a Florida crash report from the state. The cost is $10 for a long-form report and $8 for a short-form report. You need the crash date and county. Reports are ready within days of the crash through the FLHSMV portal.
911 Calls and Body Camera Footage
911 call audio and body camera video are public records. They take longer to release. The agency must review the files and remove private details. You may pay for staff time if the review runs long. Always ask about the cost before submitting a large video request. Body cam video often takes 30 days or more to process.
How to Request Police Records
You can request Clearwater City Police Records online, by mail, or in person. Each method works the same under state law. The agency must respond to your request in a reasonable time. They can charge for staff time and copies. Always keep a copy of your request for your own files.
Florida Public Records Law (Chapter 119)
Florida’s public records law is Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law says any person can ask for government records. You do not need to be a citizen. You do not need to live in the state. You do not need to give a reason. Agencies must release records unless a specific law blocks them. The Clearwater Police Department follows Chapter 119 for all police reports.
What Details You Need to Provide
You should give the agency as much detail as possible. A good request includes the date of the incident, the location, names of people involved, and a case number. The more you share, the faster the search goes. A vague request may be sent back for more detail. Vague requests can also lead to higher fees.
- Date or date range of the incident
- Street address or location of the incident
- Full names of people involved
- Case or report number (if known)
- Type of record you want (incident, arrest, crash)
Request Methods
You have three main ways to file a public records request with CPD. You can use the online portal, send a letter by mail, or walk into the station. Each path leads to the same records unit. Pick the method that works best for you.
- Online: Use the JustFOIA portal on the city website.
- Mail: Send a written request to the records division at 645 Pierce Street.
- In person: Visit the station during business hours and fill out a form.
Fees and Processing Time
Florida law says the first 15 minutes of staff time are free. After that, you pay for labor. Copies cost extra. Simple requests often stay free. Large requests may run hundreds of dollars. The agency gives you a cost estimate before they start work. You can narrow your request to lower the fee. Payment is often required before records are released.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| First 15 minutes of staff time | Free |
| Staff time after 15 minutes | Per agency fee schedule |
| Paper copies | Per page rate |
| Crash report (long form) | $10 |
| Crash report (short form) | $8 |
| Certified copies | Extra fee per page |
Clearwater Police Online Portal
The city of Clearwater uses the JustFOIA system for online records requests. The portal lets you file requests, upload documents, and track progress. You can access it from any device with internet. The portal is free to use. You only pay for staff time and copies.
How the Portal Works
JustFOIA is a public records platform. Clearwater Police uses it to manage incoming requests. You create a free account. You fill out a form with the details of your request. You submit it. The records team reviews it. They reply through the portal with a cost estimate or the records. All messages stay in one place.
Login and Submission Steps
To start a request, go to the Clearwater public records portal at web.clearwaterflorida.org/Law-Enforcement/Clearwater-Police-Dept-6936. Click the login or new user button. Enter your name, email, and a password. Confirm your account by email. Then open a new request. Type the details of the report you need. Upload any supporting files. Click submit.
Tracking Your Request
After you submit, you can log in at any time to check the status. The portal shows if your request is open, in review, or closed. The agency sends messages through the portal. You can reply with more details or pay fees through the same system. You can also download finished records from the portal.
Pinellas County Sheriff Records
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office handles some law enforcement in Clearwater. Deputies patrol unincorporated areas. They also run the county jail. You may need the Sheriff’s Office for jail records, warrants, and county-level incidents. The Sheriff also helps city police on major cases.
Jail and Inmate Records
The county jail is in Clearwater. Anyone arrested in the city goes to the Pinellas County Jail. You can search for current inmates on the Sheriff’s website. For inmates released more than 30 days ago, you file a public records request. The Sheriff uses its own portal for these requests. Booking photos are also public through the same request.
Warrants Search
The Sheriff’s Office lists active warrants. You can search by name. Warrants include the charges, the issuing court, and bond amount. Some warrants are sealed. Sealed warrants do not show up in public searches. Warrants stay active until the person is arrested or a judge cancels them.
Crime Map and Stats
Pinellas County has a public crime map. The map shows recent calls for service, arrests, and reported crimes. You can filter by date and city. The map pulls data from CPD, the Sheriff, and other local police agencies. The tool is at egis.pinellas.gov/apps/CrimeViewer/. The map updates daily with new calls.
Statewide Records (FDLE)
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement keeps statewide criminal history. FDLE collects arrest data from every police agency in Florida, including Clearwater PD. You can request a statewide criminal history for background checks or legal use. FDLE is the central source for Florida criminal records.
Statewide Criminal History
You can ask FDLE for a Florida criminal history record. The record lists arrests, dispositions, and sentences from all Florida counties. You must provide fingerprints or a notarized waiver. The cost is set by state law. You can call FDLE at (850) 410-8161 to start a request. Results usually arrive within two weeks.
Background Checks
FDLE runs official background checks. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards often ask for these checks. You can also run a check on yourself. Results come by mail or email. The state has an online portal for requests at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal. Some checks require fingerprinting at an approved location.
Court Records and Clerk of Court
Court records are separate from police records. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court keeps court files. These files include criminal cases, civil cases, traffic tickets, and judgments. You can search many court records online. Court records go back many years in the online system.
Case File Access
The Clerk’s website has a case search tool. You can look up criminal cases by name or case number. The search shows charges, court dates, and rulings. Some files are sealed by the court. Sealed files do not show up in public searches. You can view most public case files online at no cost.
Certified Copies
You can ask the Clerk for certified copies of court orders, judgments, and other legal documents. Certified copies have a court seal. They cost more than regular copies. You may need certified copies for immigration, name changes, or appeals. The Clerk’s office is in the Pinellas County Courthouse in Clearwater.
Common Reasons People Request Records
People ask for Clearwater City Police Records for many reasons. Some need records for insurance. Some need them for jobs. Some need them for court. Here are the most common uses people have for police reports in Clearwater.
Insurance Claims
After a car crash, your insurance company asks for the police crash report. The report proves the accident happened. It shows who was at fault. Without the report, your claim may take longer to process. Most insurers accept a regular copy, but some ask for a certified copy. Keep a copy of the report for your own files.
Personal Background Checks
You can run a background check on yourself. This shows what shows up when an employer searches your name. You can fix errors before they cause problems. You can also see if old charges still appear after they were dropped or sealed. Self-checks cost less than third-party background check services.
Legal Proceedings
Attorneys often need police reports for lawsuits, divorce cases, and criminal defense. Police reports are key evidence in many legal matters. You can ask for a copy to share with your lawyer. The records division can provide copies directly to attorneys with a signed release from the client.
Personal Records
You may want a copy of a report filed about you. For example, if someone called the police on you during a dispute. The report shows what officers wrote down. You have the right to see this report under Florida law. Personal copies are common after domestic disputes, traffic stops, and neighbor conflicts.
Important Details About Record Access
Some records are exempt from public release. The agency must cite the law that blocks release. You can appeal a denial in court. Common exemptions include active investigations, juvenile records, and personal details like social security numbers. Each denial must give a clear legal reason.
Exempt Records
Florida law blocks some records from public view. Active criminal investigations are often sealed until the case closes. Juvenile records have extra protections. Personal details like home addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers are redacted from public copies. Informant identities are always protected.
Redaction Process
Before release, the agency removes private details. Officers black out names of victims, witnesses, and minors in some cases. They also remove medical details, financial account numbers, and other sensitive data. You get a redacted copy unless a court orders a full release. Redaction is done by trained records staff.
Appeals and Disputes
If the agency denies your request, they must tell you why. They must cite the exact law that allows the denial. If you think the denial is wrong, you can file a lawsuit. The court reviews the case and may order the agency to release the record. Many denials are reversed on appeal.
Florida Highway Patrol Records
The Florida Highway Patrol handles traffic enforcement on state roads and interstates. Some crashes in Clearwater involve FHP troopers, especially on US 19, State Road 60, and other major highways. For these records, you contact FHP through the FLHSMV.
FHP Contact Details
You can reach the Florida Highway Patrol through the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The website is flhsmv.gov. FHP keeps crash reports and enforcement records for state highways. Crash reports filed by troopers go through the same FLHSMV portal as city crash reports. The cost and process are the same.
State Road Coverage in Clearwater
Several major roads run through Clearwater. US 19, State Road 60, and Alt. 19 are state roads. Crashes on these roads may involve FHP. Crashes on city streets involve CPD. Check your crash paperwork to see which agency responded. The agency name shows on the report number.
Medical Examiner Records
The Pinellas County Medical Examiner handles death investigations. This includes deaths in Clearwater that fall under the ME’s office. Medical Examiner records are public under Florida law. The Medical Examiner’s office responds to public records requests by phone and mail.
How to Request ME Records
You can call the Pinellas County Medical Examiner Records Custodian at (727) 582-6800. Ask to speak with the records custodian. Provide the date of death and the name of the person. The ME charges fees for copies and staff time. Some autopsy photos and sensitive details are exempt from release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about Clearwater City Police Records. These cover the most frequent requests and common problems people face. Each answer gives you clear steps to follow. If your question is not here, contact the records division directly for help.
How long does it take to get a police report in Clearwater?
Most police reports are ready within five to ten business days. Simple requests with a case number come back faster. Large requests with many files take longer. Body camera video and 911 audio take extra time for redaction. You can check the status of your request in the JustFOIA portal at any time. If your request sits longer than 30 days, contact the records division by phone to ask about delays.
Can I get a police report online?
Yes. The Clearwater Police Department uses the JustFOIA system for online requests. Go to web.clearwaterflorida.org/Law-Enforcement/Clearwater-Police-Dept-6936. Create a free account. Submit your request with as much detail as possible. Pay any fees through the portal. You can also track progress and download finished files from the same system.
What if I lost my case number?
You can still file a request without a case number. The records team can search by date, location, and names. Add as many details as you can remember. A clear date and street name speed up the search. The agency may charge more for searches without a case number. Searches across many possible matches take longer to process.
Are arrest records public in Florida?
Yes. Most arrest records are public under Chapter 119. You can search current inmates through the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. For older arrests, file a public records request. Some juvenile arrests stay sealed even after the person turns 18. Sealed and expunged records do not appear in public searches or background checks.
How much does a police report cost?
Florida law gives you the first 15 minutes of staff time for free. After that, you pay per the agency fee schedule. Copies cost extra per page. Traffic crash reports cost $10 for a long form and $8 for a short form through FLHSMV. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Large requests can run into hundreds of dollars in staff time.
Can I get someone else’s police report?
Yes. Police reports are public records. You do not need to know the person. You do not need their permission. The report is open to anyone who asks. The agency redacts private details like social security numbers before release. Witness names and victim details are also redacted in some cases.
What if my request is denied?
The agency must send you a written denial. The denial must cite the exact Florida law that blocks release. If you think the denial is wrong, you can appeal in court. You can also contact a lawyer for help. Many attorneys handle public records disputes for free or low cost. You can also file a complaint with the Florida Attorney General’s office.
Clearwater Police Department
Address: 645 Pierce Street, Clearwater, FL 33756
Non-Emergency Phone: (727) 562-4242
Emergency Phone: 911
Website: myclearwater.com/police
Public Records Portal: web.clearwaterflorida.org/Law-Enforcement/Clearwater-Police-Dept-6936
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Website: pinellassheriff.org
Crime Map: egis.pinellas.gov/apps/CrimeViewer/
Public Records: pinellas.gov/public-records/
Medical Examiner Records: (727) 582-6800
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)
Phone: (850) 410-8161
Website: fdle.state.fl.us
Public Records Portal: fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal