By Amelia Anderson The Ocala Police Department, commonly known as OPD, is the municipal law-enforcement agency serving Ocala, Florida. The department responds to emergency and non-emergency calls, investigates crimes, enforces traffic laws and provides patrol, investigative, traffic, K-9, records and victim-assistance services.
OPD operates from its headquarters on South Pine Avenue. The Community Policing Bureau divides the city into two police districts, which are further divided into four quadrants to organize patrol coverage and community-policing services.
Residents should call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress. For non-emergency calls requiring police service, call 352-369-7070.
Ocala Police Department Quick Information
| Information | Details |
| Official name | Ocala Police Department |
| Common abbreviation | OPD |
| Headquarters address | 402 South Pine Ave., Ocala, FL 34471 |
| Emergency number | 911 |
| Non-emergency calls for service | 352-369-7070 |
| General information | 352-369-7000 |
| Records Department | 352-369-7090 |
| Crime Stoppers | 352-368-7867 |
| Victim Advocates | 352-369-7139 / 352-369-7134 |
| Police districts | Two |
| Patrol structure | Two districts divided into four quadrants |
| Major bureaus | Community Policing, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations and Support Services |
| County | Marion County |
| Marion County Jail | 700 NW 30th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475 |
| Jail information | 352-351-8077 |
Ocala Police Department Address
Ocala Police Department headquarters is located at:
- 402 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34471
The department’s general-information number is: 352-369-7000
For non-emergency calls requiring police service, call: 352-369-7070
Call 911 when a crime is happening, someone is injured or in immediate danger, a weapon is involved, a serious crash has occurred or urgent police, fire or medical assistance is required.
Important Ocala Police Phone Numbers
| Police service | Phone number |
| Emergency assistance | 911 |
| Non-emergency calls for service | 352-369-7070 |
| General information | 352-369-7000 |
| Records Department | 352-369-7090 |
| Crime Stoppers | 352-368-7867 |
| Victim Advocates | 352-369-7139 / 352-369-7134 |
| Internal Affairs inquiries | 352-369-7000 |
| Marion County Jail | 352-351-8077 |
Specialized numbers are mainly intended for records, victim services, complaints, tips and administrative questions. New incidents requiring an officer should normally be reported through 911 or the non-emergency calls-for-service number.
Ocala Police Districts and Quadrants
The Community Policing Bureau is OPD’s largest and most visible bureau. It oversees most of the department’s uniformed officers and is responsible for routine patrol and community-level police services.
The bureau divides Ocala into two police districts, and those districts are further divided into four quadrants. Residents do not need to know their district or quadrant before requesting police assistance. Dispatchers use the incident location to determine the appropriate police response.
Community Policing Bureau
The Community Policing Bureau handles frontline law-enforcement services and works directly with residents, businesses and visitors.
Patrol officers typically perform duties such as:
- Responding to 911 calls
- Handling non-emergency calls for service
- Conducting preliminary criminal investigations
- Responding to disturbances and suspicious activity
- Handling violent and property crimes
- Making arrests
- Conducting welfare checks
- Enforcing traffic laws
- Responding to vehicle crashes
- Neighborhood and business patrol
Criminal Investigations Bureau
The Criminal Investigations Bureau handles follow-up investigations of felony crimes committed against people or property within the City of Ocala.
Major investigative functions include:
- Major Crimes Unit
- Property Crimes Unit
- Economic Crimes Unit
The Major Crimes Unit investigates serious offenses involving people, including homicide, robbery, sex crimes and aggravated assault or battery.
The Property Crimes Unit handles burglary, theft and related property offenses. The Economic Crimes Unit investigates financial crimes such as fraud and scams.
Special Operations Bureau
The Special Operations Bureau contains specialized units that support patrol, investigations and community programs.
Its major functions include:
- K-9 Unit
- Traffic Unit
- Youth Development
- Training Unit
- Community Service Specialists
K-9 teams assist with suspect apprehension, drug detection, building searches, tracking and crime deterrence.
The Traffic Unit works to reduce crashes and traffic violations through enforcement, education and visible patrol. Officers investigate traffic complaints and participate in safety programs designed to reduce injuries and fatalities.
School Resource Officers handle school-related incidents and support prevention and mentoring programs.
Community Service Specialists
Community Service Specialists, commonly called CSS, handle many non-criminal or lower-priority calls that do not require a sworn patrol officer.
Their work can include:
- Traffic crashes
- Parking violations
- Citizen assistance
- Abandoned vehicles
- Missing-person matters
- Lost property
- Certain misdemeanor complaints without identified suspects
Support Services and Records
Support Services covers records, recruitment, supply, facilities, fleet and fiscal services.
The Records Department maintains police reports, archived files, current cases, traffic-accident reports and traffic citations.
The Records Department can be contacted at:
352-369-7090
Public counter hours are generally Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
911 Communications and Police Technology
OPD’s 911 Communications section serves as the primary public-safety answering point for the City of Ocala. The center receives calls requesting police, fire and medical assistance and dispatches public-safety resources within city limits.
Police Information Systems supports technology used by police, fire and emergency communications personnel.
What County Is Ocala Police Department In?
Ocala is located in Marion County, Florida.
The Ocala Police Department provides municipal law-enforcement services within Ocala city limits. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is a separate agency responsible for county-level law enforcement and operation of the Marion County Jail.
How to File an Ocala Police Report Online
OPD provides an online reporting option for qualifying low-priority or delayed incidents.
The portal provides eligibility instructions before a report is submitted.
The system should not be used when:
- A crime is currently happening.
- Someone is in immediate danger.
- A suspect is still at the scene.
- Immediate evidence collection is necessary.
- An urgent police response is required.
Call 911 for emergencies or 352-369-7070 for a non-emergency incident that requires an officer.
Obtaining Ocala Police Records
The Records Department accepts public-record requests in person, by telephone, by mail and through the department’s online records-request system.
The Records Department is located at:
- 402 South Pine Avenue
- Ocala, Florida 34471
The telephone number is: 352-369-7090
Useful information for a records request includes the case number, incident date, location and type of incident. Current basic copy fees include 15 cents for a single-sided page, 20 cents for a double-sided page and $1 per certified page.
Ocala Traffic Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports can be requested through the OPD Records Department. Florida law restricts public access to crash reports for 60 days after filing, although people involved in the crash and other authorized parties may obtain them by completing the required affidavit.
Crash reports are also available for a fee through Florida’s official Crash Portal.
When requesting a report, provide the crash date, location, case number and other identifying information when available.
Victim Services
OPD provides victim-advocacy services for people affected by crime, including domestic violence and other serious offenses.
Victim Advocates can be reached at: 352-369-7139 or 352-369-7134
Advocates may help victims understand available services, court processes and community resources. They can also provide information about safety planning, counseling, relocation assistance and crime-victim compensation programs when applicable.
Ocala Police and Marion County Jail
Ocala Police officers make arrests, but OPD does not operate the Marion County Jail.
The jail is operated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and is located at:
- Marion County Jail, 700 NW 30th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34475
The jail information number is: 352-351-8077
Current custody information should be confirmed directly through the jail.
Complaints About Ocala Police Employees
Residents who have concerns about police conduct may request a supervisor or contact the department regarding the complaint process. OPD identifies its Internal Affairs function as the appropriate contact for allegations involving police conduct, including concerns about bias-based policing.
The department’s main Internal Affairs contact number is:
352-369-7000
Useful complaint information includes:
- Date and time of the incident
- Location
- Employee name or description when known
- Badge or vehicle information
- Police case number
- Witness information
- Photographs, recordings or other evidence
- A clear description of what occurred
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Ocala Police non-emergency number?
A: For non-emergency calls requiring police service, call 352-369-7070. Call 911 for emergencies and crimes currently in progress.
Q: Where is Ocala Police Department headquarters?
A: Ocala Police Department headquarters is located at 402 South Pine Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34471. The general-information number is 352-369-7000.
Q: How many police districts does Ocala have?
A: The Community Policing Bureau divides Ocala into two police districts. Those districts are further divided into four quadrants for patrol and community-policing purposes.
Q: Can I file an Ocala police report online?
A: Yes. OPD provides online reporting for qualifying low-priority or delayed incidents. Emergencies and incidents requiring an immediate officer response should be reported by telephone.
Q: Does Ocala Police operate the Marion County Jail?
A: No. The Marion County Jail is operated by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. The jail is located at 700 NW 30th Avenue in Ocala, and the information number is 352-351-8077.