Oxford Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Oxford, Mississippi?
Arrest records in Oxford, Mississippi are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is established pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.), which mandates that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be made available for public inspection. The statute serves to promote transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies and other governmental entities operating within the jurisdiction.
The Oxford Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and municipal ordinances governing public safety. Pursuant to Mississippi law, these records contain information regarding individuals who have been taken into custody by authorized law enforcement personnel. It should be noted that the public nature of these records does not imply guilt, as arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
How to Look Up Oxford Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methodologies exist for obtaining arrest records in Oxford, Mississippi as of 2025. The City of Oxford and Lafayette County maintain several channels through which members of the public may access these documents. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official procedures:
In-Person Requests at Law Enforcement Agencies: Citizens may submit formal requests at the Oxford Police Department located at 715 Molly Barr Road, Oxford, MS 38655. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (662) 232-2400.
Lafayette County Sheriff's Department: Records may also be requested from the county sheriff's office at 711 Jackson Avenue East, Oxford, MS 38655. The records division is accessible Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For telephone assistance, contact (662) 234-6421.
Electronic Access Portal: The Automated Records Management System (ARMS) provides digital access to certain public records. Users must register and may be subject to nominal processing fees as established by municipal taxation ordinances.
Circuit Court Clerk's Office: Court records related to arrests may be obtained from the Lafayette County Circuit Court Clerk at 300 North Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (662) 234-4951.
Public Libraries: The Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library, located at 401 Bramlett Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655, provides public computer terminals with access to certain local government databases. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Friday and Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sunday, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Telephone: (662) 234-5751.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any additional identifying information. Fees for copies of records are established pursuant to § 25-61-7 of the Mississippi Code and local fee schedules.
Contents of an Oxford Arrest Record
Official arrest records maintained by Oxford law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as prescribed by Mississippi state law and departmental protocols. These documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or alternative identities
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Comprehensive enumeration of criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable statutes
- Identity of the arresting agency and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking information, including unique identification numbers assigned to the case
- Photographic documentation (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Biometric data, including fingerprint impressions
- Detention status information, including bail or bond determinations and conditions
- Preliminary court appearance scheduling
- Disposition of the case, if available
It should be noted that certain elements of arrest records may be redacted or withheld in accordance with privacy provisions established in § 25-61-12 of the Mississippi Code, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety or investigative integrity.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Oxford
The expungement process in Oxford provides a legal mechanism through which qualifying individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public accessibility. This procedure is governed by Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of all charges
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges within the statutory timeframe
- First-time offenders who have successfully completed all court-mandated requirements
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period of two years following completion of all sentencing requirements
- Specific felony convictions enumerated in § 99-19-71(2)(a) after a five-year waiting period
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to:
- File a formal petition with the Lafayette County Circuit Court, located at 300 North Lamar Boulevard, Oxford, MS 38655
- Provide certified documentation of case disposition
- Submit to fingerprinting and background verification
- Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $150, subject to change)
- Attend a scheduled hearing before the presiding judge
Upon judicial approval, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the specified records from public view. It should be noted that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings or for certain employment positions as specified in § 99-19-71(4).
Legal representation is not mandated but is strongly advised due to the technical nature of expungement proceedings. The Lafayette County Bar Association can provide referrals to qualified attorneys specializing in record expungement.
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