> >Gulfport Arrest Records

Gulfport Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Gulfport, Mississippi?

Arrest records are public documents in Gulfport, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The Mississippi Public Records Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and upholds the public's right to information regarding law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.

The Gulfport Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records become public information upon the completion of booking procedures, subject to certain privacy protections established by Mississippi law. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records must follow established protocols for records requests as outlined in departmental policies.

How to Look Up Gulfport Arrest Records in 2025

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

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division of the Gulfport Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Proper identification must be presented at the time of request.

Gulfport Police Department
2220 15th Street
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 868-5900
Official Website

Written Correspondence: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. All requests must include specific information regarding the record being sought, including the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.
Online Portal Access: The City of Gulfport maintains an electronic records system through which certain public records may be accessed. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures.
Municipal Court Records: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Gulfport Municipal Court.

Gulfport Municipal Court
2416 14th Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 868-5705
Official Website

Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, agencies may assess reasonable fees for the search, review, and duplication of requested records. Fee schedules are established by the respective departments and are subject to periodic revision.

Contents of a Gulfport Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Gulfport Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Standard components of these records include:

Full legal name and documented aliases or known pseudonyms
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
Physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks
Residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and geographic location of the arrest
Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable Mississippi statutes
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Incident report number for cross-reference purposes
Detention status and bail determination
Case disposition information, when available

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the circumstances surrounding the arrest. Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-261.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Gulfport

The State of Mississippi provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records. Expungement proceedings are governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.

Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:

The arrest did not result in a formal conviction
The case was dismissed or resulted in an acquittal
The individual successfully completed a court-ordered diversion program
The offense falls within categories eligible for expungement under state law
The statutory waiting period has elapsed since case disposition

The expungement process requires the filing of a formal petition with the Harrison County Circuit Court or the Gulfport Municipal Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. Petitioners must provide certified documentation verifying eligibility and may be required to attend a hearing before a judicial officer.

Harrison County Circuit Court
1801 23rd Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 865-4051

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies, including the Gulfport Police Department, to seal the specified records from public access. Pursuant to state law, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and judicial officers for specific administrative purposes.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal considerations. The court does not provide legal advice regarding eligibility or procedural requirements for expungement petitions.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally considered public information, Mississippi law establishes certain categories of protected information that may be redacted prior to disclosure. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12, the following information is exempt from public disclosure:

Social Security numbers
Home telephone numbers
Personal email addresses
Medical information protected under HIPAA
Information pertaining to ongoing investigations
Records involving juvenile offenders
Information that would compromise public safety if disclosed

The Gulfport Police Department is required to review all record requests to ensure compliance with applicable exemptions. Redactions may be applied to protect confidential information while preserving public access to non-exempt portions of the record.

Individuals whose arrest records contain inaccurate information may submit a formal correction request to the Records Division. Such requests must include supporting documentation verifying the correct information. The department will conduct an internal review and make appropriate corrections when warranted.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities operating within Gulfport may utilize public arrest records as components of background screening processes. The use of such records is subject to regulations established under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and Mississippi employment law.

Organizations conducting background checks based on arrest records must adhere to the following requirements:

Obtain written consent from the subject prior to conducting the search
Provide notification when adverse actions are taken based on record findings
Ensure that information utilized is accurate and up-to-date
Comply with anti-discrimination provisions of applicable laws

The City of Gulfport does not provide interpretations or recommendations regarding the use of arrest records for private screening purposes. Organizations utilizing such records for employment or housing decisions are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding compliance requirements.