>Rankin County Arrest Records Online

Rankin County, Mississippi Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Rankin County, Mississippi?

Arrest records are public in Rankin County, Mississippi, pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding arrests and other official actions.

The Mississippi Public Records Act specifically designates arrest records as public documents, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and cases where disclosure might compromise public safety. Members of the public seeking arrest records in Rankin County may obtain these documents through established procedures at designated government offices or through authorized online platforms.

Rankin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and makes them available to the public as required by law. The office processes requests for arrest records during regular business hours and may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7.

Rankin County Sheriff's Office
221 N Timber St
Brandon, MS 39042
(601) 825-1480
Rankin County Sheriff's Office

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Rankin County?

Arrest records can be accessed online in Rankin County through several authorized platforms. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a comprehensive database that includes arrest information from counties throughout the state, including Rankin County. This digital accessibility aligns with Mississippi's commitment to public information transparency as outlined in the Public Records Act.

The online availability of arrest records serves multiple public interests:

It provides efficient access for individuals conducting background checks for employment or housing purposes
It enables attorneys and legal professionals to access case information without visiting physical offices
It allows victims of crimes to monitor case status and proceedings
It facilitates research by journalists, academics, and policy analysts studying criminal justice trends

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, obtaining complete records with detailed information may require submission of a formal request through official channels. Additionally, pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-12, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations.

How to Look Up Rankin County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Rankin County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The primary options include:

In-person requests at the Rankin County Sheriff's Office Records Division, located at 221 N Timber St, Brandon, MS 39042. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a standard records request form and present valid government-issued identification.
Online searches through the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate database, which provides information on individuals currently in custody or under supervision.
Submission of written requests to the Rankin County Circuit Clerk's Office at 101 S Court St, Brandon, MS 39042. Pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5, the office must respond to requests within seven working days.
Utilization of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety criminal history information system, which requires payment of statutory fees and completion of authorized request forms.

Fees for record searches vary based on the method and scope of the request. Standard search fees range from $15-$25 per name, with additional charges for certified copies. Payment methods include cash, money order, and credit card (for online requests). All fees are established pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, which authorizes reasonable charges to recover actual costs of record reproduction.

Contents of a Rankin County Arrest Record

Rankin County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Mississippi state law and local regulations. These official documents typically include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citations and descriptions of all charges filed
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information, including processing location and time
Custody status and bail information
Case disposition if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Fingerprint classification data collected during booking
Photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing

The Mississippi Department of Corrections maintains records of individuals who have been processed through the county jail system. These records are subject to the provisions of Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-9, which governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information.

Law enforcement agencies in Rankin County follow standardized protocols for record creation and maintenance to ensure accuracy and completeness. These protocols are established in accordance with guidelines from the Mississippi Criminal Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Rankin County

Expungement provides a legal mechanism for the removal of arrest records from public access in Rankin County. Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 establishes the statutory framework for expungement eligibility and procedures. Individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances:

First-time, non-violent misdemeanor convictions after a five-year waiting period following completion of all sentence requirements
Arrests that did not result in conviction or where charges were dismissed
Cases resolved through pretrial diversion programs after successful completion
Certain first-time felony convictions as specifically enumerated in Miss. Code § 99-19-71(2)(a)
Juvenile records upon reaching the age of majority, subject to specific conditions

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Rankin County Circuit Court, located at 101 S Court St, Brandon, MS 39042. Petitioners must submit:

Completed expungement petition form
Certified copies of the disposition of the case
Criminal history records from the Mississippi Criminal Information Center
Filing fee of approximately $150 (subject to change)
Affidavit attesting to eligibility under statutory requirements

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. These agencies include the Rankin County Sheriff's Office, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains information regarding background check procedures that may be affected by expungement orders.

Individuals should note that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings under certain circumstances as provided in Miss. Code § 99-19-71(4).