Arrest records are public documents in Hallandale Beach, Florida, pursuant to Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that all records made or received by any public agency in the course of its official business are available for public inspection, unless specifically exempted by law. The statute ensures transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within Hallandale Beach jurisdiction.
Members of the public may access arrest records through various official channels maintained by the City of Hallandale Beach and Broward County authorities. The Florida Constitution, Article I, Section 24, further reinforces this right of access by declaring that every person has the right to inspect or copy any public record made or received in connection with the official business of any public body, officer, or employee of the state, or persons acting on their behalf.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Florida Statute § 119.071, which protects specific categories of information such as:
The City of Hallandale Beach provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Online Public Records Portal: Citizens may submit requests through the Hallandale Beach public records portal, which allows for electronic submission, tracking, and retrieval of records.
Hallandale Beach Police Department: In-person requests can be made at the Records Division during regular business hours.
Hallandale Beach Police Department
400 S. Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
(954) 457-1400
Official Police Department Website
Broward County Clerk of Courts
201 SE 6th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 831-6565
Official Clerk of Courts Website
City Clerk's Office
400 S. Federal Highway
Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
(954) 457-1340
Office of the City Clerk
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record retrieval, including the name of the arrested individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Fees for copies of records are established in accordance with Florida Statute § 119.07(4) and local ordinances.
Arrest records maintained by the Hallandale Beach Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard components of these official documents include:
The Hallandale Beach Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Florida Department of Law Enforcement standards and retention schedules established by Florida Statute § 119.021. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies pursuant to exemptions under Florida Statute § 119.071.
The management and accessibility of arrest records in Hallandale Beach operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by state legislation. Florida's public records laws are among the most transparent in the United States, with several key statutes governing the handling of arrest documentation:
Florida Statute § 119.01 establishes the fundamental principle that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any person. This statute forms the foundation for public access to arrest records in Hallandale Beach.
The retention and maintenance of these records are governed by Florida Statute § 119.021, which requires agencies to establish policies for systematic retention. The Hallandale Beach Police Department adheres to retention schedules established by the Division of Library and Information Services of the Department of State.
Florida Statute § 943.053 specifically addresses criminal history information and establishes procedures for dissemination of such records. Under this statute, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement serves as the central repository for criminal history information, including arrest data from Hallandale Beach and other municipalities.
The Hallandale Beach Police Department maintains compliance with these statutes while balancing public access rights with privacy protections established under law.
While arrest records in Hallandale Beach are generally accessible to the public, certain statutory limitations restrict access to specific information. These limitations serve to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable populations.
Florida Statute § 119.071 establishes several exemptions from public disclosure, including:
Additionally, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court pursuant to Florida Statute § 943.059 or § 943.0585 are removed from public access. The Hallandale Beach Police Records Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with these statutory exemptions when fulfilling public records requests.
Requestors should be aware that certain information may be redacted from records provided, and in some cases, records may be withheld entirely if they fall under a statutory exemption.
The expungement process in Hallandale Beach allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances prescribed by Florida law. Individuals seeking expungement must meet eligibility criteria established in Florida Statute § 943.0585.
To qualify for expungement, the following conditions generally must be met:
The expungement procedure requires:
Upon court approval, the Hallandale Beach Police Department and other agencies must physically destroy or obliterate records pertaining to the arrest. The Hallandale Beach City Attorney's Office can provide general information about the expungement process, though individuals are advised to consult with legal counsel for specific guidance.
Arrest records maintained by the Hallandale Beach Police Department may have significant implications for individuals seeking employment or housing within the community. Florida law establishes certain protections while also allowing for legitimate background screening in specific contexts.
Under Florida Statute § 112.011, a person may not be disqualified from public employment solely because of a prior conviction, unless the conviction was for certain specified offenses or directly relates to the position sought. However, this protection does not extend to private employers, who maintain broader discretion in hiring decisions.
For housing considerations, the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability, but does not explicitly protect individuals with arrest or conviction records. Landlords in Hallandale Beach may legally consider criminal history in rental decisions, though blanket policies against all applicants with any criminal history may face legal challenges.
The Hallandale Beach Patrol Operations Division works with community partners to provide resources for individuals facing barriers due to past arrests. These efforts align with broader criminal justice reform initiatives aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting successful reintegration.