Access Tempe Arrest Records
Tempe arrest records are maintained by the Tempe Police Department and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. With a population over 180,000 and home to Arizona State University, Tempe processes a significant number of arrests each year. The police department keeps incident reports and arrest documentation, while the county sheriff handles booking at jail facilities. Tempe PD offers a JustFOIA portal for online records requests.
Tempe Quick Facts
Where Tempe Arrest Records Are Kept
Tempe arrest records exist at two locations. The Tempe Police Department maintains police reports from arrests made by Tempe officers. These reports document what happened, who was involved, and what evidence officers collected.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office operates the jail system. When Tempe police arrest someone, that person goes to a county jail for booking. The sheriff creates booking records with mugshots, charges, and custody information.
For complete arrest details in Tempe, you may need records from both the city police and county sheriff. The county offers free online inmate search to check current custody status.
Tempe Police Department Records
The Tempe Police Department is at 120 E. 5th Street in downtown Tempe. The records line at (480) 350-8588 operates seven days a week from 5 AM to midnight. This extended availability makes Tempe one of the more accessible departments for records inquiries.
Email requests to PD_RecordsRequests@tempe.gov. Include the date of the incident, location, names involved, and any case numbers you have. Staff process requests in the order they are received.
Tempe PD uses the JustFOIA platform for online requests. Visit the Tempe Police JustFOIA portal to submit requests and track their progress. The system sends updates as staff work on your request.
The JustFOIA portal shown above lets you submit records requests and track status online from Tempe Police.
How to Search Tempe Arrest Records Online
For current custody information, use the Maricopa County Sheriff inmate search. This free tool shows everyone in county jail, including people arrested by Tempe police. Search by name to find booking dates, charges, and bond amounts.
For police reports, use the JustFOIA portal at tempe.justfoia.com. Create an account, describe what you need, and provide incident details. You can also check the Arizona Courts public access system for case information.
Tempe Arrest Record Fees
Tempe Police charges $5 for the first 20 pages of a report. Additional pages cost extra. This covers most standard arrest reports and incident documentation. Larger files or special materials like video may have additional fees.
The Maricopa County inmate search is free. You only pay fees when requesting copies of official documents from Tempe PD. Contact the records section at (480) 350-8588 for quotes on complex requests.
How to Request Records in Tempe
The JustFOIA portal at tempe.justfoia.com is the main method for online requests. Create an account, fill out the request form, and include details about the incident you are researching.
Email PD_RecordsRequests@tempe.gov for questions or simple requests. Staff can confirm whether records exist and explain what fees apply.
Call (480) 350-8588 for immediate help. The line operates seven days a week from 5 AM to midnight, giving you more flexibility than most departments. Visit 120 E. 5th Street in person during business hours to submit requests face-to-face.
Arizona Arrest Records Laws
Tempe follows Arizona's public records law. A.R.S. § 39-121 grants public access to government records including arrest reports. You do not need to state why you want the records.
Some records are restricted. Juvenile records are not public. Records sealed under A.R.S. § 13-911 cannot be released. Active investigations may be protected until cases close. For statewide criminal history, contact the Arizona DPS.
Other Arizona Cities
Tempe sits between Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale in the central valley. Each city has its own police department, but all use Maricopa County facilities for booking.