Arrests.org AZ – Arizona Public Arrest, Inmate & Mugshot Records

Arrests.org AZ functions as a third-party search engine that collects public record data from police departments and sheriff’s offices across Arizona. People use this site to view mugshots, check charges, and see who is in jail. While this site aggregates data into one place, it is not a government agency. The official records come directly from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), county courts, and local law enforcement agencies. Anyone searching for accurate, real-time data must compare third-party results with official government databases. Arizona law makes most of these documents public, which allows citizens to inspect booking logs, court case files, and inmate rosters.

You can view arrest records to check on a family member, verify a person’s background, or see recent police activity in your neighborhood. The process involves knowing which agency made the arrest. A person arrested by the Phoenix Police Department will have records in a different system than someone arrested by the Pima County Sheriff. This page explains how to locate these files, what the law says about public access, and how to correct errors if you find them.

What Are Arizona Arrest Records?

Arizona arrest records are official documents created when police take a person into custody. These files start the criminal justice process. An arrest record proves that law enforcement detained someone. It does not prove the person is guilty of a crime. Guilt is determined later in court. The record contains specific details about the event and the person involved.

Law enforcement agencies must create these records to track activity. The Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. Title 39) states that these records are open for public inspection. This transparency helps the public monitor police actions. When you look at an arrest record, you will see data entered by the booking officer at the jail.

Data Included in an Arrest Record

A standard arrest record lists facts about the detainee and the alleged crime. You will typically see:

• Full Name: The legal name of the arrested person.
• Booking Number: A unique code assigned to this specific arrest event.
• Mugshot: The booking photograph taken at the jail.
• Personal Details: Date of birth, height, weight, hair color, and eye color.
• Charges: The specific crimes the police suspect the person committed.
• Statute Codes: The legal numbers corresponding to the crimes (e.g., A.R.S. § 13-1203 for assault).
• Bail or Bond: The amount of money required for release.
• Jail Location: The specific facility holding the person.

The Difference Between Arrest and Criminal Records

Many people confuse arrest records with criminal records. They are different. An arrest record documents a single event: the detention. A criminal record is a history of a person’s interactions with the justice system. The criminal record includes the arrest, but it also shows what happened in court. It lists convictions, plea deals, sentences, and dismissals. If a person is arrested but the court drops the charges, the arrest record remains, but the criminal record will show no conviction. Employers often look for convictions, not just arrests.

Official Sources vs. Third-Party Search Sites

You have two main ways to look up data: commercial sites and government sites. Each has pros and cons. Sites like Arrests.org AZ are commercial. They use software to copy data from many government websites and put it on one page. This is fast. You can search the whole state at once. However, the data might be old. If the sheriff updates a record today, the third-party site might not update for a week. Third-party sites also charge fees for detailed reports.

Government sites are the original source. The county sheriff or the court clerk manages these pages. The data is free and accurate. If a person gets released from jail, the sheriff’s website updates almost immediately. The downside is that you must search each county separately. There is no single “official” website that searches every jail in Arizona at the same time. You must know where the arrest happened.

How to Search Arizona Arrest Records by County

Arizona has 15 counties. Each county sheriff runs a separate jail system. To find a person, you must check the correct county database. The largest counties have online search tools. Smaller counties might require a phone call. Below are the steps for the most populated areas.

Maricopa County Arrest Search

Maricopa County is the largest county in Arizona. It includes Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Chandler. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) handles jail records. They process hundreds of bookings daily.

• Go to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office website.
• Look for the “Jail Information” or “Inmate Search” link.
• Enter the person’s last name and first name. You can also use a booking number if you have it.
• The list will show all matches. Click on a name to see the mugshot and charges.
• Note the “Next Court Date.” This tells you when the person will appear before a judge.

The MCSO database updates frequently. It lists everyone currently in custody. It does not always list people released long ago. for older records, you must search the Maricopa County Superior Court website.

Pima County Arrest Search

Pima County includes Tucson. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) manages the Pima County Adult Detention Center. Their lookup tool is distinct.

• Visit the Pima County Sheriff’s Department website.
• Select “Inmate Lookup.”
• Type the name. The system allows partial name searches.
• Review the results. Pima County records often show the bond amount clearly.
• Check the “Housing Location.” This tells you which part of the jail holds the inmate.

Pinal County Arrest Search

Pinal County covers areas south of Phoenix, like Casa Grande and San Tan Valley. The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office provides an inmate search feature.

• Navigate to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office website.
• Click on “Adult Detention Center” and then “Inmate Search.”
• The search form asks for a name or subject number.
• Results display the booking photo and a list of charges.

Yavapai County Arrest Search

Yavapai County includes Prescott and Sedona. The Sheriff’s Office here maintains an online roster.

• Open the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office page.
• Find the “Detention Services” section.
• Use the “Inmate Search” tool.
• This database shows current inmates and those released within the last few days.

Mohave County Arrest Search

Mohave County covers Kingman, Bullhead City, and Lake Havasu City. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office has a searchable jail roster.

• Go to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office website.
• Look for “Inmate Search.”
• Enter the required name details.
• The system provides booking dates and release status.

Searching State Prison Inmates (ADC)

If a person is convicted of a felony and sentenced to more than one year, they go to state prison. The county sheriff transfers them to the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry (ADCRR). The county jail search will no longer show their name. You must switch to the state database.

The ADCRR website hosts the “Inmate Datasearch.” This tool covers all state prisons. You can search by name or by ADC number. The ADC number is the most accurate method. Names can be common, but the number is unique. The profile shows the inmate’s current prison unit, their sentence length, and their max release date. It also lists the crimes they were convicted of. This database includes both current prisoners and historical records of released inmates.

Arizona Mugshot Search and Privacy Laws

Mugshots are public records in Arizona. When police book a person, they take a photo. This photo becomes part of the arrest file. The public has the right to see it. Most sheriff websites display the mugshot next to the inmate’s name. This helps identify the person. It ensures the public knows exactly who is in custody.

You might find mugshots on third-party sites even after a person is released. This can cause problems for employment or housing. Arizona law does not ban third-party sites from publishing mugshots. However, laws are changing regarding companies that charge money to remove photos. It is illegal for a company to demand payment to take down a mugshot that they published for profit. If you see your photo on a site that asks for a “removal fee,” you should report it to the Arizona Attorney General.

Arizona Public Records Law (Title 39)

Arizona follows a strong “open records” policy. Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) Title 39 governs this. The law declares that records of public business are open to inspection. Any person can request these records. You do not need to be a lawyer or a journalist. You do not need to give a reason for your request.

Agencies must provide the records promptly. They can charge a fee for copies, but they cannot charge for the time spent searching. There are exceptions. The police can withhold records if releasing them would hurt an active investigation. They can also hide the identity of victims or witnesses. Juvenile records are almost always sealed. You cannot search for arrest records of people under 18.

How to Seal Arrest Records in Arizona (New Law)

A major change happened in Arizona law recently. A.R.S. § 13-911 allows people to seal their arrest and conviction records. Before this law, Arizona only allowed a conviction to be “set aside.” A set-aside record was still visible to the public. A sealed record is different. When a court seals a record, the public cannot see it.

Eligibility for Sealing Records

You can petition the court to seal your record if you meet specific rules. You must complete your sentence, pay all fines, and wait a certain amount of time. The waiting period depends on the crime.

• Class 2 and 3 Felonies: 10 years wait.
• Class 4, 5, and 6 Felonies: 5 years wait.
• Class 1 Misdemeanors: 3 years wait.
• Other Misdemeanors: 2 years wait.
• Dismissed Charges: You can petition immediately.

If the police arrested you but never filed charges, you can also ask to seal the arrest record. This prevents the arrest from showing up on background checks.

The Process to Seal a Record

To seal a record, you must file a petition with the court that handled your case. If no charges were filed, you file in the county where the arrest happened. The court will review your petition. The prosecutor has a chance to object. If the judge approves, the court orders all agencies to seal the file. This includes the police, the sheriff, the prosecutor, and the court clerk. Once sealed, you can legally say you were never arrested for that crime.

Background Checks and Employment

Employers often check arrest records before hiring. They must follow federal laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) sets rules for background checks. An employer cannot use a third-party site like Arrests.org AZ for a hiring decision. Those sites are not consumer reporting agencies. They might have wrong data. Employers must use a compliant background check company.

If an employer denies you a job because of a record, they must tell you. They must give you a copy of the report. You have a right to dispute errors. If the report shows an arrest that did not lead to a conviction, state laws might limit how the employer can use that info. Arizona is an “at-will” employment state, but federal rules still protect against discrimination based on inaccurate records.

Correcting Inaccurate Arrest Records

Mistakes happen. A record might list the wrong name or show a pending charge that was actually dismissed. If you find an error on a government website, you must contact the agency that holds the record. If the error is on the court site, contact the Clerk of the Court. You may need to show proof, like a dismissal order from a judge.

If the error is on a third-party site, it is harder to fix. You can send a request to the site administrator. You should provide proof that the record is wrong or expunged. However, these sites are private. They do not always respond quickly. The most effective step is to fix the official record first. Third-party sites often update their data to match the official source eventually.

Inmate Communication and Visitation

Once you locate an inmate using the search tools, you might want to visit or send money. Each jail has strict rules. You cannot just walk in. You must schedule visits in advance. Most jails now use video visitation. You go to the jail or use a computer at home to talk to the inmate via video.

To put money on an inmate’s account, you usually use a kiosk in the jail lobby or a specific website. The inmate uses this money to buy food, hygiene items, and phone time. Do not send cash through the mail. Jails will reject it. Check the specific county sheriff’s website for the correct mailing address for letters. You must write the inmate’s full name and booking number on the envelope.

Arizona Crime Statistics

Arrest records contribute to state crime statistics. The Arizona Department of Public Safety collects this data. They publish annual reports. These reports show crime trends. You can see if arrests for specific crimes are going up or down. This data helps policymakers decide where to put resources. It also helps citizens understand the safety of their communities.

Common arrests in Arizona include DUI (Driving Under the Influence), drug possession, and simple assault. Theft and burglary are also frequent. By looking at arrest logs, you can see these patterns in real-time. Neighborhood watch groups often use this data to stay alert.

Using Court Records to Verify Arrest Outcomes

The arrest record is only chapter one. The court record tells the rest of the story. To see if an arrest led to a conviction, use the Arizona Judicial Branch website. They have a “Public Access to Court Information” portal. This covers most courts in the state. Some city courts do not link to this system. For those, you must check the city court website directly.

Search by name or case number. The case file lists every motion, hearing, and order. Look for the “Disposition.” This is the final result. It will say “Guilty,” “Not Guilty,” or “Dismissed.” This is the most important document for clearing your name or verifying someone’s background.

Official Agency Contact Details

For the most accurate information, contact the government agency directly. Do not rely solely on internet searches for critical legal matters.

Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Phone: 602-223-2000
Address: 2102 West Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: azdps.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common concerns related to accessing Arizona arrest records using publicly available sources. The questions below focus on free lookup options, data accuracy, and where official information is published across counties. Each response explains how arrest and booking details are recorded, updated, and displayed through authorized databases. The goal is to help readers locate reliable records without relying on paid platforms.

What is the best way to find free Arizona arrest records?

The most reliable method to find free arrest records is to use the official website of the county sheriff where the arrest occurred. Every county in Arizona, such as Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal, maintains a public database of current inmates. These “jail rosters” or “inmate searches” are free to access and update frequently, often hourly. You can search by the person’s name or booking number. If the person is no longer in jail, you should search the Arizona Judicial Branch’s “Public Access to Court Information” website. This portal allows you to look up court cases for free, which will show the history of the arrest and the final outcome. Third-party sites often charge fees for information that is available for free on these government pages.

Can I remove my mugshot from the internet in Arizona?

Removing a mugshot from the internet can be difficult because the photograph is a public record. Under Arizona law, the sheriff takes the photo as part of the booking process, and it becomes public data. Third-party websites legally scrape this data and publish it. However, you have rights if a website demands money to remove it. Arizona law prohibits “mugshot extortion,” where a company charges a fee to take down a photo. If a site asks for payment, you should report them to the Arizona Attorney General. If your record is sealed by a court under A.R.S. § 13-911, you can send the sealing order to the website administrators. While they are private entities, many will comply with a court order to remove the content to avoid potential litigation.

How far back do Arizona arrest records go?

Arizona arrest records can go back several decades, but availability depends on the format. Digital records typically go back to the 1990s or early 2000s, depending on when the specific county or court digitized their files. The Arizona Department of Corrections online search includes inmate records dating back to 1985. For records older than the digital archives, you must make a request in person or by mail to the agency’s records department. These older paper or microfilm records are still public, but they take longer to retrieve. There is no automatic expiration date for an arrest record in Arizona. It stays on file permanently unless a judge orders it to be sealed or expunged.

Does an arrest record show up on a background check if charges were dropped?

Yes, an arrest record can still appear on a background check even if charges were dropped. The arrest and the court case are two separate events. The police create the arrest record when they detain you. The prosecutor creates the court case. If the prosecutor drops the charges, the court case ends, but the police record of the detention remains. Background checks that look at county jail logs will still see the booking. To stop this from appearing, you must petition the court to seal the arrest record under Arizona’s new sealing law. Once the judge grants the petition to seal the record, it will no longer show up on standard background checks for employment or housing.

What information do I need to search for an inmate in Arizona?

To search for an inmate effectively, you need the person’s full legal name and the county where they were arrested. Common names like “John Smith” will return many results, so having the date of birth helps narrow down the list. If you know the booking number (for county jails) or the ADC number (for state prisons), that is the best way to search. The number is unique to that inmate and guarantees you find the right person. If you do not know the county, you may have to search the rosters of the largest counties (Maricopa and Pima) one by one. Knowing the approximate date of arrest can also help you filter the results on some sheriff websites.

Are juvenile arrest records public in Arizona?

No, juvenile arrest records are generally not public in Arizona. The state prioritizes the privacy and rehabilitation of minors. Law enforcement agencies and courts keep these files confidential. You cannot search for them on standard inmate locators or court case portals. Access is restricted to the juvenile, their parents or guardians, their attorneys, and court officials. There are rare exceptions for extremely serious crimes where a juvenile is tried as an adult. In those specific cases, the records might become public once the case transfers to the adult court system. For most juvenile offenses, the records remain sealed and do not appear on public background checks.

How often is the Arrests.org AZ data updated?

Arrests.org AZ is a third-party aggregator, meaning it collects data from other sources rather than creating it. Its update frequency varies and is not guaranteed. While some records might appear shortly after an arrest, others could be delayed by days or even weeks compared to the official sheriff’s database. Because it relies on automated software to “scrape” government sites, technical glitches can also cause delays or missing records. Consequently, you should never rely on it for time-sensitive information, such as checking if someone has been released from jail. Always verify the information by checking the official county sheriff’s website or the Arizona Judicial Branch system for the most current and accurate status.