An arrest is the temporary detention of an individual by a law enforcement officer for an offense they are suspected to have committed. In Collier County, law enforcement officers can arrest an individual when there is reasonable cause to believe an individual has committed an offense perFlorida Statutes (F.S) Chapter 901. These offenses include municipal or county ordinance violations as well as felony and misdemeanor offenses.
Following an arrest in Collier County, the arrestee is usually taken to a nearby jail to be booked. During the booking process, a booking officer will take the arrestee’s picture (mugshot), and collect their fingerprints, and personal data. Furthermore, information about the arrest, such as the arrest date and time and the arrestee’s alleged offense, would also recorded. The booking officer would also take inventory of the arrestee’s personal items found in their possession. The arresting agency, in turn, uses the information collected during the booking process and other details they generated about the arrest to create official records documenting the arrest, commonly referred to as an arrest record.
In Collier County, the law enforcement agency that conducts an arrest is primarily responsible for generating and maintaining the arrest record associated with the incident. Nonetheless, these agencies usually report arrest records they generate and their contents to other local and state government agencies for several reasons. For instance, arrest records are reported to appropriate courts and included in theCollier County Court Recordsassociated with the specific arrest. Local law enforcement agencies also usually report arrest records to theCounty Sheriff’s Officeand theFlorida Department of Law Enforcement. In turn, these agencies include arrest records in county-level and state-level criminal history records and other statistical records, such asUCR Arrest Data, they generate on offenders.
Are Arrest Records Public in Collier County?
Yes. Arrest records are subject to Florida’s Sunshine Law “F.S. Chapter 119” (the Florida Public Records Law). Florida’s Sunshine laws mandate that government agencies responsible for maintaining public records, including arrest records, make these records publicly accessible. Hence, anyone can request and obtain Collier County arrest records from their respective custodians.
However, certain statutory exemptions outlined in Florida’s Sunshine Laws restrict public access to arrest records. These exemptions include and are not limited to:
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile offenders records
- Records of active criminal investigation and intelligent information
- Information that is restricted from being publicly disclosed due to a court rule, court order, or state or federal law.
- Fingerprint records
- Certain personally identifiable information about crime victims
Although an arrest record in Collier County may be exempt from public disclosure due to relevant statutory exemptions, certain eligible persons and entities may still be allowed access to these records. These include the subject of the record, criminal justice agencies, and other government entities for specific reasons such as employment and license screening purposes.
What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?
Collier County arrest records typically include:
- The arrestee’s personal information;
- Full name
- Date of Birth
- Place of Residence (address)
- The arrestee’s physical description;
- Mugshot
- Race
- Gender
- Height
- Weight
- Hair color
- Eye color
- Arrest and Booking information;
- Booking date and time
- Booking number
- Arrest date, time, and location
- Arrest agency
- Age at arrest
- Charges information;
- Counts
- Offenses
- Case number
- Court date
- Bond status.
Collier County Crime Rate
According to reports provided byFlorida’s Incident-Based Reporting System(FIBRS), 10,100 crimes were reported in Collier County in 2023. The system grouped reported crimes into three categories: other crimes, property crimes, and violent crimes. Of these three categories, “other crimes” accounted for 6,555 (64.89%) of reported crimes in Collier County in 2023. Some of the most prevalent types of crimes grouped under the “other crime” category included simple assault (2,500), drug offenses (1,807), and fraud (1,048).
On the other hand, the “property crimes” category, with 2,872 reported offenses, made up 28.44% of the total. Meanwhile, the “violent crimes” category, with 674 reported offenses, accounted for 6.67% of the total. Only two Collier County law enforcement agencies, the County Sheriff’s Office and Marco Island Police Department participated in the FIBRS 2023 reporting cycles. Hence, these are the only agencies that are represented in the FIBRS 2023 crime data. Most notably, the Naples Police Department did not report their crime data to the FIBRS in 2023.
Collier County Arrest Statistics
Per the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s 2020Uniform Crime Report Arrest Data, 6,767 arrests were made in Collier County in 2020. Of the total, 5,791 were adult arrests, and 976 were juvenile arrests. Some of the most prominent types of crime offenders arrested for that year include drug offenses, 1,154 simple assaults, 735 DUIs, and larceny, 523.
Find Collier County Arrest Records
There are three local law enforcement agencies that serve the residents of Collier County: theCollier County Sheriff's Office(CSO),Naples Police Department(NPD), andMarco Island Police Department(MPD). The CSO has jurisdiction over the entire county, while the NPD and MPD have jurisdiction over their respective municipalities.
Interested persons can find arrest records generated by all three local agencies (the CSO, NPD, and MPD) online through the Collier County Sheriff’s OfficeArrest Search portal. The portal is accessible for free. There are two ways inquirers can use the portal. They can view a list of the most recent arrests on the portal. Alternatively, inquirers can search for specific arrest records using certain information about an arrestee, such as their name (last or first name), date of birth, booking date, or booking number.
Each of the aforementioned law enforcement agencies also provides other means through which interested persons may access or make requests for arrest records they maintain. For instance, record seekers can request arrest records held by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office by submitting a request through the public record request portal hosted on the County Sheriff’sPublic Record Centerpage. Requesters should note that they would need to register an account (if they do not already have one) to use the portal, and certain fees may be associated with requests. Additionally, requesters must provide certain information about their desired records, such as the arrestee's name, arrest date, or location. Alternatively, record seekers can submit an arrest record request to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office by U.S mail to the agency's mailing address at:
Collier County Sheriff's Office
Attn: Central Records Bureau
3319 Tamiami Trail East,
Naples, Florida 34112
For more information and further inquiries about requesting arrest records from the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, inquirers visit the agency’sGet a Report/Make a Record Reportpage.
On the other hand, interested persons can request arrest records from the Naples Police Department (NPD) through the agency’sRecords Services. Note that requests are subject to certain fees. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by phone at:
Naples Police Department
Records Services
355 Riverside Circle
Naples, FL 34102
Phone: (239) 213-4890
Fax: (239) 213-4899
E-Mail: PolicePRR@naplesgov.com
Meanwhile, record seekers can request arrest records maintained by the Marco Island Police Department (MPD) through the agency’sRecord Divisionin person, by phone, or by email at:
Marco Island Police Department
51 Bald Eagle Dr.,
Marco Island, FL 34145
Phone: (239) 389-5050
Email: publicrecords@cityofmarcoisland.com
Interested persons can obtain records of arrests made by state and federal agencies through the following procedures:
- State agencies: offenders arrested in Collier County by Floridastate law enforcement agenciesare usually booked into one of two local jails run by the County Sheriff's Office. Record seekers can query the County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Department or use the Office’sArrest Search portalto look up arrest records of current or recently released inmates held at these local jails. Inquirers can also direct their arrest records inquiries to the Sheriff’s Office Central Records Bureau by phone at (239) 252-0637.
- Federal agencies: Individuals arrested by a federal agency in Collier County are usually booked into detention facilities operated by the arresting federal agency. Hence, record seekers would need to direct their queries to the specific federal agency to obtain arrest records in these cases. For instance, record seekers can search for information about inmates under the custody of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the bureau’sFederal Inmate Locator.
Free Arrest Record Search in Collier County
Inquirers may search for arrest records for free in Collier County through the County Sheriff’sArrest Search portal. Users are provided with the option to view a list of “today's arrest reports” on the portal. Alternatively, users can search for arrest records of prior dates by an arrestee’s name (last or first name), booking date, booking number, or date of birth.
Record seekers can also visit a local law enforcement agency's record division to inspect relevant arrest records they maintain for free. Most local law enforcement agencies typically do not charge requesters fees for in-person inspection of arrest records. However, there is usually a fee for furnishing copies of records (if requested).
Besides traditional government channels, record seekers may also be able to look up Collier County arrest records through certain third-party websites. These websites are privately owned and operated. They operate by requesting and collecting public records maintained by relevant government agencies and compiling these records in an online database they maintain. Most of these third-party websites allow users to search and access basic information about arrest records they hold for free. However, users may need to pay a fee or a subscription to access more comprehensive arrest records.
Get Collier County Criminal Records
A criminal record is an all-encompassing record containing a detailed summary of an individual’s public criminal history within a specific jurisdiction, such as offenses, arrests, charges, and convictions.
A Collier County criminal records check (sometimes referred to as a criminal background check) can be requested through the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Generally, interested persons can request county-wide criminal records checks on individuals who are 18 years or older through the CCSO. Note that the information provided in this type of criminal record check is limited to arrest records that local law enforcement agencies within Collier County have submitted to the CCSO. Meanwhile, individuals who wish to conduct a local criminal background check on a juvenile (17 years and younger) can queryThe Collier County Juvenile Clerk of Courts. However, due to the confidential nature of juvenile records, certain restrictions exist on who can access these records.
Record seekers may request a local criminal record check from the CCSO in two ways: online or by mail. It is worth noting that both methods of request (online and by mail) are subject to a $5.00 per background check fee. Record seekers can visit the county Sheriff'sRequest for Criminal Background Check pageto make online requests. Note that requesters who do not already have a registered account with the CCSO must create one and log in to the agency’sPublic Record Centerportal to make an online request. Furthermore, requesters must also provide their search subject’s full name (first and last name) and date of birth to facilitate their online request and pay the required fee.
Record seeker who opts to make their request by mail must compose a written request containing the full name and date of birth of the subject of their check. Subsequently, they can send the written request, a $5.00 check or money order (for payment of the required fee), and a self-addressed stamped envelope by U.S. mail to the CCSO Central Records Bureau mailing address. The Bureau’s mailing address has already been provided in other sections.
Some municipal police departments also provide services that allow interested persons to request municipal-level criminal background checks. Most notably, the Naples Police Department (NPD) provides local criminal background checks at no charge. Generally, individuals interested in conducting municipal-level criminal background checks can query a municipal police department for more information on the criminal background check services they may offer.
Interested persons can also conduct state-level and federal-level (national) criminal record checks through relevant agencies.State-level criminal record checkscan be conducted through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which serves as the central repository for information on criminal history in the state of Florida. Note that the FDLE charges requesters a $24.00 fee for each State-level criminal record check they request. Meanwhile, interested persons can query the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) forfederal-level criminal records checksfor a $18 processing fee.
Collier County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records
Collier County “arrest records” and “criminal records” are two separate records that differ in the types and amount of information they each contain.
An arrest record is an official document generated by a law enforcement agency that contains information about instances where an individual has been arrested. An arrest record typically only contains facts about an arrest, such as the alleged offense, the arrest date, location, arrestee's personal information, arrest charges, and booking information.
On the other hand, a criminal record is an official record of every encounter an individual has had with the criminal justice system within a given jurisdiction. This includes, but is not limited to, arrests, criminal court cases, and convictions. In other words, a criminal record is an extensive account of a person's criminal history.
How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?
Indefinitely. No Florida law or statute expressly provides a statute of limitation for the retention of arrest records generated by criminal justice agencies. As a result, arrest records across Florida are generally retained according to their custodian agency's retention schedule. According to the Florida Department of State’sGeneral Records Schedulesfor Criminal Justice Agencies and District Medical Examiners (Item #151), arrest records are retained until they become obsolete, supersede, or lose their administrative value. It is worth noting that it is possible to expedite the removal of an arrest from one’s record by making an expungement request.
Expunge Collier County Arrest Records
An individual can request administrative or court-ordered expungement of their arrest record depending on the specifics of their arrest.
Administrative expungement
Administrative expungement of an arrest record can be requested from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) perF.S. §943.0581and Fla. Admin. Code,R. 11C-7.008. Under these laws, an arrest record can be eligible for administrative expungement if the arrest was made by mistake or contrary to law.
Court-ordered expungement
To get a court-ordered expungement of an arrest record, an individual must first apply and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from the FDLE. Essentially, the Certificate serves as proof of an individual eligibility to have their record expunged under F.S.§943.0585. Interested persons can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility using the following steps:
- Obtain aCertificate of Eligibility Applicationfrom the FDLE website or email the FDLE Expunge Section at SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us to request a mailed or emailed copy of the application.
- Appropriately complete relevant sections of the application form. The applicant must also sign the application and acknowledge it in the presence of a notary public or a deputy clerk of the court. Afterward, submit the application to the State Attorney or Prosecutor's Office in the county where the arrest occurred. These officials would review and complete Section B of the application.
- Obtain a certified copy of the disposition of the case linked to the arrest from the relevant court clerk’s office. If applicable, the applicant must also obtain a certified copy of documentation showing their probation termination and a pretrial completion certificate or a letter of successful completion.
- The applicant must get fingerprinted by an authorized law enforcement personnel or other criminal justice agency and obtain the completed fingerprint form or card. The fingerprint form or card must have the applicant's name, date of birth, signature, and agency's ORI/stamp in addition to the signature of the official who collected the fingerprints.
- The applicant should submit the completed Certificate of Eligibility Application to the FDLE after retrieving it from the State Attorney's or Prosecutor's Office where they originally submitted it. The application must submitted alongside all required supporting documents and a $75 processing fee (via money order, cashier’s check, or personal check payable to the FDLE) to the FDLE's Expunge Section at:
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
Post Office Box 1489
Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489
Attention: Expunge Section
The FDLE usually takes up to 12 weeks to process an application. If the FDLE determines that an applicant is eligible to have their arrest record expunged, they will issue the applicant a certificate of eligibility. After that, the applicant can petition a court with appropriate jurisdiction over the matter to request expungement of their arrest record. Ideally, the petitioned court should be located within Collier County since the petition for expungement of a county arrest record. The petition should include the petitioner’s Certificate of Eligibility, other necessary forms, and filing fees. The petitioner can query the Collier court clerk’s office for information about the court’s expungement procedure, necessary forms, and filing fees. Under Florida law, the final decision to expunge a record falls under a court's sole discretion.
It is worth noting that the FDLE offers information about other types of expungement processes on itsseal and expunge process pageand comprehensive instructions for applying for a Certificate of Eligibility on itsCertificate-of-Eligibility-Instructions page. Interested persons can also visit the agency’sseal and expunge FAO pagefor answered questions about the expungements and application processes. Meanwhile, questions can be directed to the FDLE by email at SEinfo@fdle.state.fl.us or by phone at (850) 410-7870.
Collier County Arrest Warrants
An arrest warrant is a court-issued order that directs law enforcement officials to arrest and take an individual into custody.
In Collier County, arrest warrants are generally issued by a judge or magistrate upon the request of law enforcement officers or prosecutors. A judge or magistrate can issue an arrest warrant if a law enforcement officer or prosecutor can provide evidence demonstrating probable cause that the subject of the warrant (the individual to be arrested) has committed a crime. The evidence can be presented in the form of an affidavit, witness statement, and other relevant information. After reviewing the submitted evidence, if the judge or magistrate finds them convincing enough, they will issue an arrest warrant.
PerFlorida Rules of Criminal ProcedureRule 3.121, an issued arrest warrant must:
- Be in writing and the name of the state of Florida
- Contain substantial information about its subject’s offense
- Command that its subject be arrested and brought before a judge
- State its subject’s name or identifiable description
- Contain the warrant’s issuance date and county
- Be signed by the judge with their office title or electronically signed by
- State a set bail amount (if applicable) or other condition of release and return date.
Collier County Arrest Warrant Search
Inquirers can conduct a Collier County arrest warrant search through the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO)Arrest Search portal. On the portal, interested persons can search for active arrest warrants by a subject’s name (first or last name) and date of birth. Alternatively, record seekers can contact the CCSO directly to inquire about active warrants or visit the Collier County courthouse to look up public arrest warrants that may have been issued in court cases.
Do Collier County Arrest Warrants Expire?
Arrest warrants issued in Collier County generally do not have a fixed expiration date. As a result, they can last indefinitely until the subject is apprehended, voluntarily surrenders, settles the warrant, or dies.
