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Press Office Resources

Helpful Information for Journalists


Mug Shots

Mug shots of suspects are taken at the jail upon booking and are not readily available through FDLE.  Please contact the booking agency for mug shots. 


Officer Involved Shooting Investigations

FDLE is often called to investigate officer involved shootings for local agencies.  These investigations are initiated after a local agency request.  FDLE does not investigate all officer involved shootings nor does FDLE have the jurisdiction to initiate an officer involved shooting case without the request of the local agency.

While an investigation is active, FDLE as a routine does not comment on a specific case or provide names associated with the investigation.  Local agencies are able to provide information at their discretion.  FDLE will explain our agency’s role and process as it relates to these investigations.


Public Records

FDLE PIOs routinely assist journalists by facilitating their public records requests, answering questions and guiding reporters about what information FDLE may provide. All records, even closed cases, require review for statutory exemptions.  FDLE does not charge for records requiring less than 30 minutes of staff time.  Larger public records requests are processed by the General Counsel’s Office in the order received. Because of the volume, wait times for requests requiring more than 30 minutes of staff time can take several months.


Criminal History Searches

In accordance with Florida laws, criminal histories are available to the public for a cost of $24.  These criminal history records contain the record of arrests and prosecutions in the State of Florida.  Florida criminal histories are available at the FDLE Florida Criminal History page.

Documentary producers and in-depth news articles

FDLE PIOs can schedule interviews with FDLE members regarding cases they have worked as long as the case is closed or when it is in the best interest of the case.  Total interview times cannot exceed four hours (including equipment set-up, take-down and b-roll).  FDLE does not authorize “ride-alongs” with members, and we are unable to sign appearance and location forms. Investigative work assignments are always prioritized over interviews.  FDLE members will not be required to participate in interviews.

For documentary producers, please contact FDLE PIOs at least two months prior to anticipated interview date.  Preliminary questions must be submitted at least a week before scheduled documentary interviews.


Capitol Press Badges

Forms for journalists requesting Press ID Badges can be found here.

Public notaries are available to journalists completing Press ID Badge forms at no cost. Please contact the Office of Public Information to schedule an appointment. Because of the background process, please allow at least a month for approval and issuance of the badge.
 
For additional information about the application process, please see the Capitol Press Badge FAQs here.


Law enforcement patches/challenge coins

FDLE does not have collector patches or challenge coins to provide to collectors.
 

 



Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.