How can I compliment or complain about the Ocala Police Department and/or an employee?
If you would like to compliment or complain about the Ocala Police Department and/or a specific employee you can send a letter addressed to Chief Samuel Williams at: P.O. Box 1270, Ocala, FL 34478.  You may also hand deliver your letter to the Ocala Police Department at 402 S. Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474.  Also available for your convenience, should you desire to send your comments via email, you may send them to Deputy Chief Greg Graham at ggraham@ocalapd.org.   

What options do I have concerning a traffic ticket?
Payment of Citations:  Infraction violations must be paid within 30 calendar days from the date the ticket was issued. If your ticket is not paid within 30 days, a suspension will be entered against your driver license and will subject you to additional penalties.

Enter a plea of not guilty and request a hearing before the court:  You must notify the Clerk's Office, in person, or in writing, within the required time frame (30 days). Your case will be scheduled for a court date, and you will be advised when and where to appear. The officer who issued the citation and any other witnesses called by the officer will be present. You may also bring any witnesses you wish to testify on your behalf. If you are found guilty of a civil infraction, the court may assess a fine and court costs, order you to attend a defensive driving course, or impose other penalties. A suspension will be issued against your driver's license and additional penalties will be imposed if you fail to comply with the courts order within the specified time period.

Elect to attend a driver improvement course, if provided by the law:  Individuals that possess a CDL are not eligible to attend a driver improvement course.  Any person charged with a moving traffic violation is eligible to elect to attend a driver improvement course. You may not take a driver improvement course more than five times in your life or more than once in a 12 month period. An election to attend a driver improvement course to satisfy the violation will be entered on your driver history records as an "adjudication withheld" and points will not be assessed against your driver license. You must make your election and pay the associated fines and costs to attend a driver improvement course in the county in which your ticket was issued.

Marion County Clerk’s Office – Traffic:  PO Box 907, Ocala, FL 34478. (352) 671-5599.

How do I obtain a background check?
Local background checks are available, at no cost, for housing, employment, immigration, adoption, and other requests deemed appropriate.  Local background checks include those incidents handled by the Ocala Police Department, and having occurred within the City limits of Ocala.  You may obtain a background check in person at the Ocala Police Department Records Section, 402 S. Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  You may also obtain a background check via telephone at (352) 369-7090, by fax at (352) 369-7219, or by mailing a self addressed stamped envelope to the address listed above.  It is requested that you provide the name of the individual in question, date of birth, social security number, etc.

How do I get a copy of a report?
Report requests can be handled in person at the Ocala Police Department Records Section, 402 S. Pine Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474, or by mailing a self addressed stamped envelope to the above listed address.  It is recommended that you have your case number available to save time.  Copies of reports are 15 cents per single-sided page or 20 cents per double-sided page.

How do I report a crime or accident?
You should report any accident or incident where injuries have been received; an individual’s personal safety is at risk; a violent act has been committed; or a weapon is involved by dialing 911.  Other non-emergencies which have occurred in the past or do not necessitate an immediate response from emergency personnel should be reported by calling (352) 369-7070.

How do I get a concealed weapons permit?
You may obtain an application for Concealed Weapon or Firearm License by visiting either the Ocala Police Department or the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.  You may also submit a request for an application from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Licensing by choosing the following link:  http://licgweb.doacs.state.fl.us/license/forms.html.

How do I claim my seized or recovered property from the Ocala Police Department?
Upon receipt of a certified letter from the Ocala Police Department that we have your property in our custody, you may recover said property providing you show proof of ownership, if applicable, and a driver’s license / identification card as personal ID.  If at all possible, please have available the Ocala Police Department case number related to your incident, as this will help expedite the process.

 Please remember that the Technical Services Section (TSS / Evidence) is merely a holding facility and TSS personnel do not make the sole decision of whether or not your property is released.  Releases are based on Florida State Statue, City Ordinances, and various levels of authorization within the Police Department; property will not be released without the proper and required authorization.

 The Technical Services Section is open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  For further information please contact (352) 369-7050.