Harris County Texas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Harris County, Texas?
Yes, arrest records are public in Harris County, Texas. Under the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are considered public information and can be accessed by any member of the general public unless specifically exempt under state or federal law. This law ensures transparency and grants individuals the right to inspect or obtain copies of governmental records, including those maintained by local law enforcement agencies. However, some details within an arrest record, such as active investigations or juvenile information, may be withheld or redacted for privacy and security reasons.
How to Find Arrest Records in Harris County, Texas in 2024
To get arrest records in Harris County, there are several available options, including both online and in-person methods. Arrest records can often be retrieved through the following avenues:
- Online Databases Maintained by Local Law Enforcement: Many Harris County agencies provide online portals where individuals can search for arrest records or jail rosters.
- Request from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office: The Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest and detention records and can process requests under the Texas Public Information Act.
- Harris County Clerk's Office: The County Clerk’s Office occasionally has records related to arrests if they are part of court proceedings.
- Visit Local Police Departments: Each municipal police department within Harris County may keep records of arrests made in its jurisdiction.
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS): A statewide option for criminal history record checks is the Criminal History Name Search database provided by DPS, which may include arrest information.
- Third-Party Public Record Websites: Various independent websites can provide access to public arrest records for a fee or sometimes for free; however, accuracy may vary.
Some agencies may accept only written requests, while others provide electronic submissions, so it is important to verify the specific process depending on the agency. Identification may also be required at the time of the request.
Police Departments in Harris County, Texas
Harris County encompasses numerous police departments and law enforcement agencies. Below is a list of associated departments and their addresses:
-
Harris County Sheriff’s Office
1200 Baker St, Houston, TX 77002 -
Houston Police Department Headquarters
1200 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002 -
Pasadena Police Department
1201 Davis St, Pasadena, TX 77506 -
Baytown Police Department
3200 N Main St, Baytown, TX 77521 -
Bellaire Police Department
5110 Jessamine St, Bellaire, TX 77401 -
Humble Police Department
310 North Bender Ave, Humble, TX 77338 -
Spring Branch Independent School District Police Department
9009 Ruland Rd, Houston, TX 77055 -
Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Police Department
11200 Telge Rd, Cypress, TX 77429 -
Metro Police Department (Houston METRO)
1900 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 -
Tomball Police Department
400 Fannin St, Tomball, TX 77375
This list contains only a selection of law enforcement agencies located in Harris County. Each agency may maintain its own procedures and guidelines for handling arrest records and related documentation.