Last night, I was sitting in my apartment, when I heard some loud banging noises outside. I went out on my balcony to check it out. (I'm not the 'none of my business' type)

Right in front of my apartment, I saw someone swinging a baseball bat, smashing out the windows of a car. I quickly grabbed my spotlight, and shined it on him. He got into his car (parked right next to the one he was smashing) so I shined my light on the car, and got a complete description.

I called the police, and gave them all the details. Within twenty minutes, they knocked on my door, and asked if I could identify the vehicle. I went with the cop to the bottom of the hill, and positively ID'd the vehicle, and the man I had seen vandalizing the car. They carted him off to jail.

This leads to my question: Will the police give me a copy of the report? Will they give me the name of the guy they arrested?

The reason I ask is, the guy saw me shining my spotlight on him, and it's very easy to tell which apartment I was in. I'm worried about him coming back to get revenge on me for reporting him. I think knowing who he is would help me protect myself.

As you can imagine, I've been a tightly coiled bundle of nerves since last night.

I doubt police would give out someones details without his permission. That sounds scary, but police probably wont tell you anything about him even if you are worried for your safety. Why dont you ask the police? i may be wrong

I got the information I needed. I spoke with my neighbor (the one whose car got smashed) and he explained the situation, and assured me I don't have to worry about this guy coming after me.

As I suspected, the guy was extremely drunk when he did it. He's sorry now, especially since he's facing a DUI.

ZZ,

Glad things worked out for you.

In case there are others that might have this same question; In Florida, police reports are public record and for a nominal fee can be accessed by the public.

There are a few exceptions, such as juveniles' information, or if the case is part of an on-going investigation.

Most of the time if you call the local PD they will be glad to explain in which instances police reports can be accessed.

Kel

Kel beat me to it.

Public record...all the way. If you call, you are involved...period.

People have this idea that when they call and say they are a witness to a crime, that there is somehow a guarantee to their anonymity. If the crime is serious enough, that is not the case.

Fletch1,

I've been gone for awhile. It's good to see your still holding down the fort.

You too ZZ, I think we've communicated once or twice in the past.

regards to both,
Kel

Yes, public record, for the most part. Also, keep in mind that in many locales, you can get an order of protection, to help keep the bad guy away, or have the Judge direct the bad guy, as a condition of his release.