To search for outstanding warrants in Pinellas County, Florida, you have several options:
Contents
Official Pinellas County Resources
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Warrants Desk
The most direct way to check for local Pinellas County warrants is to contact the Sheriff’s Office Warrants Desk at 727-582-6192. They can provide information on any active warrants in the county.
Pinellas County Clerk of Circuit Court
The Clerk’s office may also be able to assist with warrant information. You can contact them at 727-464-7000.
Online Search Options
Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Website
The FDLE offers a free searchable database for statewide warrants:
- Visit the FDLE website and use their Florida Criminal Information Center (FCIC) Public Records Search Page.
- Enter the subject’s first name, last name, nickname, race, sex, and/or date of birth.
- This database is updated every 24 hours and includes information on various types of warrants, including arrest warrants, failure to appear capias, bench warrants, and more.
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Website
While the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t currently offer a direct warrant search on their website, they provide a link to the FDLE search tool mentioned above.
Additional Resources
Violent Offender Warrants Unit
For information on suspects wanted for violent crimes, you can contact the Violent Offender Warrants Unit at 727-582-6149.
Crime Stoppers
To provide anonymous information on wanted individuals, you can:
- Call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477
- Submit tips online at Crime Stoppers of Pinellas
- Use the P3 Tips Mobile App
Considerations
- Not all warrants may be immediately listed in online databases.
- If you know the specific county where a crime allegedly occurred, checking that county’s sheriff’s office website may provide more up-to-date information.
- For cases involving failure to appear in court, you might find information on the Clerk of Court’s website.
If you believe there may be a warrant for your arrest, it’s advisable to consult with a criminal defense attorney. They can help you verify the warrant’s existence and guide you on the best course of action to resolve the issue.
Pinellas County Crime Recent Trends
Pinellas County has seen some positive trends in crime reduction in recent years:
Overall Crime Reduction
Pinellas County has experienced a significant decrease in its overall crime rate. In 2020, the county saw a combined crime rate decline of 15.7%, which was the largest drop in the seven-county Tampa Bay region. This reduction outpaced neighboring counties like Pasco, which saw a 9.9% decline.
Violent Crime Trends
While specific violent crime statistics for Pinellas County are not provided in the search results, there are some indications of positive trends:
- The county’s efforts in crime reduction appear to be part of a broader statewide trend. Florida’s overall crime rate in 2020 dropped 14.1% compared to 2019.
- Nationwide data shows that most violent crimes in the first half of 2024 were at or below levels seen in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Youth Crime Prevention Efforts
The city of St. Petersburg, located in Pinellas County, is taking proactive steps to address youth crime:
- A $1 million allocation has been made to programs aimed at preventing youth involvement in crime.
- The “Forward Together” program targets youth between 12 and 17 years old, focusing on violence interruption through mental health and human services programs.
- This initiative partners with local organizations like the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg to provide structured activities for children and teens.
Comparative Analysis
While Pinellas County has shown improvements, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary within the county and compared to state averages:
- As of 2020, Pinellas County’s crime rate was 2,252.2 index crimes per 100,000 population, slightly higher than the Florida state average of 2,158.0.
Ongoing Challenges
Despite the overall positive trends, some challenges remain:
- Property crime rates in Pinellas County (45.5 on a scale of 1-100) are higher than the US average (35.4).
- Specific areas or cities within the county may experience different crime trends compared to the county-wide statistics.
In conclusion, while Pinellas County has made significant strides in reducing overall crime rates, particularly in comparison to neighboring counties, there are still areas that require continued focus and improvement, especially in addressing property crimes and youth involvement in criminal activities.
You can view more detailed information on crime trends here and here.