FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. When should I call 9-1-1?
Call 9-1-1 if it is a life-threatening situation or something is occurring at the time of the call, such as an assault, fight, traffic crash, fire or any situation that could result in loss of life or major property loss.

2. Why do 9-1-1 operators ask so many questions?
Experience shows that the first 60 seconds of every 9-1-1 call to be the most critical. Operators must not only understand the nature of the emergency, but also its location and whether anyone has been injured. This information is needed to make certain the proper agencies are responding, be they law enforcement, fire-rescue, or both. In any life threatening emergency situation occurs, immediately call 9-1-1 from any telephone. For all non-emergency law enforcement needs, such as a crime not in progress, please call the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office (386) 294-1222.  
DO NOT REPORT CRIMES OR INCIDENTS OF ANY TYPE OVER THE INTERNET OR BY E-MAIL. DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OR SERIOUSNESS OF THE INCIDENT, EITHER CALL 911 OR (386) 294-1222.

3. What do I do if I get a ticket?
If you need information about a traffic citation, don't call the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office or the police agency that issued it. Once the ticket is issued, it becomes part of the court process and is handled by Lafayette County Clerk of the Courts, Ricky Lyons, Clerk of Courts for Lafayette County. The Clerk of Courts office has an informative website with  information about the resolution options for tickets and citations. You can find this information at http://www2.myfloridacounty.com/wps/wcm/connect/lafayetteclerk. If a court appearance isn't required (the box at the bottom of your yellow citation stating "infraction does not require appearance in court" must be checked), you have three options:

If a court appearance is required, you MUST appear on the date specified on the ticket.

4. What do I do if my license plate has been lost or stolen?
If you suspect your license tag was stolen or perhaps lost, you must file a police report and get a case number. Tags will not be replaced without that case number. Call the LCSO non-emergency number, (386) 294-1222 and ask for Communications to make a report. Once you have the case number, you can apply for a new tag at the Lafayette County Tax Collectors Office. They can be reached at (386) 294-1961 for further information.

5. What to report if you are a witness or the victim of a crime.
If you are a victim of a crime or if you witness a crime, your observations can lead to a faster resolution of the case. When you report a crime, the Lafayette County Sheriffs Office Communications Operator will ask you to describe the suspect(s) you observed. NEVER place your safety or the safety of those around you in jeopardy to get a better description of a subject, but attempt to make a mental picture of the suspect(s) by scanning the individual(s) from top to bottom, and outside to inside. Note the most obvious information first: race, sex, approximate age, weight and height. Then note hair and eye color, complexion and any distinguishing features such as glasses, scars, facial hair, etc. Make note of what the person is wearing, starting with the outside layer of clothing, bearing in mind that many times a suspect may remove outerwear to elude law enforcement officers. If you're describing a vehicle, try to remember the acronym CYMBALS:
C - color
Y - year
M - make
B - body
A - additional descriptive features
L - license
S – state

6. How do I report a break-in in progress?
During a break-in, the safety of you and your loved ones should be your primary concern, not the protection of your property. No possession is worth risking a human life. If someone is breaking into your home, everyone in the house should attempt to leave immediately, but only if it is safe to do so. Choose an exit, a window or door that is safely away from the intruder. Go to a neighbor's home and call 9-1-1. If you cannot escape, quickly move everyone into a room that has a phone. Lock and barricade the door. Immediately call 9-1-1 and be prepared to give the operator as much information as you can about the situation, including your address and details like your house color, location of fencing, status of outdoor lights and other information that may be useful. The operator will remain on the phone with you as deputies respond and will continue to ask questions and provide information.
A word about the use of weapons. Using a weapon for personal protection is a dangerous option. In the unlikelyhood of a face-to-face confrontation, your attacker might take your weapon from you and use it against you. Weapons have also been used against law enforcement officers or family members that were mistaken for intruders. The use of deadly force should be a last resort, even for highly trained law enforcement officers.

8. How do I get an Injunction for Protection?
Injunction for Protection orders are issued by a judge and are intended to protect those who fear for their own safety. Essentially, an Injunction for Protection order prohibits an individual from an action that is likely to cause harm. Usually, an Injunction for Protection prevents any contact or communication between two or more people. To obtain an Injunction for Protection, go to the Lafayette County Courthouse during regular business hours.  If you find yourself in a life-threatening situation after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays or anytime during the weekend and you have no safe shelter, call the Sheriff's Office, and give your information to the Communications Operator who will send a deputy to your location. The deputy will interview you to determine if an emergency Injunction for Protection is needed. If it is needed, the deputy will contact Communications and have them contact the on call Clerk of Court.  If you have further questions, please call Lafayette County Clerk of Court during regular business hours (386) 294-1600.

9. How can I get a copy of an incident report?
Contact the Sheriff's Office at (386) 294-1222, Monday thru Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM (closed holidays). If the information requested does not exceed 10 pages, there is no charge for this service other than a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

10. What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil case?
A criminal case is brought by the local, state or federal government in response to a suspected violation of law and seeks a fine, a jail sentence or both. Civil cases are generally brought by private individuals or corporations seeking to collect money owed to them, or monetary damages.

11. How do I carry a firearm in my vehicle without a concealed firearms permit?
The firearm must be securely encased (i.e., in a snapped holster, a zippered carrying case, or similar encasement). It should be placed in the glove box for safety and security. Should you be stopped by a law enforcement officer, it is wise to advise the officer of the firearm.

12. How do I obtain a permit for a concealed handgun?
This permit is issued by the Florida Department of State, not by local law enforcement agencies. You can either call or write to them and make a specific request for a Concealed Weapon Permit. Information is available online at the Department of State web site, or you can contact them by mail or phone:

Florida Department of State Division of Licensing
Post Office Box 6687
Tallahassee, FL 32314-6687
(850) 488-5381

In addition, Concealed Weapon Permit Application packets are available at the Sheriffs Office.

DUE TO THE INCREASE IN REQUESTS FOR CONCEALED WEAPON PERMITS, FINGERPRINTING WILL BE CONDUCTED BY APPOINTMENT ON TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS. PLEASE CONTACT SGT. VICKIE DUCKSWORTH AT 294-1301 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.