FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I get a local background check (arrest history)?

At your request, we will perform a local records check on an individual. We request that you have the name of the individual in question, and any other available identifiers such as date of birth, social security number, etc. This service is provided either by mail or in person at our office. The fees for this service are as follows:

Initial Background Check – $5.00 each
Each Additional Name on Background Check – $1.00
Each Additional Page – .15 cents each

This is a local check, and will only verify an individual’s arrest history within Marion County. If so desired, we will provide you with a letter stating that the individual has either no arrest record within our county or a letter stating that an arrest history exists, with the charges outlined.

How do I get a copy of an incident report?

A copy of the report can be obtained through the records section of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 692 NW 30th Avenue and any district office location. Copies are available 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. You will be charged .15 cents per page. If the report requires extensive research, a $20.00 first hour minimum charge for clerical research time will charged. If the research requires more than one hour, a charge of $5.00 will be charged for each additional 15 minute time period.

How do I find information about someone who is in the Marion County Jail?

Please call 352-351-8077 to ask about current inmates.

How do I apply for a position?

Obtain an application from the Human Resources Division at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 692 NW 30th Avenue. You may also visit the Human Resources section of our web site and download a printable application. Click here to visit our Human Resources page.

Can I carry a firearm in my vehicle?

Yes, as long as it is not readily accessible and is properly encased. For further information see Florida State Statute 790.

Where is the nearest MCSO District Office to me located?

There are currently 12 District Offices located throughout the county. Click here to find your district office.

How do I obtain information regarding a concealed weapons permit?

Visit the Marion County Tax Collector's Office's website for more information here or pick up a information packet at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Central Operations Center at 692 NW 30th Avenue.

How do I obtain crime statistics for Marion County or the area where I live?

Crime statistics may be obtained by contacting your local MCSO district office. Certain statistics are readily available, while others require a search of the computer database. In either case, these are provided at no charge. Click here to find your district office.

Who do I contact if I have questions concerning warrants?

Contact the Warrants Division at (352)369-6746. If you are trying to search for active warrants, visit warrants search.

When I call 911 from my cell phone, does the dispatcher know where I am?

Cell phone companies are working in phases to fit phones with the ability to pinpoint your location. However, the technology has not reached all cell phone companies and your location should be verified before hanging up the call.

When I call 911, from my house phone, does the dispatcher know where I live?

Marion County has an Enhanced 911 system that shows the address the call is coming from, this information NEEDS to be verified by the call taker/dispatcher to make sure services are being sent to the correct address.

What information is available to the public?

Florida has a broad public records law (Florida State Statute 119). This law governs what we can and cannot release. Most of our records are public. Records that are considered private include investigative leads on an active case, the identity of victims of sexual offenses, the identity of victims of child abuse and certain juvenile records. For more information concerning confidential records, please contact the Records Division at (352) 732-8181.

If I see a crime in progress, what should I do?

CALL 911. Observe and record as much information about people or vehicles as you can.

I was the victim of a crime. How do I find out the latest status of my case?

During the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, you may contact the district office where the incident occurred or was reported. Call the deputy whose name is on the card given to you at the time of your report or the detective to whom the case was assigned to if one has contacted you.

How do I start a Crime Watch group in my neighborhood?

Contact Volunteer Services at (352) 369-6849

How do I obtain the disposition of an arrest?

Dispositions are maintained by the Clerk of the Court’s Office at the Marion County Judicial Center. Records checks showing an arrest should be followed up by a request for the disposition of the arrest. This information will show if the arrestee was found guilty, not guilty or if adjudication was withheld. To obtain this information, please call (352) 620-3904.

What should I do during a traffic stop?

Please refer to this document in order to understand traffic stops.

STILL HAVE A QUESTION?

If you have an emergency, you should dial 911 immediately.

Hearing Impaired may also dial 911 using a TDD device.

If you have an anonymous tip, please call our CRIMESTOPPERS line at (352) 368-STOP. You may be eligible fora cash reward for information leading to the capture of a criminal.

The addresses, phone & fax numbers for our district offices are posted here.

Our Central Operations Center is located at 692 NW 30th Ave in Ocala, Florida. Here are our hours of operation and primary contact numbers:

Central Operations Center

692 NW 30th Avenue

Ocala Florida 34475

Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.