Bradford County Police Records are public documents kept by the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office in Starke, Florida. These records include incident reports, arrest logs, traffic crash reports, and calls for service data.
Anyone can request them under Florida’s public records law. This page explains how to search, request, and obtain these records online, by mail, or in person.
Bradford County Sheriff’s Office Overview
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office serves as the main law enforcement agency for all of Bradford County, Florida. The office patrols unincorporated areas, runs the county jail, handles civil process service, and keeps all police records. Bradford County is a small north Florida county with about 28,000 residents across 293 square miles. The county seat is Starke, and the sheriff’s office operates from a single location in the city.
Office Location and Contact Details
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office sits at 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, Florida 32091. The main phone line is (904) 966-6161. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The public records clerk answers questions about open and closed case files during regular business hours. After hours, calls go to the non-emergency dispatch line.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency Name | Bradford County Sheriff’s Office |
| Address | 945 N Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091 |
| Phone | (904) 966-6161 |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Public Records Page | bradfordsheriff.org/commandstaff/public-records |
Services and Jurisdiction
The sheriff’s office covers all areas of Bradford County outside Starke city limits. Deputies respond to 911 calls, traffic crashes, criminal complaints, and civil papers. The office also manages the county jail and provides court security. All police records, except those held by the Starke Police Department, come from this agency.
Records Custodian Role
The records custodian at the sheriff’s office handles all public records requests. This person searches for reports, redacts exempt information, and prepares copies for release. Florida law requires the custodian to respond without delay. The custodian also tracks fees, logs requests, and files annual compliance reports with the state.
How to Request Bradford County Police Records
Requesting Bradford County Police Records starts with a clear written request. The more details you provide, the faster the search. Florida law gives agencies limited time to respond, so accuracy matters. You can submit requests in person, by mail, by email, or through the online form on the sheriff’s website.
Step-by-Step Request Process
The request process follows five basic steps. First, gather all known details about the incident. Second, write a clear request that lists each piece of information. Third, choose a delivery method. Fourth, pay any required fees. Fifth, wait for the agency to respond or ask for clarification.
- Gather the date, time, and location of the incident.
- Write the names of people, officers, and vehicles involved.
- List the type of report, such as crash, arrest, or incident.
- Include the case or report number when available.
- Submit the request through your chosen channel.
Required Information for Requests
Agencies need key facts to locate the right report. Without these details, staff may return a “no records found” response. Always include as much of the following data as possible in your request.
- Exact date and time of the event
- Street address, intersection, or specific location
- Full names of people involved
- Type of incident (theft, crash, arrest, etc.)
- Report or case number if known
- Officer name or badge number if available
Submission Methods
The sheriff’s office accepts requests through four main channels. In-person delivery happens at the front desk during office hours. Mail requests go to the records unit at the office address. Email requests go to the public records email listed on the agency website. The online form on bradfordsheriff.org offers the fastest digital option.
Response Time and Fees
Florida law requires agencies to respond “without delay.” Most simple requests get a response within 5 to 10 business days. Complex searches or large record sets can take up to 30 days. The standard copy fee is 15 cents per page. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. Payment by cash, check, or money order is accepted in person and by mail.
Types of Police Records Available
Bradford County Police Records cover many law enforcement activities. Most reports created during regular police work become public records. Some categories stay restricted under state and federal law. The list below shows the most common record types people request from the sheriff’s office.
Incident and Offense Reports
Incident reports document calls for service and criminal complaints. They include the dispatch call, officer observations, witness statements, and actions taken. Offense reports cover specific crimes, with details on suspects, victims, and evidence. Both types become public once any active investigation closes.
Arrest and Booking Records
Arrest reports list the person taken into custody, the charges, the time and location, and the arresting officer. Booking records come from the county jail and include fingerprints, mug shots, and bond amounts. These records are public unless a court seals them or the case involves a juvenile.
Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports come from the investigating agency. In Bradford County, the sheriff’s office handles most crashes, while the Florida Highway Patrol covers state roads like US 301 and SR 100. These reports include driver data, vehicle details, witness names, and a diagram of the scene.
Calls for Service Logs
Calls for service logs list the date, time, type of call, and location of every 911 and non-emergency call. They do not include personal details about callers or suspects. These logs help researchers, journalists, and residents track crime patterns across the county.
Restricted Record Categories
Some records stay confidential under Florida law. Juvenile criminal history, active investigation files, and certain victim data fall under restricted access. Personnel records, internal affairs files, and 911 audio recordings also have limits. The agency cites the exact statute when it denies a record.
Florida Public Records Law
Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country. Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes gives residents the right to access most government records, including police reports. The law covers all state and local agencies. Only specific exemptions block release, and those must be cited in writing.
Chapter 119 Explained
Chapter 119 says every person has the right to inspect and copy public records. “Public record” means any material made or received by an agency in connection with official business. The law applies to paper, digital, audio, and video formats. Agencies must keep records organized so they can be retrieved.
Exemptions and Denials
Florida law lists over 1,000 specific exemptions. Common ones for police records include active investigative files, informant identities, juvenile data, and certain victim information. When an agency denies a request, it must point to the exact statute. A blanket refusal without citation violates state law.
Legal Recourse Options
People whose requests are denied can file a lawsuit in circuit court. Courts often award attorney fees to people who win these cases. This rule pushes agencies to release records. Citizens can also contact the Florida Attorney General’s Office for help with public records disputes.
State and Regional Record Resources
Some police records sit outside the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office. State agencies keep their own files, and court records live in separate systems. Knowing where to look saves time and helps you get the right report the first time.
FDLE Criminal History Records
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) keeps statewide criminal history data. Their records show arrests and convictions across Florida, including Bradford County. Requests go through the FDLE public records portal at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal. The agency also processes background checks for employment and licensing.
Florida Highway Patrol Crash Reports
The Florida Highway Patrol handles crashes on state highways. Their online crash report system at flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/ covers all FHP-investigated crashes. Bradford County has US 301, SR 100, and other state roads where FHP may have taken the report. The system charges a small fee for each download.
Court Record Access
Court records come from the Bradford County Clerk of Court. Case files, dockets, and final judgments are public. The clerk’s website offers an online search for many case types. Some records, like sealed cases or juvenile files, remain restricted by court order.
Background Check Options
Background checks pull from multiple sources to create a full picture. Local police records show only what happened in that jurisdiction. State and federal checks fill in the rest. Most employers and licensing boards need a statewide or national check, not just local files.
FDLE Statewide Checks
An FDLE background check covers all Florida arrests and dispositions. You can request your own record for personal use. Third-party checks require signed consent and often fingerprints. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks, and fees range from $24 to $50 depending on the type.
FBI National Checks
FBI background checks cover all 50 states and federal jurisdictions. These checks need fingerprints taken at an approved site. The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office offers fingerprinting services during business hours. FBI checks take 4 to 8 weeks and cost about $18 per person.
Online Search Tools and Databases
Online search tools make it easier to find Bradford County Police Records. Official portals offer direct access to active cases and recent reports. Third-party sites pull data from many sources. Each option has its own strengths and limits.
Official Agency Portals
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office website hosts a public records request form. The Starke Police Department also keeps its own records. Both portals show how to file requests, track progress, and download released files. These sources are the most accurate for current data.
Third-Party Aggregator Sites
Third-party sites collect public records from many counties. They offer fast search by name and broad coverage. They often charge subscription fees. Data may be outdated because updates depend on the source agency. Always verify third-party results with the original record holder.
Accuracy and Limitations
Online tools only show records that have been digitized and indexed. Older paper files may not appear in search results. Name searches can return false matches if multiple people share the same name. Case number searches give the most accurate results when the number is known.
Cities and Communities in Bradford County
Bradford County has a few small cities and many unincorporated communities. Each municipality can have its own police department. The sheriff’s office covers all areas without a city police force. Knowing which agency handled the incident is the first step in any records request.
Starke Police Department
The Starke Police Department serves the city of Starke, the county seat. The department handles calls within city limits. Their records live in a separate system. Requests go to the Starke Police Department at 830 South Walnut Street, Starke, FL 32091. The phone number is (904) 964-5400.
Smaller Town Coverage
Towns like Lawtey, Hampton, Brooker, and Graham do not have their own police departments. Law enforcement in these areas comes from the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office. Records for events in these towns go through the sheriff’s public records process.
Contact Bradford County Sheriff’s Office
The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office welcomes in-person requests during business hours. Visitors should bring a valid photo ID and as much case detail as possible. The public records clerk can help narrow down searches and explain any fees. Phone and email options also work for simple requests.
Address: 945 N Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091
Phone: (904) 966-6161
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Public Records Page: bradfordsheriff.org/commandstaff/public-records
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover common issues people face when seeking Bradford County Police Records. Each answer gives direct, factual details based on Florida law and current agency practice. Use these responses to plan your request, avoid common errors, and know your rights if a request gets denied.
What Police Records Are Public in Bradford County?
Most police records in Bradford County are public under Florida’s Chapter 119 law. This includes incident reports, arrest records, traffic crash reports, and calls for service logs. Records become public once any active investigation closes. Sealed court orders and certain juvenile data stay confidential. The sheriff’s office cites the exact law when it denies a record.
How Long Does a Records Request Take?
Simple requests get a response within 5 to 10 business days. Complex searches, large record sets, or files with redactions can take up to 30 days. Florida law requires agencies to act “without delay.” If the request needs more time, the agency must explain why in writing. Tracking the request online helps you follow up at the right time.
Can I Get Police Records for Free?
Viewing records in person is free. The agency may charge for copies. The standard rate is 15 cents per page for regular copies. Certified copies cost $1 per page plus a $2 certification fee. There is no fee to search for records that turn out not to exist. Some online crash report systems charge separate access fees.
What Records Stay Confidential?
Several record types stay confidential in Florida. Active investigative files stay closed until the case ends. Juvenile arrest records are restricted by law. Informant identities, certain victim data, and 911 audio recordings are also exempt. Personnel files and internal affairs investigations are not public. Each denial must cite a specific statute.
How Do I Find Old Case Numbers?
Old case numbers can be hard to find. Start with the agency that handled the incident. Provide the date, names, and location to help staff search. Court records from the Bradford County Clerk may also have case numbers. Private databases sometimes index older cases, but you should always verify with the original source.
Can Juvenile Records Be Released?
Juvenile records stay confidential in most cases. Florida law protects the identity of minors involved in the justice system. Some juvenile records become public if the minor is charged as an adult. A court order can also unseal specific files. Parents or guardians can request their own child’s records in certain situations.
What If My Request Gets Denied?
If a request is denied, the agency must cite the specific Florida statute that allows the denial. You can ask the records custodian for a written explanation. If you still disagree, you can file a lawsuit in Bradford County circuit court. Courts often award attorney fees to people who win these cases. You can also contact the Florida Attorney General for help.