HOW TO FILE A CRIMINAL COMPLAINT
In the Fort Walton Beach-Niceville-Destin-Mary Esther areas: 651-7400
In the Crestview-Baker-Laurel Hill areas: 689-5705
BE PREPARED TO TELL THE OPERATOR THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
The nature of the incident. Be brief; the operator needs the essential basics, not a complete story. Do tell the operator if the event is in progress...has just occurred in the past few minutes...or already occurred. The deputy will obtain other details on the scene.
The telephone number from where you are calling.
The location of the incident. This should be the location where the deputy is to be sent, which may not be the same as your home address. Include the name of the apartment complex, mobile home park, or business, if appropriate...plus the apartment number. You might mention a key landmark if that will be helpful in finding the location.
Your name. The operator may ask you additional questions, such as your home address and telephone number (especially if this is different from the incident location).
Any additional information. This could include the names, descriptions, or direction of travel of any suspects...including tag number and description of vehicle, if appropriate. Provide any information that the deputy or deputies will need to know before they arrive on scene.
If you are at the scene of an in-progress emergency you will be asked to remain on the phone until a deputy arrives at your location, if you will not be placing yourself in danger by doing so. If it is not safe for you to remain on the line, it is imperative that the operator know the location and the nature of the incident. As difficult as it may be...remain calm. Screaming into the telephone does not help; it makes communications slower and more difficult.
If the incident is NOT "in-progress", the operator will obtain the needed information as quickly as possible, and it will not be necessary for you to remain on the line. The communications center may call you back if additional information is needed.
Okaloosa County Sheriff's
Office
1250 North Eglin Parkway
Shalimar, FL 32579
(850) 651-7410