To find Arizona arrest records on friends, family, loved ones, colleagues, or associates, searchers can use the guide below to sort through government databases or use the free methods available right now.

Obtaining Arizona Criminal Records
In addition, this guide shows anyone how to get ahold of Arizona criminal records that reveal past crimes, and parole and probation information, all of which can be obtained through government agencies thanks to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Streamlined Public Record Access
No matter what’s being searched for, the Arizona Records Page will guide users through the complexities of obtaining public records and streamline the process to make it quick and easy.

Click Here to Search this form:https://arizona.recordspage.org/

Guide Contents
The remainder of this guide will show you how to do the following:

  • Find Recent Arrests in Every Arizona County
  • See What Crimes Someone Committed in AZ and How to Get Copies of These Records
  • Determine If Someone Has a Warrant, Is Married, on Parole, on Probation, or a Sexual Offender in the State of Arizona
  • Seal or Expunge Criminal Records That Originated in Arizona
  • Locate Prisoners in Arizona State Prisons and Federal Prisons
  • Run an Arizona Background Check for Personal or Professional Purposes
  • Review Arizona Laws Surrounding Public Records

Are Criminal Records Publicly Accessible in Arizona?

Criminal records in Arizona are considered public records as codified in law under Title 39 of the Arizona State Code with some exceptions. The same lies true for Arizona arrest records since they fall under the same statute.

Exceptions to Release of Arrest or Criminal Records Include:

  • Juvenile records are sealed and are not considered public domain. Only those on a strict need-to-know basis can access juvenile criminal records in Arizona.
  • Information about victims of crimes is not considered part of the public record and must be redacted (meaning removed or blacked out) in any records released.
  • Personally identifying information that can aid in identity theft situations can also be withheld from Arizona state records or public records. This includes information such as social security numbers, dates of birth, or other PII.
  • Sealed or expunged records are not considered public domain and cannot be released.

What’s Shown on Arizona Arrest Records vs AZ Criminal Records?

While Arizona arrest and criminal records are often mentioned in the same context, they differ in the extent of information they provide. An arrest record delineates that an individual was apprehended on a criminal charge, specifying the charge’s severity (felony or misdemeanor), and the location of detention pending trial.
Arrest records may additionally include demographic details of the individual and feature a mugshot. It is imperative to exercise caution when using arrest records, as they do not signify convictions.

Criminal Records
Criminal records are more comprehensive compared to arrest records. They encompass the arrest record but also incorporate supplementary information such as court dates and locations, case disposition (whether the defendant was found guilty, acquitted, or had charges dropped or entered a diversion program), and sentencing information (whether the individual was placed on probation or incarcerated).2

How To Find Recent Arrests & Why Someone Is in Jail for Free Through Arizona Law Enforcement Agencies

The most expeditious method to ascertain if someone is incarcerated in Arizona, free of charge, is to consult the local sheriff’s department. Nevertheless, it is feasible to access arrest records via the online public access portal managed by the Arizona State Department of Public Safety for a nominal fee.
Requests for records from the state agency necessitate written submission or use of the online portal, with associated fees contingent upon the preferred record delivery method.
It is important to note that there exists a delay between the request submission and the release of information, making this method less efficient for determining individuals incarcerated in Arizona.

Steps to Complete an Arizona County Arrest Records Search

  • Open the Arizona State Department of Public Safety website.
  • Click Public Records Unit.
  • Create an account by selecting Public Services Portal by clicking Continue under Request a Report or Record.
  • a. Tap the link to create an account.
  • b. Enter your information.
  • Request records through the online portal by typing in your last name and at least the first initial.
  • Confirm the returned results match the person you are searching for and pay the small fee.

Arizona County Arrest Records Search: (AZ Inmate Search and Mugshots)

Each of Arizona’s fifteen counties maintains its jail under the county sheriff’s office and is an excellent source for Arizona arrest records because they can be checked online with ease.
These jails house inmates awaiting trial on criminal charges. Still, they may also include those who are sentenced to short incarceration terms as part of sentencing (typically minimum security inmates) or being held until a spot opens at a Department of Corrections facility.
The table below lists the county detention facilities that have online inmate search portals or rosters available to the public. The information provided ranges from charges filed, any sentencing if entered, bail information, and, in some cases, mug shots.


Locating an Inmate in Arizona Facilities
To locate an inmate at one of these facilities, a person would need to call the local sheriff’s office or jail.

Arrest Search in Arizona City Jails: Look Up Recent Arrests

There are three main city jails in Arizona as well. These are maintained by the police department and are typically short-term holding cells until an inmate can be transferred to the county jail or is released on bail. Individuals must call the city jail or police department to see if someone is being held in the city facility.

  • Glendale City Jail: 623-930-3020 (does not publish mugshots)
  • Avondale City Jail: 623-333-7009 (does not publish mugshots)
  • Scottsdale City Jail: 480-312-2503 (does not publish mugshots)

Alternative Inmate Search Methods in Arizona

Another option to find out if someone is in jail in Arizona is to employ the services of a bail bondsman. Not only can a bail bondsman locate a person who has been arrested, but the bondsman may also be able to help get the individual released on bail or bond awaiting trial.
County records only cover arrests in that particular county, so if statewide records are needed, the searcher will have to look elsewhere.

Arizona Statewide Arrests Lookup: Public Arrest Record Search

Statewide records can be accessed through the Arizona Department of Public Safety online search portal.
While this is not a free search, it does contain arrest and criminal records in Arizona for anyone in the state who has been charged with a crime.
How To Run a Statewide Criminal Record Search in Arizona Through the AZ Judicial Branch

Introduction: Arizona’s Judicial Branch offers an online search portal that enables the public to access court records originating within the state. As of now, 177 out of the state’s 184 courts actively participate in this exclusive records program.

Searching for Criminal Records in Arizona
Searches for criminal records in Arizona can be conducted in two ways: by the party’s name or by using the case number. The information obtained from a search request includes:

  • Case Number
  • Court: Indicates where the case was tried.
  • Disposition Date: The date when the issue was resolved.
  • Filing Date: Date of initial case filing.
  • Type of Court: Specifies whether it’s a civil or criminal court case.

In some instances, the database may also contain case minutes or a copy of the court record.

How to Obtain Official Criminal Records & Criminal History Information in Arizona

To obtain an official criminal record report in Arizona, individuals can request the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS offers both state-wide records searches (name-based) and national criminal record checks (fingerprint-based), depending on the agency or individual’s requirements. Local law enforcement agencies and sheriff’s offices can also provide Arizona criminal history information.

DPS reports may encompass

  • Criminal Histories
  • Accident or Citation Records
  • Civil Summons Records
  • In some cases, 911 Tapes and Transcripts.

Criminal records reports are accessible to in-state agencies or employers approved by the DPS, following guidelines outlined in Arizona Statute 41-1750.

How to Request Records

Record requests can be made conveniently online through the department’s portal, including payment of fees. Alternatively, requests can be mailed to:
Department of Public Safety Attn: Public Records Unit MD3240 Post Office Box 6638 Phoenix, AZ 85005-6638
Mail-in requests should include a check or money order for the records fees and may take several weeks to process.

National FBI Screenings

For national FBI screenings, individuals can request them by mailing the fingerprint card and inviting them to:
FBI, SCU 1000 Custer Hollow Rd Clarksburg West Virginia 26306

While the Arizona Department of Public Safety serves as the official repository for Arizona criminal records, other state agencies may also hold relevant information. Local law enforcement agencies or sheriff’s departments can provide criminal history reports, and fingerprinting services for background checks can be conducted at the local level.

Determining Probation or Parole Status in Arizona

When determining if someone is on probation or parole in Arizona, it’s essential to note that records for individuals placed on supervised probation are typically maintained by the state’s Department of Corrections. Parolees, too, are supervised by Department of Corrections workers in Arizona, as part of the community corrections division.
The following image illustrates the combined total of probationers and parolees in Arizona, along with their ethnicities. These figures are also compared to the number of individuals on community supervision (including probation and parole) in other states across the United States.

Search for Individuals on Supervised Probation, Parole, or Formerly Incarcerated

Search for individuals currently on supervised probation, have been on supervised probation, or are currently or formerly incarcerated in the prison system and placed on parole or released from custody can be conducted online through the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry website search portal.

Types of Searches

You can perform two types of searches:

  • Name-Based Search: You can search for individuals by their full name.
  • DOC Number Search: You can search using the Department of Corrections (DOC) number.

Filtering Results

To focus your search specifically on supervised probation or parole records, follow these steps:

  • Visit the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry website search portal.
  • Check the circle beside the filter option to narrow down the results.

Information Provided

When you search, the DOC online search portal will provide the following information:

  • Offender’s Full Name: The full name of the individual.
  • Mugshot: In most cases, you will be able to view a mugshot.
  • Demographics: Information about the individual’s demographic details.
  • Projected Release Date from Supervision: The expected date when the individual will be released from supervision.
  • Most Recent Location of Incarceration: The location where the individual was most recently incarcerated.

Incarcerated Individuals’ Records

For those currently incarcerated, the records will also reflect the mailing address to the prison facility and the custody classification (for example, maximum security, death row, or minimum security). Parole hearing dates are also available through this search portal.7

Clearing Criminal Records: What’s the Best Way to Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record in Arizona?

Criminal records are considered public records unless they are sealed or expunged. In 2021, Arizona passed Senate Bill 1294 allowing individuals to petition the court to seal most convictions after the terms of sentencing have been completed and a waiting period has passed with no further criminal charges (other than minor traffic offenses). The waiting periods are based on the severity of the crime and are as follows:

  • Class 2 & 3 Felonies: 10 years
  • Class 4 & 5 Felonies: 5 years
  • Class 1 Misdemeanors: 3 years
  • All Other Misdemeanors: 2 years.

Class 1 felonies and certain other violent offenses (felony and misdemeanor sexual assaults, homicides, and other violent crimes outlined in the statute) are not eligible for sealing.
While sealing records does not erase them from a person’s record, it does limit the release of records making them inaccessible to the public. This prevents sealed matters from appearing on background checks for employment or housing applications.
At sentencing, the courts must notify defendants of their right to seal after conditions are met for all but those crimes excluded from the statute. The defendant then has to file a petition with the court once the conditions are met to have the record removed from public view. The legislation goes into full effect on 31 December 2022.8

How To Find Someone in Arizona Prisons (Federal Prison & State Prison Search)

The same portal that allows individuals to search for probationers and parolees can be used to search for active inmates in the Arizona Department of Corrections. Information provided for active inmates is the same as that for those on community supervision.

Incarcerated Individuals’ Records

For those currently incarcerated, the records will also reflect the mailing address to the prison facility and the custody classification (for example, maximum security, death row, or minimum security). Parole hearing dates are also available through this search portal.7

Clearing Criminal Records: What’s the Best Way to Seal or Expunge a Criminal Record in Arizona?

Criminal records are considered public records unless they are sealed or expunged. In 2021, Arizona passed Senate Bill 1294 allowing individuals to petition the court to seal most convictions after the terms of sentencing have been completed and a waiting period has passed with no further criminal charges (other than minor traffic offenses). The waiting periods are based on the severity of the crime and are as follows:

  • Class 2 & 3 Felonies: 10 years
  • Class 4 & 5 Felonies: 5 years
  • Class 1 Misdemeanors: 3 years
  • All Other Misdemeanors: 2 years.

Class 1 felonies and certain other violent offenses (felony and misdemeanor sexual assaults, homicides, and other violent crimes outlined in the statute) are not eligible for sealing.

While sealing records does not erase them from a person’s record, it does limit the release of records making them inaccessible to the public. This prevents sealed matters from appearing on background checks for employment or housing applications.
At sentencing, the courts must notify defendants of their right to seal after conditions are met for all but those crimes excluded from the statute. The defendant then has to file a petition with the court once the conditions are met to have the record removed from public view. The legislation goes into full effect on 31 December 2022.8

How To Find Someone in Arizona Prisons (Federal Prison & State Prison Search)

The same portal that allows individuals to search for probationers and parolees can be used to search for active inmates in the Arizona Department of Corrections. Information provided for active inmates is the same as that for those on community supervision.


Law Enforcement Agencies with Online Warrant Search Portals

  • Apache County Sheriff’s Office
  • Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office
  • Mohave County Sheriff’s Office

Using Maricopa County as an example, the online “Most Wanted” posters display locals with warrants along with their names and the monetary rewards for tips that lead to them.

Additional Information on Local Warrants

Further information on local warrants can be accessed via our resource that covers how to search Maricopa County records that are available to the public; helpful instructions on tracking down various other types of county records can be found here too.

How to Find Convicted Sex Offenders via the Arizona Sex Offender Registry

Sex offenses are considered especially heinous, and those convicted of a sexual assault in Arizona are required to register with the sheriff’s department in the county they reside. The information is then stored in a database maintained by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Accessing the Database
The DPS website provides access to the AZ sex offender registry, where you can perform either a name-based or address-based search to determine if someone is listed in the registry.

Information Available in the Online Search
When conducting an online search, you can obtain the following information about registered offenders:

  • Full Name and Aliases: Discover the individual’s full name and any known aliases.
  • Registration Level: Understand the offender’s registration level.
  • Current Status: Determine whether the offender is currently active, inactive, or absconded.
  • Mugshot of Offender: View a photograph of the offender.
  • Description of the Individual: Read a description of the individual’s physical appearance.
  • Identifying Scars, Tattoos, or Marks: Learn about any identifying scars, tattoos, or marks on the offender’s body.
  • Last Known Address: Find the last known address of the offender.
  • Nature of the Crime: Understand the nature of the crime for which the individual was convicted.

Additional Features

The search results also provide the option to:

  • Map View: Click on a map to view the surrounding area where the offender resides.
  • Radius Search: Input an address into the system to determine how many registered offenders are located within a radius of up to five miles.

Arizona Sex Offender Registry

There is also a national sex offender registry that can be used to search for Arizona sex offenders; however, it is best to start with the state site and then move on to the National Sex Offender Registry.

Understanding Arizona Laws on Criminal Records & Arrest Records

Any criminal records in Arizona that are released must comply with state and federal laws limiting what can be released, how it can be delivered, and who can access the records.

Federal Laws and Compliance

Federal laws include the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which limits the use of non-convictions to a seven-year lookback period as well as limits credit history reports to that same time limit. FCRA also guides commercial background check agencies and employers on how to conduct screenings and use the reports legally.

Non-Discrimination in Background Checks

Background checks must be the same for everyone and cannot be used in a discriminatory manner. When a person feels a report has been used unlawfully to discriminate against them, they can report the matter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which provides background check guidance to employers and anti-discrimination law enforcement.

Release of Public Records in Arizona

The release of public records in Arizona is subject to guidelines in Title 39 of the state’s codes. Title 39 maintains that court records, except juvenile records, sealed records, or information identifying victims of crime, are considered public records and must be made available upon request.

Arizona Statute 13-905 and Second Chance

Arizona Statute 13-905 allows offenders to petition to set aside convictions and get a certificate of second chance, which can remove barriers to employment for many individuals. The statute does not, however, remove questions about convictions on applications.

The First Step: Where to Search

Knowing where to search is the first step in conducting a background check. This free guide outlines how to search criminal and arrest records through official resources for the most accurate results.

FAQs

How can I access Arizona arrest and criminal records?

To access Arizona arrest and criminal records, you need to contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) or visit their official website. They offer various methods, including online requests, mail-in applications, and in-person visits to their office, to obtain these records. You may need to provide specific details about the individual you are inquiring about and pay a fee for the records.

What information is included in Arizona arrest and criminal records?

Arizona arrest and criminal records typically include details about arrests, charges, convictions, court proceedings, sentencing, and related information. This may encompass misdemeanor and felony offenses, driving violations, and other relevant data about an individual’s criminal history within the state.

Is there a fee associated with obtaining Arizona arrest and criminal records?

Yes, there is usually a fee associated with obtaining Arizona arrest and criminal records. The fee amount can vary depending on the type of record you are requesting and the method you use to obtain it. You can check the Arizona DPS website for the current fee schedule.

Are Arizona arrest and criminal records considered public records?

Yes, Arizona arrest and criminal records are generally considered public records. However, some specific information may be restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal details or ongoing investigations. It’s important to note that access to certain records may be limited to authorized individuals or organizations.

How long does it take to receive Arizona arrest and criminal records after making a request?

The processing time for receiving Arizona arrest and criminal records can vary depending on the method of request and the volume of requests being processed. Online requests and in-person visits may provide quicker access, while mail-in requests may take longer due to mailing and processing times. It’s advisable to check with the Arizona DPS for estimated processing times when making your request.