Records section goal:
To provide record processing and retrieval services to Law Enforcement personnel and the citizens of the community in a courteous, efficient, and timely manner. 

Departmental Overview:
The records department is responsible for maintaining and processing all crime reports, arrest reports, traffic citations, and traffic accidents.  This information is computer processed, supervised, reviewed, distributed, and filed.  Our records section also compiles statistical reports for our department as well as various governmental agencies

Record and information requests:
The Wauchula Police Department maintains records for our agency only.  Requests to our agency should be directed to the Records Section of the department and will be processed in accordance with the Public Records Act.  This information does not include the final case disposition.  These dispositions may be obtained from the Hardee County Clerk of Courts at www.hardeeclerk.com.  There are several ways to request records; you may e-mail your request, telephone your request or you may make the request in person.   

Arrests/Warrants:
Requests for County arrests, warrants, or jail inmate information should be directed to the Hardee County Sheriff's Office their web site is www.hardeeso.com.

Criminal History:
Florida regulations prohibit the Wauchula Police Department from sharing information from the statewide FCIC/NCIC computer system with other than law enforcement personnel.  However, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) maintains criminal history information.  If you wish to get a copy of a person's criminal history in the state of Florida, you may contact FDLE at www.fdle.state.fl.us.  The information on the web site explains how to obtain a criminal history on a person and the cost for each criminal history record requested.

Background Checks:
Background checks of persons who have been arrested by the Wauchula Police Department are available through the Records Division.  Obtaining this information requires a person's full name, date of birth and social security number.

VIN Verification:
VIN verification can be accomplished in one of two ways.  First, if the vehicle can be driven, bring it to the Wauchula Police Department, pay the $4.00 fee and an officer will be dispatched to the Police Department to verify the VIN.  Second, if the vehicle cannot be driven to the Police Department but is located within the city limits, stop by the Police Department, pay the $4.00 fee and an officer will be dispatched to where the vehicle is located.

Traffic Accident Report:
Traffic Accident reports may also be obtained through the Records Division.  This report includes information on each driver; name, address, telephone number and date of birth, and vehicle information; make, model, color, style, license number and vehicle identification number (VIN), vehicle owner's name, name of insurance company, incident number, date, time and location of accident, a brief synopsis of how the accident occurred, a diagram of the accident scene and name of the officer(s) assigned.  To obtain this information you will need to know what date the accident occurred.

Drivers Licenses Information:
For driver's licenses information or to determine if your Florida driver license is currently valid, you can check online at www.hsmv.state.fl.us.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Where do I go to get a copy of a police report?
We are located at 128 S 7th Ave. at the Wauchula Police Department.  We are open Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Are police reports available to anyone?
Yes, with very few limitations such as juvenile information, the identity of a victim of a sexual offense or domestic violence and reports containing information about open or ongoing investigations.  Nearly all police reports are available to anyone.

Am I entitled to police report information about my neighbor's activities?
Florida Public Records Law allows anyone to request police report information about any individual as long as the case is not currently open or is not classified as an ongoing investigation.

Can I get information about criminal activity in my neighborhood?
Yes.  A Crime Activity Log can be run for a specific period of time.

How much does a police report cost?
A fee may be charged for some reports.

How can I find out if someone is in jail, when they can be visited, and any other information about someone in jail?
The Wauchula Police Department does not have a jail.  When someone is arrested in the City they are taken to Hardee County Jail.  Information can be obtained by calling (863) 767-9042.

How do I obtain the final disposition of a court case?
Final court dispositions are available through the Hardee County Clerk of Court (863) 773-2070.

Where do I go to pay my traffic citation?
Traffic Citations are processed through the Traffic Division of the Hardee County Clerk of Court's Office.  If you have any questions about paying a traffic citation, setting a hearing date, sign up for defensive driving classes, or late fees contact the Clerk's Office directly at (863) 773-2070.

Where can I get information on Sexual Predators or Offenders in my area?
Sexual predator or offender information can be obtained by going to www.fdle.state.fl.us/sexual_predators/search.asp. 

I have a fix-it-ticket.  What do I do with it?
Once you have had the vehicle fixed, then you would bring it to the Police Department, pay a fee of $4.00, and an officer will check your vehicle to make sure it is fixed, and sign off on the ticket, then you will need to take it to the clerk's office.