Find Arrest Records in Phoenix

Phoenix arrest records are kept by both the Phoenix Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. As Arizona's capital city with more than 1.6 million people, Phoenix sees thousands of arrests every year. The police department maintains incident reports and case files from local arrests. The county sheriff handles booking records at jail facilities. You can search arrest records through the city's public safety portal or request copies from the Phoenix police records division.

Where Phoenix Arrest Records Are Kept

Phoenix arrest records come from two main sources. The Phoenix Police Department creates the initial police report when officers make an arrest. This report includes witness statements, what officers saw, and any evidence they collected at the scene. The report stays with the police department's records section.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office handles booking. When Phoenix police arrest someone, that person goes to a Maricopa County jail for processing. The sheriff creates a booking record with the charges, mugshot, and custody details. This means a complete picture of any Phoenix arrest may require records from both the city police and county sheriff. The sheriff's office runs a free online inmate search where you can check current custody status without any cost.

Phoenix Police Department Records

The Phoenix Police Department Records Section is at 1717 E. Grant St., Suite 100. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM. You can walk in during these hours to request arrest records or ask questions about what records exist for a specific case.

Call the records section at 602-534-1127 with questions. Staff can tell you if records exist for a particular incident and explain what fees apply. Email works too. Send requests to policepublicrecords@phoenix.gov. Response times vary based on the complexity of your request and current workload at the Phoenix records unit.

Phoenix PD offers an online portal for submitting records requests. The Phoenix Public Safety Portal lets you submit requests, upload documents, and track progress from your computer. Many people find this faster than mail or in-person visits.

The portal shown above provides online access to request Phoenix police records and track your submission status.

How to Search Phoenix Arrest Records Online

Start with the Maricopa County Sheriff's inmate search tool. It is free. The tool shows everyone currently in county custody, including people arrested by Phoenix police. Search by name to find booking dates, current charges, and bond amounts. The system updates regularly throughout each day.

For police reports, use the Phoenix Public Safety Portal. You need to make an account first. Then submit your request with as much detail as you have about the incident. Include dates, locations, names, and case numbers if you know them. The system sends you updates as staff process your request in Phoenix.

The records page above explains the types of police reports available and how to get them from Phoenix Police.

Phoenix Arrest Record Fees

Phoenix Police has set fees for records services. A Letter of Clearance costs $8.50 when no record exists, or $28 when there is a record on file. This letter documents your arrest history with Phoenix Police. Employers and licensing boards often ask for these letters.

Copies of reports may cost extra depending on size. Large files with many pages or video evidence take more time to process and cost more. Call 602-534-1127 before you submit a request so you know what to expect. The Maricopa County inmate lookup is completely free to use. Fees only apply when you ask for copies of actual documents.

How to Request Records in Phoenix

Online requests through the public safety portal work best for most people. Create your account, fill out the request form, and wait for a response. Include every detail you can about the arrest or incident. Specific dates and names help staff find records faster in Phoenix.

Phone calls to 602-534-1127 let you ask questions first. Staff can confirm records exist before you pay any fees. This saves time if you are not sure what records are available for your case.

Walk in to 1717 E. Grant St., Suite 100 during business hours for in-person help. Bring your ID and any paperwork you have about the incident. Staff can search records on the spot and help you fill out request forms correctly. Some people prefer this method because they can ask questions face to face.

Email requests go to policepublicrecords@phoenix.gov. This works for general questions and simple requests. Complex requests may require the formal portal process instead.

Arizona Arrest Records Laws

Phoenix follows state public records law. A.R.S. § 39-121 grants the public access to government records including arrest reports. You do not have to say why you want records. The law puts the burden on the agency to explain why records cannot be released, not on you to justify your request.

Some records have limits on access. Juvenile arrest records stay sealed from public view. Records sealed under A.R.S. § 13-911 cannot be released. This sealing law took effect at the end of 2022 and lets people petition to hide certain old records. Active investigations may also be protected until cases close. The Arizona DPS Central State Repository handles statewide criminal history that covers multiple cities and counties.

Other Arizona Cities

Phoenix sits among several other large cities in Maricopa County. Each city has its own police department that handles local arrests. However, all booking happens at Maricopa County jail facilities. This means the county sheriff has booking records for arrests made throughout the metro area.