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Frequently Asked Questions
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Can Deputies open my car if I lock my keys inside?
Because of the potential for damage to vehicles, the Sheriff's Office does not open locked vehicles. A locksmith is your best alternative. However, if a child has locked himself in a vehicle this is a true emergency due to the severe heat possible in Florida. The Sheriff's Office and/or Fire Department will respond and open the vehicle any way possible, even by breaking out the window if necessary.
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Can I report drunk drivers to 911 on my cell phone?
Yes. Calls to 911 on a cell phone are free, but unlike regular phones we can't tell where you are calling from. Be prepared to give your location, direction of travel and a description of both cars. You safety is of utmost importance to us. Do not pursue the drunk driver or in any way place yourself in danger.
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How can I evict someone from my property?
Eviction is a legal process that often times requires a court order. For more information, contact our Civil and Criminal Process Section at 407-836-4510.
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How can I keep someone from coming back on my property who doesn't belong here?
You can request that a deputy respond to your property and issue a trespass warning to the person. If the person returns to your property after the warning has been issued he or she can be arrested. To request a deputy for the purpose of issuing a trespass warning please call our non-emergency line at (407)836-HELP (407-836-4357) .
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How do I check someone's background?
Local criminal history checks are available from the Records section for a fee of $8.00. You may come to the office (entrance is on the west side of the building) or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and $8.00 along with the request to:
Orange County Sheriff's Department
Records Division
2500 West Colonial Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
Office hours are Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Statewide and national checks can be obtained through Florida Department of Law Enforcement. FDLE can be reached at (850) 410-8109 or FDLE.
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How do I find information about an inmate in jail?
The Orange County Sheriff's Office does not manage the county jail. However, you can find information about inmates at the Orange County Corrections Department website.
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How do I find out about getting a concealed weapon permit?
The Sheriff's Office is not involved in the issuance of concealed weapons permits. Complete information on this subject is available on the Florida Secretary of State's website Division of Licensing.
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How do I get a copy of a police report?
The Records department is opened from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $0.15 charge per page unless you are the victim, in which case it is free. Requests can be handled by mail if you send a self addressed stamped envelope. For more information contact the Records Section at (407) 254-7280.
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How do I make a police report?
The Sheriff's Office will respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to requests for assistance. Some reports may even be able to be taken over the phone. The person taking your request will be able to determine how your report can best be handled.
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How do I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?
The Sheriff's Office depends on citizens calling to report crimes or suspicious activity. If it is an emergency, dial 911. For non-emergencies, call (407) 836-HELP (4357). The dispatcher who takes your call will ask questions about the activity to determine it's nature and ask for descriptions of the people involved. You might be asked if an officer or detective may contact you, but you may refuse.
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I have left my spouse, but I need to get my personal belongings. Can the Sheriff's Office help me?
The Sheriff's Office will send a Deputy to keep the peace and prevent violence while you retrieve your belongings. Call the Sheriff's Office from a public telephone near where your belongings are and a Deputy will go to the house with you.
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My friend or relative is overdue returning home. How can I find out if they were in an accident?
The Sheriff's Office dispatch center does not have the names of people involved in accidents available. However, if a person has been injured in an accident and is unable to call for themselves, we will notify their family.
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We have a problem with speeders in our neighborhood. What can I do about it?
Call our Traffic Enforcement Section at (407) 836-0800 and request that this area be placed on selective enforcement.
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What can I do about stray dogs and cats and barking dogs?
Orange County Animal Services is the county agency responsible for calls involving dogs, cats, and other nuisance animals. They can be reached at (407) 352-4390 or Animal Services.
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I need to get fingerprinted. How do I do it?
You can get fingerprinted at the following location: Records Section 2500 West Colonial Drive Entrance is at West Side of the Building Thursdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You must be signed in by 3 pm in order to be printed. You must provide a photo ID and a fingerprint card provided to you by the company making the request for you to be fingerprinted. The fee for the fingerprint service is $8.00 per card and must be paid in cash or money order. If you have any further questions, you can call (407)254-7080.
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Who is required to wear a bicycle helmet?
Florida law requires that a bicycle rider or passenger under age 16 must wear a helmet that meets the nationally recognized standards for bicycle helmets. It is also unlawful to rent a bicycle to a person under age 16 unless the person has an approved helmet or one is provided with the bicycle. Violations of the law relating to bicycle helmets subject the violator to issuance of a traffic citation which may effect when they can be issued a drivers license. The Center for Disease Control and National Bicycle Safety Network maintain a very informative website.
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Will the Sheriff's Office tow an abandoned car?
The Sheriff's Office can only have vehicles towed that are on public property. Call a wrecker service in your area and the vehicle will be towed away at no expense to you. The wrecker service will notify the owners once they have determined ownership.
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What should I do if I see graffiti?
Notify your local law enforcement agency so that they can take a report and photograph the graffiti. This enables law enforcement to monitor gang activity. If you live in Orange County, notify the Orange County Sheriff's Office by calling (407)836-HELP (407-836-4357) .
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