Police Records

Records: The Records Section is the central depository and processing section for Incident and Florida Traffic Crash Reports generated by the Port Richey Police Department. The Records Section captures detailed crime data for incorporated Port Richey and reports it to FDLE through the FIBRS (Florida Incident-Based Reporting) Program. This information is available to the public and provided to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for inclusion in state and national crime statistical publications.

The Records Section is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, excluding city holidays.

WHAT IS PUBLIC RECORD?

Florida Statute 119 outlines the criteria for what is considered a public record; therefore, the Port Richey Police Department must release information under the public records law.

WHAT FEES MAY LAWFULLY BE IMPOSED FOR INSPECTING AND COPYING PUBLIC RECORDS?

In accordance with Section 119.07, F.S.:

• Single-sided copy: $ .15 each page

• Double-sided copy: $ .20 each page

• Certified copy: $1.00 each document

• Extensive Research: Deposit required according to nature of the request.

(A special service charge is assessed when the nature or volume of public records to be inspected requires extensive use of information technology resources, extensive clerical assistance, supervisory assistance, or both.)

RELEASE OF FLORIDA TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS:

Per Florida Statute Section 316.066, effective June 5, 2001, accident reports are no longer public record under the provisions of Florida Statute Section 119.07 for a period of 60 days after the date the report is filed, with the following exceptions:

1. The parties involved.

2. Their legal representatives.

3. Their licensed insurance agents.

4. Their insurers.

5. Persons under contract with such insurer to provide claims or underwriting information.

6. Prosecutorial authorities.

7. Radio and television stations licensed by the FCC.

8. Newspapers qualified to publish legal notices and free newspapers of general circulation, published once a week or more often, available and of interest to the public generally for the dissemination of news. For the purpose of Florida Statute Section 316.066, the following products are NOT qualifying newspapers: those intended primarily for members of a particular profession or occupational group; those with the primary purpose of distributing advertising; those with the primary purpose of publishing names and other personally identifying information concerning parties to motor vehicle crashes.

9. State and Federal Agencies authorized to have access to such reports by any provision of the law.

Per Florida Statute Section 316.066, any person attempting to access accident reports within 60 days after the date the report is filed must present legitimate credentials or identification that demonstrates their qualifications to access the report. Any person, knowing that he or she is not entitled to obtain information made confidential by this section, is guilty of a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in Florida Statute Section 775.082, 775.083, or 775.084.

When making a request for an accident report which falls within the 60 days’ period, one of the following types of credentials and/or identification must be provided in support of any claim for access to the requested report:

1. Driver’s license or other government-issued picture ID, identifying the requester as a party involved in the accident.

2. State or Federal Credentials and/or licenses.

3. As approved by a supervisor in the Records Section.

OBTAINING TRAFFIC CRASH REPORTS BY MAIL:

As stated above, motor vehicle crash information is confidential and exempt from disclosure for 60 days after the date the crash report is filed per Florida Statute 316.066(3)(c). Obtaining confidential information when you know you are not entitled to it is a felony violation.

If the traffic crash has occurred within the past 60 days, the following document [Sworn Statement for Traffic Crash Report Information] should be downloaded, completed in its entirety, and notarized. Complete a separate form for each requested traffic crash report. Send the completed form(s), the cost of the report (usually $1.05 for a 7-page crash report), and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

Port Richey Police Department

Attention: Police Records Section

6333 Ridge Rd

Port Richey, FL 34668

This form must be notarized. We will not process forms that have not been notarized.

Motor Vehicle Accident Reports can also be obtained online at: www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/

RELEASE OF INCIDENT REPORTS:

Record copies of incident reports filed with the Port Richey Police Department can be obtained from the Records Section and released according to Florida Statute 119, Public Records.

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Check/Money Order can be made out to the "City of Port Richey."

Cash payments are accepted

Credit Card payments can be made here. Proof of credit card payment must be emailed to PDRecords@portricheyPD.gov and must include notes on the purpose of payment (e.g. report copy, video copy, etc.) with associated case number.