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Walls Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Walls, Mississippi?

Arrest records are public in Walls, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal boundaries, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statutory provision. The Mississippi Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in governmental operations and ensures citizens' right to access information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities.

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Walls must submit their requests in accordance with established procedures. The Town of Walls Police Department maintains these records in conjunction with DeSoto County law enforcement agencies. Certain information may be redacted from arrest records to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as provided under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12.

How to Look Up Walls Arrest Records in 2025

The Town of Walls, Mississippi provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:

  • Submit a public records request to the Walls Police Department in person or by mail
  • Visit the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office to review records pertaining to arrests made within Walls municipal boundaries
  • Access the DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests
  • Utilize the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system for cases filed after October 25, 2021
  • Contact the DeSoto County Adult Detention Facility for information regarding current incarcerations

Requestors should note that pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, governmental entities may charge reasonable fees to cover the actual costs of searching, reviewing, and duplicating requested records. Payment of such fees may be required prior to the release of documents.

Walls Police Department
9200 Highway 61
Walls, MS 38680
(662) 781-1280
Town of Walls Official Website

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office
3091 Industrial Dr. W
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8027
DeSoto County Sheriff's Office

Contents of a Walls Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Town of Walls Police Department and DeSoto County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and individuals involved in an arrest. Standard arrest records include:

  • Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical description
  • Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
  • Statutory violations and charges filed
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
  • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
  • Detention status and bail determination information
  • Case disposition if available

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-9, certain identifying information contained within arrest records is classified as confidential criminal history information and may be subject to restricted access. Such information includes Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personal identifiers that could facilitate identity theft if publicly disclosed.

The DeSoto County Court maintains records of subsequent judicial proceedings related to arrests made within Walls municipal boundaries. These records document arraignments, preliminary hearings, and other court appearances following an arrest.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Walls

Mississippi law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by the Town of Walls and DeSoto County law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, expungement may be available under the following circumstances:

  • The arrest did not result in a formal charge
  • Charges were dismissed or the prosecution was terminated
  • The individual was acquitted of all charges
  • The conviction was set aside or the case was otherwise dismissed with prejudice
  • The individual successfully completed a court-ordered diversion program

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the DeSoto County Court that originally handled the case. Petitioners must provide certified copies of the arrest record and case disposition. Upon approval, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy records pertaining to the arrest.

Individuals should note that expungement in Mississippi is not automatic and requires judicial approval. Furthermore, certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including violent crimes as defined in Miss. Code Ann. § 97-3-2 and offenses requiring sex offender registration.

DeSoto County Circuit Clerk's Office
2535 Highway 51 South
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8007
DeSoto County Circuit Clerk

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records in Walls are generally accessible to the public, Mississippi law establishes certain limitations on disclosure. The following categories of information may be exempt from public disclosure or subject to redaction:

  • Records pertaining to ongoing investigations as provided under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12(2)(a)
  • Information that would compromise the safety of law enforcement personnel
  • Juvenile arrest records, which are confidential pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-261
  • Records sealed by court order following expungement proceedings
  • Personal identifying information including Social Security numbers and dates of birth
  • Medical or mental health information obtained during booking procedures

Law enforcement agencies in Walls and DeSoto County must balance the public's right to access information with privacy protections established by state and federal law. The DeSoto County Code Enforcement office works in conjunction with law enforcement to ensure compliance with applicable regulations regarding records management.

Individuals denied access to arrest records may appeal such decisions through administrative channels or by filing a complaint with the Mississippi Ethics Commission, which oversees compliance with the Public Records Act.

Arrest Record Verification Procedures

The Town of Walls and DeSoto County maintain protocols to ensure the accuracy and integrity of arrest records. These procedures include:

  • Regular audits of arrest documentation by supervisory personnel
  • Cross-referencing of information with state and federal databases
  • Established procedures for correcting erroneous information
  • Chain of custody documentation for physical evidence
  • Digital authentication measures for electronic records

Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their arrest records may submit a written request for correction to the originating agency. Such requests should include supporting documentation substantiating the claimed error. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-11, agencies must investigate such claims and make appropriate corrections when warranted.

The verification process serves to maintain the reliability of arrest records while protecting individuals from potential consequences of inaccurate information. This system of checks and balances is essential to the proper functioning of the criminal justice system in Walls and throughout DeSoto County.

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