Yes, arrest records are public in Hinds County, Mississippi. This accessibility is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.), which establishes that all governmental records, unless specifically exempted by law, must be available for public inspection. Arrest records, as part of the public record system, serve multiple public interest functions including:
The Hinds County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through established channels, subject to applicable processing fees and identification requirements.
Yes, arrest records can be found online in Hinds County through several official digital platforms. The Mississippi Department of Corrections provides an online inmate search system that includes information about individuals currently in custody or under supervision. Additionally, the Hinds County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information.
Digital access to these records is provided pursuant to Mississippi's commitment to government transparency and public information accessibility. Online availability offers several advantages:
Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive criminal history reports may require formal requests through designated channels and payment of associated fees.
To obtain arrest records in Hinds County, several methods are available to members of the public. Each method varies in processing time, cost, and comprehensiveness of information provided:
Online Database Access: The Hinds County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital portal for recent arrest information. Users may search by name, booking date, or case number.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division at the Hinds County Sheriff's Office to submit formal requests.
Hinds County Sheriff's Office
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 974-2900
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division at the address above. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Third-Party Background Check Services: Commercial services may provide arrest record information for a fee, though these sources may not contain complete or current information.
Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, reasonable fees may be charged for record searches, copies, and certification. Current fees include $15 for basic record searches and $0.25 per page for photocopies.
A standard Hinds County arrest record contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. These records are maintained in accordance with Mississippi Code § 45-27-9 regarding criminal history information systems. Typical arrest records include:
Biographical Information:
Arrest Details:
Case Processing Information:
It should be noted that juvenile arrest records (under age 18) are generally not publicly accessible under Mississippi Code § 43-21-261, which provides confidentiality protections for youth offenders except under specific circumstances authorized by the court.
In Hinds County, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific conditions established by Mississippi law. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest and conviction records are removed from public access, effectively erasing them in the eyes of the law for most purposes.
Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 provides the statutory framework for expungement eligibility. Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the court where the case was adjudicated. Petitioners must:
Hinds County Circuit Court
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 968-6628
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Successful expungement removes the record from public databases, though certain government agencies may retain access for law enforcement purposes. Expunged records will not appear in standard background checks conducted by employers or housing providers.