Arrest records are public in Panola 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, are 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 accountability of public officials by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities, including arrests made within county jurisdiction.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Panola County may obtain these documents through established procedures that comply with state regulations. The Mississippi Public Records Act stipulates that public bodies must provide reasonable access to records during regular business hours, with minimal delay and at reasonable cost to the requestor.
Arrest records can be accessed online in Panola County through various authorized platforms. The Panola County Sheriff's Office maintains digital records of arrests that may be available through their official website. Additionally, the Mississippi Department of Corrections provides an online inmate search function that includes information about individuals who have been arrested and are in custody.
Online accessibility of arrest records is subject to the provisions outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5, which governs electronic records. Public bodies in Mississippi are required to provide records in electronic format when requested and when the records are maintained electronically. However, certain information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests as specified under state law.
The Panola County Circuit Clerk's Office may also maintain electronic records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings that can be accessed through their online portal or by visiting their physical location.
To obtain Panola County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several authorized methods:
Panola County Sheriff's Office
300 James Rudd Drive
Batesville, MS 38606
Phone: (662) 563-6230
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Panola County Circuit Clerk's Office
151 Public Square
Batesville, MS 38606
Phone: (662) 563-6300
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mississippi Department of Corrections
723 N. President Street
Jackson, MS 39202
Phone: (601) 359-5600
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: (601) 987-1212
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the actual costs of searching, reviewing, duplicating, and mailing public records. Fee schedules should be prominently posted at the location where records are kept.
Panola County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrested individual and the circumstances of their arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-9, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. Standard components of an arrest record include:
The Mississippi Uniform Criminal Records Act requires that arrest records be maintained with accuracy and completeness. Individuals have the right under Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-11 to review their own criminal history record information and request correction of any inaccuracies through established procedures.
Expungement of arrest records in Panola County is governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, which provides specific criteria under which individuals may petition for the legal removal of arrest information from public records. Expungement effectively seals the record from public view, though certain government agencies may retain access for limited purposes.
Eligibility for expungement in Panola County typically includes:
The expungement process requires filing a petition in the court of original jurisdiction. Petitioners must:
Upon granting of an expungement order, all public agencies possessing records of the arrest are directed to seal those records from public access. However, expunged records may still be available to law enforcement agencies, the courts, and certain licensing boards as permitted by statute.