Yes, arrest records are public in Harrison County, Mississippi. This accessibility is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act (Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq.), which mandates that all government records, unless specifically exempted by law, must be available for public inspection. Arrest records, as part of these public records, provide transparency and maintain public oversight of law enforcement activities within the county jurisdiction. The Mississippi Legislature has determined that public access to these records serves the important function of allowing citizens to monitor the operations of their government, including law enforcement agencies.
Pursuant to Mississippi law, members of the public may request and obtain arrest records from the appropriate county agencies without demonstrating a specific need or purpose for such information. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation as determined by § 25-61-12.
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Harrison County through several official portals. The Harrison County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database of recent arrests and bookings that is accessible to the public via their official website. This online accessibility facilitates easier access for individuals seeking information regarding arrests within the county.
The online system typically provides basic information about arrests, including:
It should be noted that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive criminal history records may require formal requests through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Online records are generally limited to recent arrests and may not include complete historical data. Additionally, pursuant to § 45-27-12, certain arrest records may be restricted from online access if they pertain to ongoing investigations or involve juvenile offenders.
Harrison County Sheriff's Office 10451 Larkin Smith Drive Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 896-3000 Harrison County Sheriff's Office
To obtain Harrison County arrest records, several methods are available to members of the public. The following procedures have been established for accessing these records in compliance with Mississippi Code § 25-61-5:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Harrison County Sheriff's Office or the Harrison County Circuit Clerk's Office during regular business hours to request arrest records. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Access: The Harrison County Justice Court Docket Search provides a searchable database of court cases, including those stemming from arrests. Users may search by name or case number to locate relevant records.
Written Requests: Pursuant to § 25-61-5, written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Records Division of the Harrison County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest.
Mississippi Department of Corrections: For individuals who were subsequently incarcerated, the Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search provides information about current inmates and their charges.
Harrison County Circuit Clerk's Office 1801 23rd Avenue Gulfport, MS 39501 (228) 865-4051 Harrison County Online Services
Harrison County Justice Court 10451 Larkin Smith Drive Gulfport, MS 39503 (228) 865-4104 Justice Court Docket Search
A Harrison County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 45-27-9, these records must maintain certain standard elements to ensure proper documentation of the arrest process. A complete arrest record generally includes:
It should be noted that pursuant to § 45-27-11, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, home addresses, and information pertaining to confidential informants or victims of certain crimes.
In Harrison County, individuals who meet specific criteria established under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 may petition for the expungement of their arrest records. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed or destroyed, effectively removing them from public access. The Mississippi Legislature has recognized that certain circumstances warrant the removal of arrest information from public view to facilitate rehabilitation and reentry.
Eligibility for expungement in Harrison County typically includes:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Harrison County Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must provide:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the District Attorney's Office may present objections. If granted, an Order of Expungement will be issued directing all relevant agencies to seal the records.
Harrison County Circuit Court 1801 23rd Avenue Gulfport, MS 39501 (228) 865-4051 Harrison County Chancery Clerk