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