Volusia County launches online database for domestic abuse convictions

One simple search, now helping protect thousands of people. Volusia County is making it easier to find out if someone you need to trust has a troubling criminal past. A new online database lets you search for domestic abuse convictions complete with court records and mugshots. Fox 35's Bailey Bockover is live in the Alert Center for us tonight. Bailey, what makes this new tool different? Marlisa, what makes a difference is that while these public records were always accessible, finding them required digging through court dockets. But now, county officials have streamlined the process into a single search bar. County leaders merged court records directly into a new one-stop shop web portal. You simply type in a name to pull up qualifying convictions, case numbers, and recent mugshots. Officials say it gives residents crucial information when screening anyone, whether that be potential dates, babysitters, or elder care providers. County IT teams synchronize systems so newly qualifying convictions populate automatically in real time. Share that resource, tell your friends and family about it. And again, it's a resource. This is another way that we're trying to keep the public safe. County leaders hope other local governments across Florida will emulate this system to expand offender tracking statewide. If you'd like to test or search the new database yourself, you can find the link on our website at fox35orlando.com. Live in the newsroom, Bailey Bockover Fox 35 News.