Bay County Incident Reports

The Bay County Sheriff's Office at 3421 N Highway 77 in Panama City maintains all police blotter records for unincorporated Bay County and cities served under contract. Sheriff Tommy Ford leads the agency, which processes public records requests through Records Custodian Beth Nelson. You can submit records requests through the GovTransfer online portal, file police reports using the e-reporting system, or visit the Records Section in person during business hours. Bay County also operates a FUSUS camera registration system that helps law enforcement access private security cameras during investigations, creating additional records that may be subject to public records requests.

Bay County Public Records Portal

Bay County uses the GovTransfer portal for online public records requests. Visit the Bay County Sheriff's Office website at bayso.org/public-records to access the portal. Registration is required before you can submit requests. The system lets you track your request status online and receive notifications when records are ready.

The public records custodian is Mrs. Beth Nelson. You can reach her by email at beth.nelson@bayso.org or by phone at (850) 747-4700. She oversees all public records requests and ensures compliance with Florida's public records law. For faxed requests, use (850) 914-2093.

The Records Section maintains all patrol reports filed by sheriff's deputies across Bay County. These reports document traffic stops, arrests, investigations, and calls for service. The section also provides case management support for the State Attorney's Office and offers public fingerprinting services. Visit the Records Section in person at 3421 N Highway 77 in Panama City for direct assistance.

Online Police Blotter Services

Bay County offers several online services for accessing police blotter information. The e-reporting system lets you file certain police reports online from home. Non-emergency incidents like theft, lost property, and vandalism can often be reported electronically. Visit bayso.org to access the e-reporting portal.

The sheriff's office mobile app provides access to crime data, arrest information, and public safety alerts. Download it from your device's app store. The app includes features for submitting tips, viewing most wanted lists, and accessing emergency contact information. It provides a quick way to stay informed about police activity in your area.

For support services information, visit bayso.org/support-services-division. This division handles records management, evidence processing, and administrative functions. They maintain the systems that generate police blotter records and process public information requests.

How to Get Police Reports

To request police blotter records from Bay County, gather all relevant information first. You need the date of the incident, location, names of people involved, and any case or report number you may have. More details lead to faster processing and lower costs. Vague requests take longer to research and may result in higher fees.

Submit your request through the GovTransfer portal on the sheriff's website. Fill out the online form completely. Describe the records you want in detail. Include your contact information so staff can reach you with questions or updates. The portal requires registration, which creates an account for tracking multiple requests over time.

In-person requests can be made at the Records Section at 3421 N Highway 77 in Panama City. Bring identification and information about the incident. Staff will help you complete a request form and explain the process. Some simple requests can be fulfilled the same day if records are readily available and no research is needed.

Phone the main sheriff's office line at (850) 747-4700 to ask questions about the records request process. Staff can tell you what information is required and provide estimates of how long your request might take. They can also explain fee structures and payment methods.

FUSUS Camera Registration System

Bay County operates the FUSUS camera registration system. This program allows businesses and homeowners to register their private security cameras with the sheriff's office. When crimes occur, deputies can quickly identify nearby cameras that might have captured relevant footage. Camera owners retain control of their footage but can share it voluntarily with law enforcement.

FUSUS creates a database of camera locations without giving the sheriff's office direct access to private cameras. During investigations, staff can see which cameras are near a crime scene and contact the owners to request footage. This system speeds up investigations and helps solve crimes. Records created through FUSUS requests are subject to public records law.

If you register your camera through FUSUS, that registration becomes a public record. The sheriff's office can release information about camera locations and owners in response to public records requests, though some details may be exempt to protect security. Consider the public nature of this program before registering your cameras.

Record Fees and Payment

Bay County charges fees based on the actual cost of producing public records. Standard copy fees are $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page. If your request requires extensive staff time for research, redaction, or preparation, additional service charges apply based on employee hourly rates.

Simple requests that take less than 15 minutes and produce fewer than 20 pages are often provided at minimal or no cost. Larger requests receive a cost estimate before work begins. You must approve the estimate and provide payment before records are released. The sheriff's office accepts payment by check, money order, cash, and credit card. Contact the Records Section for current payment options.

Public Records Law in Bay County

All Bay County police blotter records are governed by Chapter 119, Florida Statutes. This law establishes that government records are presumed public unless a specific exemption applies. The sheriff's office must provide access to records promptly and charge only the actual cost of duplication.

Exemptions protect certain sensitive information. Active criminal investigations remain confidential under Florida Statutes Section 119.071. Victim identities in sexual offense cases are confidential. Home addresses of law enforcement personnel are exempt. The sheriff's office redacts exempt information and releases the remainder of requested records.

Crash reports follow special rules under Florida Statute 316.066. They remain confidential for 60 days after filing. Only parties involved, their lawyers, insurers, and certain government agencies can access them during this period. After 60 days, anyone can purchase crash reports through the Florida Crash Portal at services.flhsmv.gov/CrashReportPurchasing.

Nearby Counties

Bay County is located in the Florida Panhandle. Neighboring counties each maintain their own sheriff's offices and public records systems: