Arrest records are public in McComb, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that all governmental records, unless specifically exempted by statutory provision, shall be available for public inspection. Records pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within McComb and throughout Pike County fall under this provision. The Mississippi Legislature has determined that transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities, serves the public interest by facilitating oversight, ensuring accountability, and maintaining community trust in local institutions.
The Mississippi Public Records Act stipulates that any person has the right to inspect, copy, or mechanically reproduce public records during regular business hours. Law enforcement agencies in McComb are required to maintain these records and make them accessible in accordance with state law. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as provided for in Mississippi Code § 25-61-12.
Members of the public seeking to access arrest records in McComb, Mississippi have several methodologies available to them. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining necessary administrative controls:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may present themselves at the records division of the McComb Police Department located at 501 Beech Street, McComb, MS 39648. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a standardized public records request form and may be required to present identification. The department may assess reasonable fees for document reproduction in accordance with Mississippi Code § 25-61-7.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the McComb Police Department Records Division or the Pike County Sheriff's Office. All requests must include specific information regarding the records sought, including the name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to departmental policy, a self-addressed stamped envelope should be included for return correspondence.
Online Access: The City of McComb maintains a digital portal through which certain public records may be accessed. The McComb Police Department provides limited online access to arrest information through their official website. Users should note that the comprehensiveness of online records may be limited compared to those available through direct agency contact.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial entities that compile public records information may offer access to McComb arrest records. These services typically require registration and may impose service fees. The accuracy and currency of information provided by third-party services cannot be guaranteed by municipal authorities.
Standard arrest records maintained by the McComb Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Pike County contain the following categories of information as prescribed by Mississippi law and departmental policy:
Biographical Data: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot").
Arrest Circumstances: Date, time, and geographic location where the apprehension occurred, as well as the statutory authority under which the arrest was executed.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Mississippi state law or McComb municipal ordinances for which the individual was taken into custody, including citation of relevant statutory provisions.
Jurisdictional Information: Identification of the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest, the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), and the booking facility where processing occurred.
Case Identifiers: Unique alphanumeric designations assigned to the incident, including booking numbers, case file references, and court docket numbers if applicable.
Disposition Status: Current status of the case within the criminal justice system, including whether the individual remains in custody, has been released on bond, or has had charges adjudicated.
It should be noted that pursuant to Mississippi Code § 45-29-1, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including but not limited to: Social Security numbers, home addresses, telephone numbers, medical information, and information pertaining to juveniles.
The State of Mississippi provides statutory mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by agencies within McComb and Pike County. Expungement effectively seals records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes.
Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 establishes the legal framework for expungement eligibility. Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires the filing of a petition with the Pike County Circuit Court or McComb Municipal Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. Petitioners must submit appropriate documentation, including certified copies of dispositions, and pay statutorily prescribed filing fees. The court will schedule a hearing at which the District Attorney's Office may present objections.
Upon judicial approval of an expungement petition, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies, including the McComb Police Department, Pike County Sheriff's Office, and Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, to seal the specified records. Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 99-19-71(4), expunged records shall not be available to the general public but may be accessed by law enforcement agencies, the Mississippi Licensing Board, and certain other governmental entities under specific circumstances.
McComb Police Department
501 Beech Street
McComb, MS 39648
Phone: 601-684-3213 (Non-Emergency)
Official Website
Pike County Sheriff's Office
413 NE Magnolia Street
Magnolia, MS 39652
Phone: 601-783-2323
Official Website
McComb Municipal Court
501 Beech Street
McComb, MS 39648
Phone: 601-684-3216
Official Website