Miami Gardens City Police Records are official documents created by the Miami Gardens Police Department (MGPD) for every incident officers respond to in the city. These records include incident reports, arrest reports, traffic crash reports, and other paperwork that documents police activity.
The MGPD serves the city of Miami Gardens, which sits in northern Miami-Dade County and has a population of about 110,000 people. Anyone can request these records because Florida has one of the strongest public records laws in the country.
What Are Miami Gardens Police Records
Miami Gardens police records are written accounts of police activity that happen inside the city limits. Officers fill out these forms after responding to calls, making arrests, investigating crimes, or working traffic crashes. The records serve as the official record of what happened, when it happened, and who was involved. People request these records for many reasons, including insurance claims, court cases, background checks, and personal records.
Types of Police Records Available
MGPD creates several kinds of records that the public can request. Each type covers a different kind of police activity.
- Incident Reports: Written accounts of crimes or incidents officers responded to, such as theft, assault, burglary, or vandalism.
- Arrest Records: Documents showing when someone was taken into custody by MGPD officers and what they were charged with.
- Traffic Crash Reports: Reports about car accidents that happen on city streets, including diagrams, driver details, and witness statements.
- Offense Reports: Detailed reports about specific criminal offenses, including suspect descriptions and evidence collected.
- Calls for Service Logs: Records showing what calls came in to the police dispatch center and how officers responded.
Records That Stay Confidential
Not every police record is open to the public. Florida law lists specific records that agencies must keep private to protect people and ongoing investigations. Active criminal investigations stay sealed while detectives work the case. Juvenile arrest records have special privacy protections under Florida law. Records that reveal the identity of crime victims in certain cases, like sexual assault or domestic violence, stay confidential. Personal details like Social Security numbers, medical records, and certain financial information get redacted before release.
How to Request Miami Gardens Police Records
Getting copies of Miami Gardens police records requires contacting the MGPD Records Unit. The department accepts requests through several methods so people can choose what works best for their situation. The Records Unit handles all requests and processes them according to Florida public records law.
Request by Phone
The fastest way to start a request is by calling the MGPD Records Unit at (305) 474-1463. Staff can answer questions about what records exist, what details you need to provide, and what fees might apply. When you call, have key details ready like the date of the incident, the location, and names of people involved. Phone requests work well for simple questions or for getting directions on how to submit a formal request.
Request by Email
You can submit a written request by email to delma.noelpratt@mgpdfl.org. Send your name, contact details, and a clear description of the records you need. Include the case number, date, and location if you have them. Email requests create a written record of your ask and let you keep a copy of the message. Make sure to mark the subject line clearly so staff can route it to the right person.
Request in Person
Visit the Miami Gardens Police Department at 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 to submit a request in person. Going in person lets you ask questions and sometimes get faster answers. Bring a valid photo ID and any details about the records you need. Staff can help you fill out the request form and tell you the cost and timeline right away.
Request by Mail
Send written requests by mail to the MGPD Records Unit at the same address: 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056. Include your full name, return address, phone number, and a clear description of the records you want. Mail requests take longer because of postal delivery time, so plan ahead if you have a deadline.
What to Include in Your Request
A complete request helps staff find your records faster. Missing details can delay processing or lead to records being sent back for more information.
- Full name of the person involved in the incident
- Date of the incident (or close to it)
- Location where the incident happened
- Case number or report number if you have it
- Type of record you want (incident report, crash report, etc.)
- Your contact details and how you want the records sent
Florida Public Records Law and Your Rights
Florida’s public records law, known as Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, gives citizens the right to see and copy records made by government agencies. This law covers police departments, including the Miami Gardens Police Department. The law exists to keep government transparent and let people hold public agencies accountable.
What Chapter 119 Covers
Chapter 119 requires government agencies to open their records to the public unless a specific exemption applies. Police reports are public records under this law. Agencies must respond to requests promptly and can only charge reasonable fees for copying. The law also lists specific exemptions that protect certain information from public view.
Response Time Requirements
Florida law requires agencies to handle public records requests in a reasonable time. The law does not set a specific number of days, but agencies cannot delay requests unreasonably. Most routine requests at MGPD are processed within 3 to 5 business days. Larger requests or requests that need research may take longer. The department will contact you if they need more time or more information.
What to Do If Your Request Is Denied
If MGPD denies your request, they must tell you why in writing. Common reasons for denial include the record being part of an active investigation, containing exempt personal information, or not existing. If you believe the denial is wrong, you can challenge it. Options include asking for a supervisor review, filing a complaint, or going to court. Section 119.07 of Florida Statutes spells out your rights and the agency’s duties.
Fees and Costs for Police Records
Getting copies of Miami Gardens police records usually costs a small fee. The exact amount depends on what you request and how much work it takes to find and copy the records. Florida law sets limits on what agencies can charge.
Standard Copying Fees
Florida law caps copying fees at 15 cents per page for standard-sized copies. Certified copies cost $1 per page in addition to the regular copy fee. If staff need to spend a lot of time searching for records or redacting exempt information, the department may charge for that labor. The rate is set by Florida law and applies to all state and local agencies.
Typical Costs for Common Records
Most people pay less than $20 for a single incident report. A basic incident report might cost $1 to $5 for a few pages. Traffic crash reports purchased through the state portal cost $10 each. Background checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement cost $24 for a state check. Larger requests involving many reports can cost more based on the time it takes to compile them.
Payment Methods
MGPD accepts several payment methods for record fees. You can pay with cash, check, or money order for in-person and mail requests. Some records may be payable by credit card. Ask the Records Unit which payment methods they accept when you submit your request. Always get a receipt for any payment you make.
Traffic Crash Reports in Miami Gardens
Traffic crash reports are one of the most requested police records. These reports document car accidents that happen in Miami Gardens. Insurance companies, lawyers, and drivers all need these reports after a crash. There are two ways to get a Miami Gardens crash report: through the police department or through the state portal.
Getting Reports Through FLHSMV
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles department runs an online portal at flhsmv.gov where you can buy crash reports. Reports from Miami Gardens crashes are in this system. The portal costs $10 per report and lets you search by crash date, county, and driver name. This method is often faster than requesting from the police department directly.
Getting Reports Through MGPD
You can also request crash reports directly from the Miami Gardens Police Department. Use the same methods listed above: phone, email, in person, or mail. Direct requests may take longer because staff need to pull the report from their files. There may be additional copying fees depending on the report length.
What Crash Reports Include
A traffic crash report has key details about the accident. These reports help insurance companies decide who was at fault and help lawyers build cases.
- Date, time, and location of the crash
- Names and contact details of drivers and passengers
- Vehicle information, including make, model, and plate number
- Insurance details for each driver
- Description of what happened and a diagram of the scene
- Witness names and statements
- Officer’s observations and any citations issued
Arrest Records and Background Checks
Arrest records show when someone was taken into custody by police. These records are public unless a court has sealed them. People request arrest records for many reasons, including job applications, housing applications, and personal knowledge. The source of the record depends on what you need.
Local Arrest Records from MGPD
For arrests made by Miami Gardens police officers, contact the MGPD Records Unit. They can tell you about arrests that happened in the city. The records show the arrest date, charges, and booking details. Court records about the case are kept separately by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court.
Statewide Criminal History Through FDLE
For a complete criminal history that includes arrests from across Florida, contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. FDLE runs the statewide criminal database. You can request your own record for $24. The standard processing time is about two weeks. FDLE’s Criminal History Records Unit can be reached at (850) 410-8161.
National Background Checks Through FBI
For a national background check, you must request records through the FBI. These checks cover arrests across the entire United States. FBI background checks cost more and take longer to process. You typically need fingerprints for an FBI check. Most employers accept FDLE state checks for jobs within Florida.
Contact Information and Office Location
The Miami Gardens Police Department is ready to help with records requests during business hours. Below is the contact information for the Records Unit.
Address: 18605 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 Phone: (305) 474-1463 Fax: (305) 474-1489 Email: delma.noelpratt@mgpdfl.org Official Website: miamigardens-fl.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about getting police records in Miami Gardens. These questions come from real situations people face when they need police reports or other documents from the department.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Police Report?
Most routine incident reports from the Miami Gardens Police Department are ready within 3 to 5 business days. The exact time depends on the report’s complexity and current request volume. Simple requests with complete information process faster. Requests that need research or involve older records can take longer. MGPD will contact you if they need more time. For traffic crash reports, the state portal at flhsmv.gov often provides same-day access once the report is filed in the system.
Can I Get Police Records for Free?
Some basic police records are available at low or no cost, but most requests involve a small fee. Florida law allows agencies to charge 15 cents per page for copying. A typical incident report costs a few dollars. Crash reports through the state portal cost $10. Background checks through FDLE cost $24. The fees cover the cost of copying and the staff time to process your request. MGPD can give you a cost estimate before processing.
What If I Don’t Know the Case Number?
You can still request records without a case number. Provide as many details as you can about the incident, including the date, location, and names of people involved. The more details you give, the faster staff can find the record. If you have very little information, staff may need extra time to search their files. Be prepared to provide a range of dates if you do not know the exact date.
Are Arrest Photos Available to the Public?
Booking photos, sometimes called mugshots, are public records in Florida. However, Florida law has changed regarding booking photos and their use for commercial purposes. The Miami Gardens Police Department can confirm whether a booking photo exists and provide basic information. Some websites collect and post booking photos, but their accuracy varies. For official records, always go through the police department or the jail where the person was booked.
Can I Get Records for Someone Else?
Yes, most police records are public and anyone can request them. Florida law does not require you to show a personal connection to the incident. However, some information within records stays confidential regardless of who requests it. Victim identities, juvenile information, and certain personal details get redacted. If you need records for a court case, the court may have specific rules about how you can get them.
What Happens to Records About Juveniles?
Records about juveniles (people under 18) have special protections under Florida law. Most juvenile arrest records stay confidential and are not released to the public. Parents or legal guardians may be able to access their child’s records. The Department of Juvenile Justice handles most juvenile records in Florida. Adult records about incidents involving juvenile victims also have special rules to protect the young victims.
How Far Back Do Police Records Go?
The Miami Gardens Police Department was created when the city incorporated in 2003. Records from that time forward are kept by MGPD. For incidents before 2003, the records are with the Miami-Dade Police Department, which served the area before the city had its own police force. Old records may take longer to find because they may be stored in archives or on older systems. MGPD can help you figure out where to find older records.