Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)

Good morning,

I have forwarded your request to the appropriate entity – our Records Unit – which handles requests of this nature. For future reference the direct email is recordsrequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:recordsrequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org> and the direct phone line is 850.651.7434.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
50 2nd Street Shalimar Fl.
850-651-7420

[Outreach]

Good Afternoon,

Please see the attached invoice for your public records request. Payment can be made either in person or by mail to the address below either by check or exact cash only. When making payment regardless of in person or via mail please include a copy of this invoice to expedite the process. If mailing payment please address the envelope in care of/attention to Records Unit specifically. Once payment has been received please allow 1-2 weeks to process the request.

The invoice provided today is only an estimate. If there is a balance due upon completion it must be paid before the records will be released.

Records
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
50 2nd St
Shalimar, Florida 32579
Office Hours: M-F 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Records line: (850) 651-7434
Fax: (850) 609-2086
RecordsRequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:RecordsRequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org>

From: Robert A. Wagner
Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 11:03 AM
To: Report Taker <reporttaker@sheriff-okaloosa.org>
Subject: RE: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)

Good afternoon,

1. See attached excel sheet *
2. 28 reported, 11 sustained
3. 4 reported, 0 sustained
4. 1 reported, 0 sustained
5. 1 reported, 0 sustained **
6. 1 non-fatal

* The document we have only states intermediate weapon, it does not break down the type (e.g. Taser, pepper spray, baton).
** There was only one alleging of a law violation, though excessive use of force is also a law violation, and arguably could be added to the total.

From: requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com> <requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2022 2:59 PM
To: PIO <pio@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:pio@sheriff-okaloosa.org>>
Subject: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)

WARNING: This E-Mail Originated Outside of the Sheriff's Office.

DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
SL Office
50 2nd Street
Shalimar, FL 32579

September 11, 2022

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Florida Sunshine Law, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.). Please include as part of this a breakdown of how many use of force incidents in each year were related to law enforcement operations and how many were related to correctional/custodial operations.

2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/

If prompted for a passcode, please enter:
••••••••

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 133602
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track, share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.
[http://email.requests.muckrock.com/o/eJwNyTkSwyAMAMDXhC6MJBBHwVsynDFje0gg_n9cbbE1oDHkySjlRAnMRtQz9uPVS0BtrGMQWygOLXi-KaRQe2t0YYeJwWrrFIgeCIjAI6Jnx062RorIQio6Kp_SQ8Os36uu35Lnlfc58i7zOMUMnz7uXVudvbXn2OMxxopyzPcfq5ctRA]
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
We are committed to upholding the Constitution of the United States and the laws of Florida with excellence and integrity. We strive to reduce crime while providing fair and equal treatment for all. We are honored to serve and protect.

From: Robert A. Wagner <rwagner@sheriff-okaloosa.org>
Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 4:17 PM
To: Report Taker <reporttaker@sheriff-okaloosa.org>
Subject: RE: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)

Good afternoon,

The answer to the follow-up question is a combination of a couple things.

For the most part, the non-lethal weapons are devices used by our Special Response Team (SRT) such as flash-bangs and CS gas canisters to a structure or conveyance, but there was one example where a vehicle stop was completed, and the agency vehicle was positioned next to the suspect vehicle to prevent it from entering traffic and the two vehicles made contact. The non-lethal weapons category also included a few traditional intermediate weapons (taser, pepper spray, baton, etc.). Many instances include multiple forms of responses to resistance, so coding can be subjective.

I hope this helps.

Captain Wagner

From: requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com> <requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>>
Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2022 3:18 PM
To: Report Taker <reporttaker@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:reporttaker@sheriff-okaloosa.org>>
Subject: RE: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
SL Office
50 2nd Street
Shalimar, FL 32579

October 5, 2022

This is a follow up to a previous request:

Thanks for sending this. In the spreadsheet you sent, what's the difference between intermediate weapons and non-lethal weapons?

-Sam

View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/

If prompted for a passcode, please enter:
••••••••

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 133602
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track, share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.

---

On Oct. 4, 2022:
Subject: FW: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)
From: Robert A. Wagner
Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 11:03 AM
To: Report Taker <reporttaker@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:reporttaker@sheriff-okaloosa.org>>
Subject: RE: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)

Good afternoon,

1. See attached excel sheet *
2. 28 reported, 11 sustained
3. 4 reported, 0 sustained
4. 1 reported, 0 sustained
5. 1 reported, 0 sustained **
6. 1 non-fatal

* The document we have only states intermediate weapon, it does not break down the type (e.g. Taser, pepper spray, baton).
** There was only one alleging of a law violation, though excessive use of force is also a law violation, and arguably could be added to the total.

From: requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com%3cmailto:requests@muckrock.com>> <requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com%3cmailto:requests@muckrock.com>>>
Sent: Sunday, September 11, 2022 2:59 PM
To: PIO <pio@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:pio@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:pio@sheriff-okaloosa.org%3cmailto:pio@sheriff-okaloosa.org>>>
Subject: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)

WARNING: This E-Mail Originated Outside of the Sheriff's Office.

DO NOT CLICK links or attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
SL Office
50 2nd Street
Shalimar, FL 32579

September 11, 2022

To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Florida Sunshine Law, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.). Please include as part of this a breakdown of how many use of force incidents in each year were related to law enforcement operations and how many were related to correctional/custodial operations.

2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/

If prompted for a passcode, please enter:
••••••••

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com%3cmailto:requests@muckrock.com>>

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 133602
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track, share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.
[http://email.requests.muckrock.com/o/eJwNyTkSwyAMAMDXhC6MJBBHwVsynDFje0gg_n9cbbE1oDHkySjlRAnMRtQz9uPVS0BtrGMQWygOLXi-KaRQe2t0YYeJwWrrFIgeCIjAI6Jnx062RorIQio6Kp_SQ8Os36uu35Lnlfc58i7zOMUMnz7uXVudvbXn2OMxxopyzPcfq5ctRA]
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
We are committed to upholding the Constitution of the United States and the laws of Florida with excellence and integrity. We strive to reduce crime while providing fair and equal treatment for all. We are honored to serve and protect.

---

On Sept. 20, 2022:
Subject: RE: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)

To Whom It May Concern:

Please find enclosed a check for $216.00 to satisfy the fee associated with the attached public records request.

Thank you.

---

On Sept. 16, 2022:
Subject: RE: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)
Good Afternoon,

Please see the attached invoice for your public records request. Payment can be made either in person or by mail to the address below either by check or exact cash only. When making payment regardless of in person or via mail please include a copy of this invoice to expedite the process. If mailing payment please address the envelope in care of/attention to Records Unit specifically. Once payment has been received please allow 1-2 weeks to process the request.

The invoice provided today is only an estimate. If there is a balance due upon completion it must be paid before the records will be released.

Records
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
50 2nd St
Shalimar, Florida 32579
Office Hours: M-F 7:30 am – 4:30 pm
Records line: (850) 651-7434
Fax: (850) 609-2086
RecordsRequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:RecordsRequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:RecordsRequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org%3cmailto:RecordsRequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org>>

---

On Sept. 12, 2022:
Subject: RE: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)
Good morning,

I have forwarded your request to the appropriate entity – our Records Unit – which handles requests of this nature. For future reference the direct email is recordsrequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:recordsrequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org<mailto:recordsrequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org%3cmailto:recordsrequest@sheriff-okaloosa.org>> and the direct phone line is 850.651.7434.
Thank you.
Sincerely,

Michele Nicholson
Public Information Officer
Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
50 2nd Street Shalimar Fl.
850-651-7420

[Outreach]
---

On Sept. 11, 2022:
Subject: Florida Sunshine Law Request: Sheriff Data Collection Request (2021)
To Whom It May Concern:

Pursuant to the Florida Sunshine Law, I hereby request the following records:

1. the total number of use of force incidents, separated by type of force and year used in 2021 (for example, information that specifies the number of taser incidents in 2021, baton incidents in 2021, etc.). Please include as part of this a breakdown of how many use of force incidents in each year were related to law enforcement operations and how many were related to correctional/custodial operations.

2. the total number of civilian complaints alleging any form of law enforcement misconduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

3. the total number of civilian complaints alleging law enforcement use of excessive force that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

4. the total number of civilian complaints alleging biased policing or racial profiling that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

5. the total number of civilian complaints alleging criminal conduct that were reported and the total number sustained in 2021.

6. the total number of officer involved shootings in 2021, both fatal and non-fatal.

When available, I would appreciate being sent individualized data for each item in this request in spreadsheet format. If individualized data are unavailable, please send information that includes aggregate statistics for the item instead.

Note that my requests for civilian complaints are specifically for civilian complaints alleging police misconduct, please do not include complaints filed by one officer/the department against another officer.

The requested documents will be made available to the general public, and this request is not being made for commercial purposes.

In the event that there are fees, I would be grateful if you would inform me of the total charges in advance of fulfilling my request. I would prefer the request filled electronically, by e-mail attachment if available or CD-ROM if not.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation in this matter. I look forward to receiving your response to this request within 10 business days.

Sincerely,

Samuel Sinyangwe

View request history, upload responsive documents, and report problems here:
https://www.muckrock.com/

If prompted for a passcode, please enter:
••••••••

Filed via MuckRock.com
E-mail (Preferred): requests@muckrock.com<mailto:requests@muckrock.com>

PLEASE NOTE OUR NEW ADDRESS
For mailed responses, please address (see note):
MuckRock News
DEPT MR 133602
263 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115

PLEASE NOTE: This request is not filed by a MuckRock staff member, but is being sent through MuckRock by the above in order to better track, share, and manage public records requests. Also note that improperly addressed (i.e., with the requester's name rather than "MuckRock News" and the department number) requests might be returned as undeliverable.
[Image removed by sender.]
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
Please note that Florida has a broad records law. All work-related correspondence sent to or from this email address may be subject to public disclosure.
We are committed to upholding the Constitution of the United States and the laws of Florida with excellence and integrity. We strive to reduce crime while providing fair and equal treatment for all. We are honored to serve and protect.