The Police Department receives many telephone calls and request for information from the public. Our "Frequently Asked Questions" section will help to answer some of the typical questions asked about the West Palm Beach Police Department.

On November 5, 1894, 78 people met at the "Calaboose" (the first jail and police station located at Clematis St. and Poinsettia, now Dixie Hwy.) and passed the motion to incorporate the Town of West Palm Beach in what was then Dade County. The town council quickly addressed the building codes and the tents and shanties were replaced by brick, brick veneer, and stone buildings. For more history go to 1890's on

As of the 1994 Census, the resident population was 76,342. In the year 2000, the City of West Palm Beach is the largest municipality in one of the country's fastest growing areas: Palm Beach County. Encompassing a geographic area in excess of 56 square miles, West Palm Beach lies on the East coast of Florida, approximately 60 miles North of Miami.

At present, applications are only being accepted for sworn positions from those who are currently certified by the State of Florida or who are currently enrolled in a Florida school for such certification. Please keep an eye on our recruitment page at Recruitment. More information can be obtained from our Staff Services Division at 561.822.1999

Position openings for civilian personnel can be found through the city's website employment page

Call 561.822.1600 with your request. There is a nominal charge for a copy of a police report. Most single reports are charged at a fee of $0.15 (15 cents) per page for reports 15 pages or more. For most single reports under 15 there is no fee. Due to the many factors that can be involved in the request for a police report (Agencies requesting multiple reports, a juvenile requesting report) it's best to call for specific details.

Yes. Fingerprinting services are provided Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. The hours are 12 noon to 3 p.m. Please note there are no fingerprinting services provided on Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays. The office is closed on holidays. The office is located off the lobby of the Police Department. The entrance to WPBPD is off Rosemary Avenue, near Banyan Blvd.

Please note that although we try to honor all requests, it is not always possible as the requests can outnumber the supply. It is always appreciated it if you are able to exchange a patch from another agency.

The driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic accident should immediately stop as close to the scene as is possible without causing a traffic hazard. If there are injuries, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Both parties should exchange information including names, addresses, phone numbers, drivers license numbers, vehicle license numbers and insurance policy numbers.
The driver of any vehicle in any accident that results in injury, death or property damage in excess of $500 must report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles within ten days by completing a DMV SR 1 form. This form is available from the Department of Motor Vehicles or most insurance companies.

If you have received an equipment violation ticket, after having the vehicle repaired, you can bring the equipment violation ticket to the WPB Police Department. Come into the lobby. Either an officer, a DPR personnel or one of the civilian personnel present at the desk can help. It will be necessary to one of our personnel to inspect your car to check that the violation has been corrected. They can then sign the ticket. At this point, you will need to take the signed ticket to the County Courthouse, 205 N. Dixie Hwy. and pay the fee of $9.

The office is no longer located in the West Palm Beach Police Department lobby. It is now at 195 N. Narcissus Avenue, 33401, Phone 561.659.8022. Please click here for more information.

Although this was previously under the jurisdiction of your local FBI agency, since 9-11-01, the FBI has devoted its efforts to terrorist activities. Now, you might either contact your local law enforcement agency (city, county or state) or go to The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) and report on-line. You might also want to check out info on West Palm Beach Police Forensics Computer Examiner