>Copiah County Arrest Records Online

Copiah County, Mississippi Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Copiah County, Mississippi?

Arrest records are public documents in Copiah County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest documentation, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Mississippi Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to access information regarding arrests, which typically includes the individual's name, charges filed, and other relevant details. Certain records may be sealed or restricted by court order or statutory provisions designed to protect sensitive information or the rights of individuals in specific circumstances.

The Copiah County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records must submit their requests to the appropriate custodian of records, who is obligated to respond within seven working days as specified in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Copiah County?

Arrest records for Copiah County are available through various online platforms, though the extent of information and accessibility varies by source. The Copiah County Sheriff's Department provides limited online access to current inmate information through their official website. Additionally, the Mississippi Department of Corrections maintains a searchable database for individuals currently in state custody or under supervision.

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-3(b), electronic records are subject to the same public access provisions as physical documents. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-9, which protects confidential information such as social security numbers, dates of birth, and other personal identifiers.

Third-party aggregators also compile and provide access to Copiah County arrest records, though the accuracy and comprehensiveness of these services cannot be guaranteed by county officials. Users of such services should verify information through official channels when necessary for legal or employment purposes.

How to Look Up Copiah County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Copiah County, Mississippi. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:

In-person requests at the Copiah County Sheriff's Office The primary repository for county arrest records is located at:

Copiah County Sheriff's Office
20030 Highway 51
Gallman, Mississippi 39077
Telephone: (601) 892-2023
Official Sheriff's Website

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Copiah County Circuit Clerk's Office For court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings:

Copiah County Circuit Clerk
100 Courthouse Square
Hazlehurst, MS 39083
Telephone: (601) 894-1241

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Online resources include the Mississippi Department of Public Safety website, which provides access to statewide criminal history information for authorized purposes. Additionally, the Official Records Inquiry system allows for limited searches of county records.
Written requests may be submitted to the records custodian at the Sheriff's Office address listed above. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, reasonable fees may be charged for search, review, and reproduction of records.

For individuals seeking comprehensive background information, the Mississippi State Department of Health provides fingerprinting services required for official background checks through their Live Scan system.

Contents of a Copiah County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Copiah County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as prescribed by Mississippi state regulations and local protocols:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Biometric data including fingerprints and, when collected, DNA samples
Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Custody status information including bail or bond amounts when applicable
Case disposition information when available
Booking number and other administrative identifiers

In accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-9, certain information within these records may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety or investigative integrity.

Law enforcement agencies in Copiah County coordinate with the Mississippi Department of Corrections to maintain current information regarding individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Copiah County

The expungement process in Copiah County follows Mississippi state law regarding the removal of arrest records from public access. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, certain individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances. The expungement, when granted, effectively seals the record from public view, though the information remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes authorized by statute.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Mississippi generally include:

Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
First-time non-violent offenses after completion of all sentencing requirements and a waiting period
Certain misdemeanor convictions after a five-year waiting period with no subsequent convictions
Cases where the individual was arrested but never formally charged
Juvenile records upon reaching the age of majority, subject to specific conditions

The expungement process requires filing a petition in the court of original jurisdiction. Petitioners must:

Complete the appropriate petition forms available from the Copiah County Circuit Clerk's Office
Pay the required filing fees (approximately $150, though fees may vary)
Provide certified copies of disposition documents
Submit to fingerprinting if required by the court
Attend a scheduled hearing before the presiding judge

Upon granting of an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies, including the Copiah County Sheriff's Office, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, to seal the specified records. Individuals should be aware that certain expunged records may still be accessible to licensing boards, law enforcement agencies, and in subsequent criminal proceedings as permitted by Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71(4).