Mississippi Arrest Records

Mississippi Public Records /Mississippi Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Mississippi?

Yes. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983 (Miss. Code Ann. § 25‑61‑1 et seq.), the policy of the state is that all public records are open for inspection by any person, unless specifically exempted by law. This includes arrest-related materials such as incident or arrest reports maintained by law enforcement agencies (§ 25‑61‑1 through § 25‑61‑2 emphasize that public bodies must provide access).

However, access is not without limitation. The Act explicitly exempts certain sensitive information—for example, personal data of law enforcement personnel, investigative reports, and victim identities—from disclosure (§ 25‑61‑11). Additionally, arrest records that did not lead to formal charges and court filings sealed by judicial orders are not publicly accessible, aiming to protect privacy, victims, and ongoing investigations.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Mississippi?

Access to arrest records in Mississippi is primarily governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, codified in Mississippi Code §§ 25-61-1 through 25-61-17. This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

The Act defines public records as "all books, records, papers, accounts, letters, maps, photographs, films, cards, tapes, recordings or reproductions thereof, and any other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been used, being in use, or prepared, possessed or retained for use in the conduct, transaction or performance of any business, transaction, work, duty or function of any public body, or required to be maintained by any public body."

Additional laws that impact access to arrest records in Mississippi include:

Mississippi Criminal History Records Act (Mississippi Code § 45-27-1 et seq.) - Regulates the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal history record information.
Mississippi Youth Court Act (Mississippi Code § 43-21-101 et seq.) - Restricts access to records involving juvenile offenders.
Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Fighters Death Benefits Act (Mississippi Code § 45-2-1 et seq.) - Contains provisions related to law enforcement records.
Federal Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552a) - Provides additional protections for certain records that contain personal information.
Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy - Federal guidelines that govern the handling and sharing of criminal justice information.

These laws collectively establish a balance between the public's right to information and individuals' privacy rights, while also ensuring the integrity of law enforcement operations.

What Information Is Included in a Mississippi Arrest Record?

A typical Mississippi arrest record contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. The standard components include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases or nicknames, date of birth, age at time of arrest, gender, race, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color, distinguishing marks such as scars or tattoos)
Arrest Details: Date and time of arrest, location of arrest, arresting agency, name and badge number of arresting officer(s), booking number, and case/incident number
Criminal Charges: Specific charges filed, including Mississippi statute citations, classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony), and degree or level of offense
Booking Information: Fingerprints, mugshot photographs, personal property inventory, and detention facility information
Court Information: Court of jurisdiction, scheduled court appearances, bail or bond amount, and release conditions if applicable
Case Disposition: Current status of the case (pending, dismissed, convicted, etc.), though this may be updated separately from the initial arrest record
Warrant Information: If the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant, details about the warrant including issue date and authorizing judge

Arrest records document allegations, not proven facts. The information contained in these records reflects the circumstances and evidence available at the time of arrest, and charges may be modified, reduced, or dismissed as the case progresses through the judicial system.

Some information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or other legal considerations, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or confidential informants.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Mississippi in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Mississippi involves several potential methods, depending on your specific needs and the age of the records you're seeking. Here are the primary official channels for accessing arrest records in 2025:

In-Person Requests

For the most comprehensive and official records, visiting the relevant agency in person is often the most effective approach:

Mississippi Department of Public Safety - Criminal Information Center
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding state holidays)

County Sheriff's Office: Visit the sheriff's office in the county where the arrest occurred. Most offices maintain public terminals for record searches.

Municipal Police Departments: Local police departments typically provide arrest records for arrests made within their jurisdiction.

County Circuit Clerk's Office: For arrest records that have proceeded to court cases, the circuit clerk in the relevant county can provide court records related to the arrest.

Mail Requests

To request records by mail, send a written request including:

Full name of the person in the record
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest
Purpose of request
Your contact information
Required fees (typically $15-$30 per record)

Mail requests should be sent to:

Mississippi Criminal Information Center
Attn: Record Request
P.O. Box 958
Jackson, MS 39205

Required Documentation

When requesting arrest records, you will typically need to provide:

Government-issued photo ID
Completed record request form (available at agency offices or websites)
Notarized authorization if requesting someone else's records
Payment for applicable fees

Processing times vary by agency and request volume, but typically range from 3-15 business days for standard requests.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Mississippi

Mississippi offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally, providing convenient alternatives to in-person visits. Here are the primary online channels available in 2025:

Official Government Portals

Mississippi Department of Public Safety Online Records Portal
The DPS maintains an online records portal where citizens can request criminal history information, including arrest records. Users must create an account, provide identification, and pay the required fees to access records.

Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC)
The Mississippi Electronic Courts system provides online access to court records in participating counties. While not specifically focused on arrests, this system contains case information that often includes arrest details for cases that have proceeded to court.

County Sheriff's Office Websites
Many Mississippi county sheriff's offices maintain online inmate lookup tools and recent arrest logs. These typically include:

Current inmates
Recent bookings (usually within the past 24-72 hours)
Basic arrest information

When using online resources, be aware that:

Not all records are available online, particularly older records or those from smaller jurisdictions
Some information may be redacted in online versions
Official certified copies typically still require direct agency contact
Online systems may experience technical limitations or downtime

For the most accurate and complete information, it's advisable to verify online records through official government channels.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Mississippi?

Mississippi law establishes different levels of access to arrest records based on the requester's identity and purpose. Here's a breakdown of who can access these records:

General Public Access

Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, any member of the public can request and obtain basic arrest record information, including:

Name of the arrested individual
Date and location of arrest
Charges filed
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Current custody status

However, the general public may face restrictions on accessing:

Juvenile records (under age 18)
Sealed or expunged records
Records related to ongoing investigations
Records containing sensitive personal information

Enhanced Access for Authorized Entities

Certain organizations and individuals have broader access rights under Mississippi law:

Law Enforcement Agencies

Complete unredacted arrest records
Criminal history information
Investigative details
Juvenile records when relevant to investigations

Court System Personnel

Judges, prosecutors, and court staff have access to complete arrest records relevant to cases before the court
This includes sealed records when legally relevant

Criminal Justice Agencies

Probation and parole departments
Corrections facilities
Criminal justice planning agencies

Authorized Government Agencies

Licensing boards for professions requiring background checks
Child protective services
State agencies with statutory authority

Legal Representatives

Attorneys representing the arrested individual
Prosecutors handling the case

Special Access Provisions

Mississippi law provides specific access rights in certain situations:

Employers

May access arrest records for background checks with proper authorization
Subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act restrictions
Limited to convictions and pending cases for most employment situations

Research and Statistical Use

Academic and policy researchers may access anonymized data
Requires formal agreements regarding data protection

Media Organizations

Have the same access rights as general public
Often granted expedited access for newsworthy events

The individual named in the record always has the right to access their own arrest records, though identification verification is required.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Mississippi?

Mississippi law permits government agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of arrest records. These fees are designed to cover the actual costs of searching for, reviewing, and reproducing the requested documents. The fee structure for obtaining arrest records in Mississippi in 2025 is as follows:

Standard Fee Schedule

Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Criminal History Record: $25 per name search
Certified Record: Additional $10
Notarized Record: Additional $5
Expedited Processing (3-5 business days): Additional $15

County Sheriff's Offices

Basic Arrest Record: $10-20 (varies by county)
Complete Case File: $25-50 (varies by county)
Certified Copies: Additional $5-10 per document

Municipal Police Departments

Local Arrest Record: $10-25 (varies by municipality)
Incident Report: $5-15 (varies by municipality)

Circuit Court Clerk's Offices

Court Records Related to Arrests: $1-5 per page
Certified Court Documents: $5-10 per document

Fee Waivers and Reductions

Under Mississippi law, certain requesters may qualify for fee waivers or reductions:

Indigent Individuals: Persons who can demonstrate financial hardship may request a fee waiver or reduction. This typically requires filing an affidavit of indigency with the records custodian.
Public Interest Requests: When the disclosure of records primarily benefits the general public, agencies have discretion to reduce or waive fees.
Legal Representatives: Attorneys representing defendants may access certain records at reduced rates when necessary for legal defense.

Payment Methods

Most Mississippi agencies accept the following payment methods:

Cash (in-person requests only)
Money orders
Certified checks
Credit/debit cards (major agencies and online portals)
Electronic payments (online requests)

Personal checks are generally not accepted for records requests.

Additional Cost Considerations

Volume Discounts: Some agencies offer reduced per-page rates for large requests
Search Fees: Complex searches requiring extensive staff time may incur additional fees
Special Processing: Requests requiring unusual handling or expedited service typically incur premium fees

All fees must be paid in advance of receiving records, and no refunds are typically provided if records are found to contain redactions or if the search yields no results.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Mississippi

Mississippi maintains arrest records according to a structured retention schedule that balances public safety interests with individual privacy rights. The duration for which these records are preserved varies based on several factors:

Standard Retention Periods

Active Criminal Records

Felony Arrest Records: Permanently maintained in the state repository
Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Minimum of 25 years from date of arrest
Traffic Violations: 5-10 years, depending on severity

Disposition-Based Retention

Convictions: Permanently maintained
Dismissals/Acquittals: Maintained for 5 years, then eligible for expungement
Nolle Prosequi (charges dropped): Maintained for 3 years, then eligible for expungement
Deferred Adjudication: Maintained until successful completion of program, then eligible for expungement

Agency-Specific Retention

Different agencies maintain arrest records for varying periods:

Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Maintains the central repository for all arrest records
Follows the standard retention schedule outlined above
Preserves digital records indefinitely for statistical and historical purposes

County Sheriff's Offices

Typically maintain records for 10-25 years
May archive older records with limited accessibility
Digital conversion has extended practical retention periods

Municipal Police Departments

Generally follow a 7-15 year retention policy
May transfer older records to county or state archives

Mississippi Department of Archives and History

Preserves records of historical significance indefinitely
May maintain samples of routine records for historical documentation

Legal Mandates Affecting Retention

Several laws impact how long arrest records must be kept:

Mississippi Criminal History Records Act (Mississippi Code § 45-27-1 et seq.) - Establishes baseline retention requirements
Sex Offender Registration Law (Mississippi Code § 45-33-25) - Requires permanent retention of records related to sex offenses
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (federal) - Mandates retention of records related to certain violent crimes
DNA Identification Act (federal) - Requires retention of records related to DNA collection

Even when physical or active database records are purged according to retention schedules, summary information may be maintained in statistical databases or archived systems. Additionally, records that have been published or distributed (such as in news reports or third-party databases) may persist beyond official retention periods.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Mississippi Arrest Records?

When accessing arrest records in Mississippi, certain information is routinely redacted or restricted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable individuals. Understanding these restrictions helps requesters set appropriate expectations about what information will be available.

Statutorily Protected Information

The following categories of information are typically redacted from publicly available arrest records in Mississippi:

Personal Identifiers

Social Security Numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Biometric data (other than standard booking photographs)
Home addresses of certain protected individuals (judges, law enforcement officers)
Telephone numbers and email addresses

Sensitive Case Information

Names and identifying details of sexual assault victims (per Mississippi Code § 99-3-7(4))
Information that would identify confidential informants
Details that would compromise ongoing investigations
Grand jury proceedings and testimony
Information sealed by court order

Juvenile Information

Records pertaining to arrests of individuals under 18 years of age
These records are governed by the Mississippi Youth Court Act (Mississippi Code § 43-21-101 et seq.)
Limited access is provided only to authorized agencies and individuals

Medical and Health Information

Mental health evaluations or history
Medical conditions noted during booking
Substance abuse treatment information
Information protected under HIPAA

Contextual Restrictions

Some information may be redacted based on the specific context of the request:

Law Enforcement Sensitive Information

Tactical details about arrests
Undercover officer identities
Surveillance methods and capabilities
Information that could compromise officer safety

Ongoing Prosecution Considerations

Witness statements prior to testimony
Evidence details that could compromise fair trial rights
Information subject to protective orders

Special Categories of Protected Records

Certain types of arrest records have enhanced protection:

Expunged Records

Records legally expunged under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71
Not available to the general public
Limited availability even to law enforcement

Pardoned Offenses

Records of offenses pardoned by the Governor
May have restricted accessibility depending on pardon terms

First-Time Offender Programs

Records related to successful completion of pretrial diversion
May be sealed upon program completion

When requesting arrest records, agencies typically provide a redaction log or notation indicating the statutory basis for any information withheld. Requesters who believe information has been improperly redacted may appeal through administrative channels or judicial review.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Mississippi

Mississippi law provides several pathways for eligible individuals to seal, expunge, or destroy arrest records under specific circumstances. This process can help mitigate the long-term consequences of an arrest that did not result in conviction or for certain first-time offenders.

Expungement Eligibility

Under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, the following categories of arrest records may be eligible for expungement:

Arrests Without Conviction

Cases resulting in dismissal
Cases where the defendant was acquitted
Cases where prosecution was abandoned (nolle prosequi)
Cases where the grand jury failed to indict

First-Time Offender Convictions

Misdemeanor convictions (limited to one per lifetime)
Certain non-violent felony convictions after five years from completion of sentence
Traffic violations (excluding DUI) after two years

Youth Court Records

Juvenile arrest records may be sealed when the individual reaches 20 years of age
Process governed by Mississippi Youth Court Act

Expungement Process

The process to seal or expunge records in Mississippi involves several steps:

Petition Preparation
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form
- Gather supporting documentation (court dispositions, proof of completed sentences)
- Prepare affidavit attesting to eligibility
Filing the Petition
- File in the court where the case was handled
- Pay filing fee (typically $100-150)
- Serve copies on the District Attorney's office
Hearing Process
- Court schedules hearing (typically 30-90 days after filing)
- District Attorney may contest the petition
- Judge makes determination based on statutory eligibility and public interest
Order Implementation
- If granted, court issues Order of Expungement
- Petitioner must distribute copies to all agencies holding records
- Agencies typically have 60 days to comply with the order

Special Considerations

Certificate of Rehabilitation

Alternative to expungement for certain offenses
Issued by the court upon showing of rehabilitation
Does not destroy records but may mitigate their impact

Pardon Process

Governor's pardon may provide basis for expungement
Apply through Mississippi Parole Board
Does not automatically expunge records

Legal Assistance

Many petitioners benefit from legal representation
Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project offers assistance to low-income applicants
County bar associations may provide referrals

Even after expungement, certain government agencies retain access to sealed records for specific purposes, such as law enforcement investigations and certain licensing decisions. However, expunged records should not appear in standard background checks or public record searches.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Mississippi?

Mississippi law imposes significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These limitations aim to balance public safety with fairness toward individuals who have been arrested but not necessarily convicted of crimes.

Employment Restrictions

Under Mississippi law and federal regulations:

Employers cannot use arrest records (without convictions) as the sole basis for denying employment under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines
Employers must demonstrate business necessity and job-relatedness when considering arrest records
Public employers must conduct individualized assessments before denying employment based on criminal history
Certain licensed professions have statutory requirements regarding criminal history checks

Housing Limitations

The use of arrest records in housing decisions is regulated by:

Fair Housing Act prohibitions against discriminatory practices
Mississippi Housing Authority guidelines limiting consideration to convictions rather than arrests
Requirements for individualized assessment of housing applicants
Prohibition against blanket policies rejecting all applicants with arrest records

Commercial Use Restrictions

Mississippi places limits on commercial use of arrest records:

Data brokers and background check companies must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Companies cannot publish arrest information with the intent to solicit removal fees
Commercial publishers must regularly update records to reflect current status
Misrepresentation of arrest record information may constitute deceptive trade practices

Educational Context

In educational settings:

Colleges and universities in Mississippi generally cannot make admissions decisions based solely on arrest records
Student disciplinary proceedings must consider arrest records in context
K-12 schools have limited access to juvenile arrest records except in specific safety contexts

Legal Consequences for Misuse

Improper use of arrest records may result in:

Civil liability under state privacy laws
Discrimination claims under federal civil rights laws
Administrative penalties from licensing agencies
Potential defamation claims if information is inaccurately reported

Notification Requirements

Mississippi law requires:

Individuals must be notified when arrest records are used adversely in employment decisions
Opportunity to correct inaccurate information must be provided
Written consent is required before obtaining arrest records for most non-governmental purposes

These limitations reflect Mississippi's recognition that arrest records, without subsequent conviction, have limited predictive value regarding an individual's character or fitness for employment, housing, or other opportunities.

Lookup Arrest Records in Mississippi

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Mississippi Criminal Information Center (MCIC)
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Mississippi Criminal Information Center

State Department of Public Safety

Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety

State Law Enforcement

Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol

Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1573
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation

State Department of Corrections

Mississippi Department of Corrections
301 N. Lamar Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-5600
Mississippi Department of Corrections

State Court System

Administrative Office of Courts
450 High Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 576-4650
Mississippi Judiciary

Mississippi Supreme Court
450 High Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-3697
Mississippi Supreme Court

Attorney General's Office

Mississippi Attorney General's Office
Walter Sillers Building
550 High Street, Suite 1200
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-3680
Mississippi Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Hinds County Sheriff's Office
407 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 974-2900
Hinds County Sheriff

Harrison County Sheriff's Office
10451 Larkin Smith Drive
Gulfport, MS 39503
(228) 896-0678
Harrison County Sheriff

DeSoto County Sheriff's Office
3091 Industrial Drive West
Hernando, MS 38632
(662) 469-8027
DeSoto County Sheriff

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

Jackson County Sheriff's Office
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567
(228) 769-3063
Jackson County Sheriff

Madison County Sheriff's Office
2941 Highway 51
Canton, MS 39046
(601) 859-2345
Madison County Sheriff

Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office
2121 14th Street
Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 482-9806
Lauderdale County Sheriff

Forrest County Sheriff's Office
316 Forrest Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-7800
Forrest County Sheriff

Lee County Sheriff's Office
510 N. Commerce Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
(662) 841-9040
Lee County Sheriff

Pearl River County Sheriff's Office
200 S. Main Street
Poplarville, MS 39470
(601) 795-2241
Pearl River County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Jackson Police Department
327 E. Pascagoula Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 960-1234
Jackson Police Department

Gulfport Police Department
2220 15th Street
Gulfport, MS 39501
(228) 868-5959
Gulfport Police Department

Southaven Police Department
8691 Northwest Drive
Southaven, MS 38671
(662) 393-8654
Southaven Police Department

Hattiesburg Police Department
200 Forrest Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-7900
Hattiesburg Police Department

Biloxi Police Department
170 Porter Avenue
Biloxi, MS 39530
(228) 392-0641
Biloxi Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Mississippi

FBI Jackson Field Office
1220 Echelon Parkway
Jackson, MS 39213
(601) 948-5000
FBI Jackson

U.S. Marshals Service - Southern District of Mississippi
501 E. Court Street, Suite 1.150
Jackson, MS 39201
(769) 969-5100
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - Federal Correctional Complex Yazoo City
2225 Haley Barbour Parkway
Yazoo City, MS 39194
(662) 751-4800
Federal Bureau of Prisons

U.S. District Court - Southern District of Mississippi
501 E. Court Street, Suite 2.500
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 608-4010
U.S. District Court - Southern District of Mississippi