Citizens who call in, or walk in, requesting general information are assisted  by the front desk personnel. The front desk personnel also write non-emergency or late reported incidents called in via the phone that do not require an Officer/PST to go to the location of the incident.  The Front Desk phone number is 352 334 2451.

Officer Johnny Hornes

Listed below are some the services and questions that Officer Hornes and other front desk personnel can  help you with. Click on the statement for the answer.

I have received a citation for an equipment violation, can you inspect my vehicle and what is the fee?

Motor vehicle equipment violations, cited under Florida State Statute 316.610, you have 30 days to get the violation corrected and inspected. After the officer observes the corrected violation, you pay a fee. The fee is payable at the parking ticket office, in the police lobby during regular business hours.  After the officer signs the back of the citation and the fee is collected, the citation is returned back to you.  You are then required to pay an additional fee to the Alachua County Clerk (if your citation was issued in Alachua County).
Citations issued in another county can also be taken care of at our front desk. There is still a fee payable here after the inspection; you can then mail the remaining fee to the issuing county's court house.
If the repair(s) are accomplished and, fees paid, there is no additional fine collected for this violation.  If you fail to get the vehicle repaired and inspected in 30 days, the regular citation fine is due to the Clerk of the Court.

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Where can I go to be fingerprinted for a job application/license?

Fingerprinting for job applications and licenses is done between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Wednesdays only (not including holidays) in the lobby of the Police Department. The cost is $5.00 per card and citizens must provide the fingerprint cards.  University of Florida students/faculty members can be fingerprinted for free by the University of Florida Police Department 24 hours a day. Santa Fe Community College offers a similar program to their students/faculty members.

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Where can I go to be fingerprinted for my Immigration Naturalization Service (INS) paperwork?

The Gainesville Police Department is not authorized to fingerprint people for INS purposes.  All INS fingerprint cards are handled by INS in Jacksonville.  For further information you can call (904) 232-3160.

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How do I get a clearance check for Salvation Army or St. Francis house?

Citizens requiring a "clearance" for Salvation Army/St. Francis house or any other requesting facility may come to the front desk.  You must have picture ID and be present to receive a pass.

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How do I pick up a vehicle that was towed by a member of the Gainesville Police Department?

To get a vehicle out of the impound, the registered owner of the vehicle must come to the police station at 721 NW 6th Street.  You bring the following documents to receive a release form from the front desk officer/PST.

                   1) Driver's License 

                   2) Registration for the vehicle

After the front desk officer/PST has photocopied the documents, you will be required to sign the tow sheet.  The tow sheet is a Department form containing general information about your vehicle and why it was towed.  You will then receive a release form and a copy of the signed tow sheet.
If the registered owner wants you to pick up the vehicle, have him/her complete a letter stating that he/she is giving you power of attorney to do so.  The letter must identify you, describe the vehicle, and be formally witnessed through a notary.  The letter then must be faxed to GPD at (352) 334-2058 from the registered owner's local police department.  Along with the letter, a photocopy of the registered owner's driver's license is required.  Once these documents are received a release form will be completed. If you have any other questions about towing please contact the front desk at (352) 334-2452.

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How do I get my vehicle back, after it was towed from private/posted property?

If you parked your vehicle on private/posted property and the vehicle is towed by the owner of the property.  First, look in the area where you parked for a tow-away zone sign.  If you locate a sign it should tell you the towing company's name and phone number.  If you cannot locate this information, you can contact the Gainesville Police Department at (352) 334-2400.  Give the call taker your vehicle description and the location your vehicle was towed from.  The call taker should be able to assist you with locating your vehicle.  This type of towing occurs on posted property, such as apartment complexes and private business parking lots.  Homeowners can also call a tow company if an unauthorized vehicle is on their property. When your vehicle is towed in this manner it is not a police matter, it is a civil matter, and the fees are set by the company that towed your vehicle. 

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