A police blotter is a record of arrests and other notable incidents handled by a law enforcement agency. Typically, it lists individuals arrested, charges filed, and related details like the date and time of the incident. A reference to a specific number, such as “300,” could indicate a particular batch, section, page, or other organizational element within the larger blotter record, possibly related to a specific date range, type of offense, or precinct within Palm Beach County. Examining these records provides a snapshot of daily law enforcement activity in a particular jurisdiction.
Access to such records offers transparency and public accountability. It allows journalists, researchers, and citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, track crime trends, and identify potential patterns or systemic issues. Historically, blotters were physical logbooks maintained at police stations. Modernization efforts have led to digital formats, sometimes accessible online, making this information more readily available to the public. This accessibility supports informed public discourse about crime and community safety.