Escambia County police records are official documents created by law enforcement agencies in Escambia County. The name “Escambia County” applies to two separate places in the southern United States.
One county sits in the western panhandle of Florida. The other county sits in south Alabama. Both counties keep their own police records. This page explains how to get police reports, arrest logs, and incident files from each county. You will learn the right agency to contact. You will see the steps to send a request. You will also learn which records stay open to the public and which stay sealed.
What Are Escambia County Police Records
Police records are written reports made by officers and deputies. They show what happened during a call, arrest, crash, or investigation. Each record has a case number, a date, a location, and the names of people involved. Records cover crimes, traffic crashes, missing persons, and other events handled by police. Most records become public once a case closes. Some records stay sealed by court order. Others stay hidden because an active investigation is still open.
Types of Records You Can Request
You can ask for many kinds of police records in Escambia County. The most common type is the incident report. Other types include arrest records, booking photos, traffic crash reports, and call logs. You can also request records for warrants, citations, and criminal history checks. Each agency keeps its own set of records based on the events it handled.
- Incident and offense reports
- Arrest and booking records
- Traffic crash reports
- 911 call logs and dispatch records
- Warrant records and criminal history
- Citation and ticket records
Who Maintains These Records
Each city and county in Escambia has its own police agency. The Sheriff’s Office covers the unincorporated areas outside city limits. City police departments cover the cities inside the county. State agencies cover highway crashes and statewide criminal checks. You need to send your request to the agency with authority over the place where the event happened. Sending a request to the wrong agency leads to delays or a denial.
Escambia County Florida Police Records
Escambia County in Florida covers about 664 square miles in the western panhandle. The county seat is Pensacola. The main police agencies are the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Pensacola Police Department. Both agencies keep their own records. Both follow the Florida Public Records Act under Chapter 119 of Florida law.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Records
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) handles calls in the unincorporated parts of the county. Deputies also run the county jail. The Sheriff’s Office keeps incident reports, arrest records, and jail booking records. The main office is at 1700 West Leonard Street in Pensacola, Florida. The phone number for the Public Records Unit is (850) 436-9630. The office stays open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is www.escambiaso.com. The public records page sits at www.escambiaso.com/publicRecords.
Pensacola Police Department Records
The Pensacola Police Department covers events inside the city of Pensacola. The department keeps its own incident reports and arrest records. The address is 711 North Hayne Street in Pensacola, Florida. The public records phone line is (850) 435-1900. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The official website is www.cityofpensacola.com. The public records request page sits at www.cityofpensacola.com/2995/Police-Public-Records-Requests.
Online Request Portal for Florida
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office uses an online portal called JustFOIA. You can submit a request any time of day at escambiaso.justfoia.com/publicportal. The portal accepts new requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can check your request status by logging in with your email. The system sends you an email when the records are ready. Most requests get a response within 3 to 5 business days.
Escambia County Alabama Police Records
Escambia County in Alabama sits in the south-central part of the state. The county seat is Brewton. The county has its own Sheriff’s Office. The cities of Brewton, Atmore, and East Brewton each have their own police departments. All of these agencies keep police records for events in their jurisdiction. The Alabama Open Records Act lets you ask for these records from each agency.
Escambia County Alabama Sheriff’s Office
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama covers the unincorporated parts of the county. The main office sits at 316 Court Street in Brewton, Alabama. The phone number for records is (251) 867-0304. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Sheriff’s Office keeps incident reports, arrest records, and jail records. You can ask for records in person, by mail, or by phone. The office follows the Alabama Open Records Act for all release decisions.
Brewton Police Department Records
The Brewton Police Department handles calls inside the city of Brewton. The address is 1010 DuPont Street in Brewton, Alabama. The phone number is (251) 867-3212. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The department keeps police reports for events that happened within Brewton city limits. You can ask for a copy in person or by mail.
Atmore Police Department Records
The Atmore Police Department covers the city of Atmore. The address is 201 East Louisville Avenue in Atmore, Alabama. The phone number is (251) 368-9141. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The department keeps its own reports and arrest records. You can file a public records request in person or by mail.
How to Request Police Records in Escambia County
You can ask for police records in Escambia County in three ways. You can use the online portal. You can send a written request by mail. You can also visit the agency in person. Each method has its own steps. Online requests are the fastest. Mail requests take longer because of post time. In-person requests let you ask questions and often get a same-day answer.
Online Request Methods
The online method is the fastest way to get police records. For the Florida Sheriff’s Office, go to escambiaso.justfoia.com/publicportal. For the Pensacola Police Department, use the city’s public records portal. For Alabama agencies, call or email the department to ask about online access. The form asks for your name, address, phone number, and email. It also asks for a description of the records you want. You need the case number if you have one.
- Go to the agency’s online portal
- Create an account with your email address
- Fill in the request form with case details
- Submit the form and save your confirmation number
- Wait for an email when the records are ready
- Log in to download or view the records
In-Person and Mail Requests
In-person requests work well if you live near the agency. Bring a photo ID with you. Tell the front desk you want to file a public records request. Staff will give you a form to fill out. They will tell you the cost for copies. Mail requests work for people who cannot visit in person. Send a written letter with your name, address, phone number, and a clear description of the records. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the reply. Mail your request to the agency’s records unit.
Required Information and Fees
Each request needs certain details to help staff find the right records. The more details you give, the faster the search. You should always include the date, location, and names of the people involved. The case number helps a lot if you have it. Copy fees vary by agency. Many agencies charge 15 cents per page in Florida. Some Alabama agencies charge 50 cents per page. Some records have no fee at all. Always ask about the cost before you submit your request.
| Detail Needed | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Date of incident | Narrows the search to a specific day |
| Location of incident | Confirms the right agency has records |
| Full names of people | Helps find arrest and witness records |
| Case or report number | Speeds up the search for one report |
| Type of record wanted | Focuses the search on the right file |
What Records Are Public in Escambia County
Most police records in Escambia County are public. Both Florida and Alabama have open records laws. These laws make government records open to the public. Each law also lists specific items that stay sealed. You have a right to ask for public records. The agency must give you a reason if they deny your request.
Records Released Under Public Records Law
Records that are public include incident reports for closed cases. They include arrest records for people booked into jail. They include traffic crash reports. They include 911 call logs. They also include booking photos, warrant records, and citation records. These records are open unless a court seals them. You can ask for a copy at any time once the case closes.
Records That Are Exempt or Sealed
Some records stay hidden from the public. Active investigation files stay sealed until the case closes. Juvenile records stay sealed by law. Records that reveal a police tactic or a witness’s identity can stay sealed. Records sealed by a court order stay sealed forever. Personal details like Social Security numbers stay hidden. Photos of crime victims stay hidden. You can ask about exemptions in writing if your request gets denied.
Florida and Alabama Public Records Laws
Both Florida and Alabama have laws that make government records open. The laws also list the reasons an agency can deny a request. The laws cover police records, court records, and government documents. The rules differ between the two states. You need to follow the rules of the state where the records are kept.
Florida Public Records Act
Florida’s public records law sits in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. The law says any person can ask for public records. The agency must respond in a reasonable time. The agency can charge only the actual cost of copying. The law lists exemptions for security, personal privacy, and active cases. The Florida Attorney General writes opinions that help explain the law. You can read the law at www.leg.state.fl.us.
Alabama Open Records Act
Alabama’s public records law sits in Title 36, Chapter 12 of the Alabama Code. The law says citizens can ask for public records during business hours. The agency can charge a reasonable fee for copies and staff time. The law lists exemptions for active investigations, juvenile records, and personal data. You can read the full law at the Alabama Legislature’s website.
Police Reports and Incident Information
Police reports and incident reports are the most requested records. Each report tells a story of an event. Reports include the date, time, location, and people involved. Reports also include a list of charges and the officer’s name. Reports become the basis for arrests, court cases, and insurance claims.
Incident Reports
An incident report tells what happened during a police call. It lists the type of crime, the names of people involved, and the officer’s observations. Incident reports cover theft, burglary, assault, fraud, and vandalism. They become public once the case closes. You can ask for a copy from the agency that handled the call. The report may have redactions for witness names and personal data.
Arrest and Booking Records
An arrest record shows when a person was taken into custody. A booking record shows the person’s photo, fingerprints, and charges. The jail creates the booking record at intake. You can see current inmates on the jail roster online. Past arrest records need a public records request. Arrest records stay public unless a court seals them.
Traffic Crash Reports
A traffic crash report tells what happened during a car accident. The report lists the drivers, the vehicles, and the damage. It also lists any injuries and any tickets given. The agency that responded to the crash keeps the report. You can get a copy for insurance claims or court cases. Florida Highway Patrol keeps reports for crashes on state highways. You can order those reports at www.flhsmv.gov.
Call Logs and Dispatch Records
Call logs show every 911 call and dispatch. The logs list the time, location, and type of call. They also list which unit was sent. Call logs stay public in most cases. You can ask for a copy from the agency’s records unit. Some logs get redacted to hide witness names or personal data.
Searching by Name, Case Number, or Date
You can search police records in three main ways. You can search by name to find arrest records. You can search by case number to find one specific report. You can search by date to find all reports from one day. Each search type needs different details. The right search method saves you time.
Lookup by Name
A name search works for arrest records and booking photos. You need the person’s full legal name. You should also have their date of birth. The agency will search their system for matching records. You will get a list of arrests with dates and charges. Some agencies offer a name search online. Others need a written request.
Case Number Search
A case number search is the fastest way to find one specific report. Each report has its own case number. The case number starts with the year, then the agency code, then a sequence number. You can find the case number on a ticket, a court summons, or an old copy of a report. Give the full case number when you submit your request.
Date-Based Searches
A date search works when you know the day of the event. You can ask for all reports from one date. You can also ask for reports from a range of dates. The agency will pull all matching reports for that time. This search works well for research or background checks. It may take longer because the search covers more files.
Statewide Criminal History Searches
State agencies keep criminal history records from across the state. These records show arrests and convictions from every county. You can run a statewide check through the state law enforcement agency. The check covers all counties in the state. The cost and time depend on the state.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) runs the statewide criminal history system. You can order a background check for $24. The check shows arrests and convictions from all Florida counties, including Escambia County. You can order the check online or by mail. Processing takes 5 to 10 business days. The FDLE public records portal sits at fdle.justfoia.com/publicportal. The phone number for questions is (850) 410-8161.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) keeps the statewide criminal history system. You can order a background check for $25 for a volunteer check or $75 for an employment check. The check covers all Alabama counties, including Escambia County. You can order the check online or by mail. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. The ALEA website is www.alea.gov.
Contact Information and Office Hours
Each agency has its own address, phone number, and office hours. The hours below are the latest known times. Always call ahead to confirm the hours before you visit. The offices stay closed on federal and state holidays.
Florida Office Locations
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Florida sits at 1700 West Leonard Street, Pensacola, FL 32501. The phone number is (850) 436-9630. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Pensacola Police Department sits at 711 North Hayne Street, Pensacola, FL 32501. The phone number is (850) 435-1900. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Florida Highway Patrol Troop A station covers Escambia County and sits at 240 North Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32502. The phone number is (850) 484-5000.
Alabama Office Locations
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office in Alabama sits at 316 Court Street, Brewton, AL 36426. The phone number is (251) 867-0304. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Brewton Police Department sits at 1010 DuPont Street, Brewton, AL 36426. The phone number is (251) 867-3212. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Atmore Police Department sits at 201 East Louisville Avenue, Atmore, AL 36502. The phone number is (251) 368-9141. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers common questions about Escambia County police records. The questions cover timing, costs, denials, sealed records, and out-of-state requests. The answers give you clear steps so you know what to expect when you file your request. Read each answer before you submit your form so you can avoid common mistakes.
How Long Does a Records Request Take
Most police records requests in Escambia County take 3 to 10 business days. Online requests through the JustFOIA portal often get a response in 3 to 5 days. Mail requests take longer because of post time and staff review. Requests for old records or large batches can take up to 30 days. Florida law requires a response in a reasonable time. Alabama law also requires a prompt response. If your request takes too long, you can follow up by phone or email. You can also contact the state attorney general to file a complaint if the agency does not respond.
Can I Get Records for Free
Some police records in Escambia County are free. You can view call logs and jail rosters online at no cost. You can also view some incident reports at the agency in person. Most agencies charge a fee for printed copies. Florida law limits copy fees to the actual cost of copying. Alabama agencies can charge a reasonable fee for copies and staff time. The fee covers search time, redacting, and printing. You should ask about the total cost before you submit your request. The agency will tell you the exact amount.
What If My Request Is Denied
You have a right to know why your request was denied. The agency must give you a written reason for the denial. The reason will point to a specific exemption in state law. You can ask the agency to narrow your request to fit within the law. You can also ask for a review by the agency’s supervisor. If the agency still denies your request, you can file a complaint with the state attorney general. In Florida, contact the Office of Open Government. In Alabama, contact the Alabama Attorney General’s office.
Are Warrants in Police Records
Active warrant records are public in Escambia County. You can search for warrants online through the Sheriff’s Office website. You can also call the warrant division to check on a name. Some warrant records stay sealed if they involve undercover officers or sealed indictments. Most outstanding warrants for traffic, misdemeanor, and felony cases are open to the public. You should never try to approach a person with an active warrant. Always call the police for help with warrant cases.
Can I Remove My Records
You can ask a court to seal or expunge your records in some cases. Expungement removes the record from public view. Sealing limits who can see the record. You must file a petition with the court in the county where the arrest happened. You may need a lawyer for the petition. The court will hold a hearing and decide based on your case. If the court grants the request, the agency will update the record. Most agencies will not remove records without a court order.
How Far Back Do Records Go
Police records in Escambia County go back many decades. Most agencies keep incident reports for at least 10 years. Felony case files may stay for 25 years or longer. Jail records go back to the start of the agency. Some older records sit in paper form at a storage facility. You may need to pay an extra fee for records stored off-site. Digital records go back to the year the agency started using computers. The Florida Sheriff’s Office started digital records in the late 1990s.
Can Out-of-State People Request Records
Yes, out-of-state people can request Escambia County police records. The law does not require you to live in the state. You can use the online portal from any state. You can also send a mail request from out of state. You will need to pay any copy fees by check or money order. Some agencies accept credit card payments for mail requests. You can also hire a local attorney or records service to pick up the records for you. The request process is the same for all requesters, no matter where they live.