Arrest records are public documents in Itawamba County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that governmental records, including arrest records, must be made available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The public nature of these records serves the dual purpose of maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations and ensuring accountability through citizen oversight.
The Itawamba County Sheriff's Department maintains these records as part of its statutory duties. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may submit requests in accordance with established procedures. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted if disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy rights protected by law, or endanger public safety as determined by relevant authorities.
Arrest records in Itawamba County are accessible through various online platforms. The digital availability of these records is consistent with Mississippi's commitment to government transparency as codified in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-2, which acknowledges that providing public access to records is an essential function of government.
Online access to Itawamba County arrest records may be limited by several factors:
The Circuit Clerk's office serves as the official custodian of court records, including those related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings in Itawamba County.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Itawamba County. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5, public bodies must provide reasonable access to public records during regular business hours. The following methods are available to members of the public:
Sheriff's Department Records Division: In-person requests can be submitted at the Itawamba County Sheriff's Department.
Itawamba County Sheriff's Department
304 W Wiygul Street
Fulton, MS 38843
(662) 862-3401
Official Website
Circuit Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests can be accessed through the Circuit Clerk.
Itawamba County Circuit Clerk
201 W Main Street
Fulton, MS 38843
(662) 862-3161
Official Website
Online Database Searches: The Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search provides information on individuals currently in state custody.
First Circuit Court District: Records of court proceedings following arrests may be available through the First Circuit Court which serves Itawamba County.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple sources, though the accuracy and completeness of such services cannot be guaranteed by county officials.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and, if possible, date of birth or approximate date of arrest.
Arrest records maintained by Itawamba County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Mississippi law enforcement protocols. These records generally include:
The Chancery Clerk's office may maintain additional records related to property bonds or other financial instruments associated with pretrial release. Records containing sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, or information about confidential informants may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12.
Mississippi law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively seals records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts. The legal framework for expungement in Itawamba County is governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71 and related statutes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement typically include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the First Circuit Court having jurisdiction over the case. Petitioners must provide notice to the District Attorney's office, which may contest the petition. If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Itawamba County Sheriff's Department, to seal the specified records.
Expunged records are not destroyed but are segregated from public records and may only be accessed through court order or as otherwise provided by law. The Mississippi State Department of Health coordinates with law enforcement agencies regarding background checks that may be affected by expungement orders.