Mississippi State is committed to providing its citizens with the right to access and inspect free Mississippi public records. With a vast database of records spanning various jurisdictions, finding the correct data can be challenging.

Our objective is to ensure the efficient and timely retrieval of accurate Mississippi state records, simplifying the process for everyone.

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Mississippi State Record Laws and Public Accessibility

The Mississippi State Records Act of 1983, enacted by the Mississippi legislature, declares that all public records are public property, and any individual has the right to inspect or obtain a copy, following specific procedures regarding costs, timing, location, and access methods.

In Mississippi, the public has an unconditional right to access and review public records without the need to provide a reason, and there are no usage restrictions in place.

When agencies and departments haven’t determined a response time, they must respond within one business day but can extend this period to 14 days. There are no residency requirements for requesters of public records.

The Mississippi State Records Act applies to all state entities, with a few exceptions, including tax records, employment applications, trade secrets, and medical records.

Mississippi state records can be accessed through both online and offline methods, with many agencies offering records in either format. However, some records may only be accessible offline.

Mississippi Criminal Records (An Overview)

Mississippi public criminal records, also known as rap sheets, provide a comprehensive history of an individual’s criminal activities in the state, encompassing arrests, warrants, prison records, and more. Typical components of Mississippi criminal records include:

  • Mugshots
  • Arrest details
  • Warrant information
  • And more

Interested parties can search for Mississippi criminal records through official government channels or third-party websites. While free searches exist, they may lack accuracy or up-to-date information. Paid searches typically offer more current data but may vary from official government sources.

Access to Criminal Records in Mississippi

In accordance with the Mississippi State Records Act, any citizen of the state can access criminal records as they are in the public domain. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) serves as Mississippi’s criminal data repository.

Certain Mississippi public records, such as juvenile court records, are exempt from public view and are sealed.

How to Lookup Someone’s Criminal Records in Mississippi

Individuals interested in accessing someone’s criminal records should begin by visiting the Bureau of Investigation (BOI), the primary repository for criminal records. Criminal records can also be found through court records, offender registries, and other government repositories in addition to the BOI.

Offline

For offline requests, individuals should send their inquiries to the BOI at:

Mississippi Bureau of Investigations Attention: CIC/Background Checks 3891 Highway 468 West Pearl, MS 39208

Requests should include a completed Authorization to Release Background Information Form and a money order or check for the $32 fee, payable to the BOI.

Online

The courts in Mississippi maintain records of criminal records that can be accessed online through the Mississippi Electronic Courts System (MEC). Access to this database requires a $10 annual registration fee, and requesters must pay a $0.20 per page fee to view records. Requesters should have certain information on hand, including the name of the record holder, date of birth, and address.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) also offers a name-based background check to look up someone’s criminal record for a $32 fee, payable by major credit cards.

Find Mississippi Mugshots (County Lookup)

To access mugshots from various sheriff’s departments in Mississippi, follow these steps:

Locate the Sheriff’s Office

Begin by searching for the local sheriff’s office in the county you are interested in. Use the format “[County] + Sheriff’s Office” to find their website.

Inmate Query

Visit the sheriff’s department website and look for an inmate query or search feature. Use this tool to locate the mugshot within their records.

For instance, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department offers an excellent Inmate Locator feature for viewing inmate mugshot records. Jones County Sheriff’s Department also provides this service.

Can I Access a Juvenile’s Criminal History in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, juvenile records, also known as minors’ criminal records, are typically sealed and private. However, there are exceptions:

  • Juvenile proceedings occur at the Mississippi State Youth Court.
  • If a juvenile commits a felony or is referred to an adult court for severe crimes, such as murder, the record may become public.

How to Run a Free Mississippi Warrant Search (Outstanding, Active & Bench)

Mississippi warrant records are public and accessible. Warrants are legal documents allowing law enforcement actions, but they require probable cause.

Outstanding Warrants: These occur when the subject has not been arrested yet, possibly due to evasion or unawareness of the warrant.

Active Warrants: Judges issue these, instructing immediate search and apprehension of the suspect, making them a high priority for law enforcement.

Bench Warrants: Issued when individuals fail to appear in court, typically the defendant.

Most Wanted Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety offers a Most Wanted database containing valuable information, including suspects’ names, photographs, offenses, date of birth (DOB), and their last known address. Use this resource to investigate outstanding warrants.

Local Sheriff’s Office

You can also contact your local sheriff’s office directly to inquire about any warrants for your arrest. Many sheriff’s offices maintain a warrant division, such as the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department, which regularly updates its list of warrants.

How to Find Mississippi’s Sex Offenders Near You

Community safety is paramount, and it’s crucial to have access to information about sex offenders in your area. Sex offenders are required to register with law enforcement agencies upon their release from prison, making their details available to the public. You can pinpoint their locations using the following methods:

County Look-Up

To discover information about sex offenders in your county, reach out to the local sheriff’s office. For instance, Jackson County’s sheriff’s department provides an offender watch sex offender search tool. This tool assists citizens in locating offenders within their local communities.

Mississippi Department of Public Safety (MDPS) Registry

The MDPS maintains a comprehensive public sex offender registry for the state, as mandated by Miss. Code Ann. § 45-33-49. Law enforcement agencies are obligated to release sex offender information to the public. This registry allows you to search for offenders by their last and first names and even obtain a list of offenders within a specified radius of an address or zip code. Users can also register for community notifications through this site.

How to Get a Background Check in Mississippi

Conducting a background check in Mississippi involves researching and verifying an individual’s history within the state. Background checks are crucial for employers, especially when hiring individuals who will work with children, disabled individuals, or senior citizens. Homeowners may also perform background checks on potential renters for their own and their neighbors’ safety. Additionally, firefighters need to undergo background checks as part of their verification process.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Compliance

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ensures that data collection companies report accurate data. It sets guidelines for employers seeking information about potential job candidates and governs how this information can be used. Typically, background checks take 2-3 business days to process and may extend up to 2 weeks.

No “Ban-the-Box” Law in Mississippi

Mississippi does not have any state, county, or local mandates that prohibit employers from inquiring about an applicant’s criminal history during job applications and interviews.

A standard background check in Mississippi typically includes information such as:

  • Arrests resulting in convictions
  • Sex offender registry listings
  • Ongoing criminal cases in court
  • Misdemeanor and felony convictions
  • Education and employment history, among other details

Mississippi residents can choose from three types of background checks through the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH): Individual, Childcare, and Healthcare.

Child Care Background Check

Individuals planning to work in childcare facilities in Mississippi must undergo a comprehensive background check, including criminal history and sex offender registry checks. The cost for this check is $50, and payments are processed through the MSDH portal. Applicants must schedule a fingerprint scan, complete the Fingerprint Application Form, and sign the Noncriminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights Form. Additionally, they must complete the Mississippi Child Abuse and Neglect Registry Form. Fingerprint cards should be mailed to:

Mississippi State Department of Health Criminal History Fingerprint Unit 143B LeFleur’s Square Jackson, Mississippi 39211

Individual Background Check

Individuals seeking a copy of their own background check report in Mississippi can request one from the MDPS using the background check form. This service costs $30 but may not cover checks in other jurisdictions.

Health Care

The healthcare check process is similar to the childcare background, except that the Mississippi Child Abuse and Neglect Registry Form is not required.

FCRA Regulations

The FCRA moderates how far back criminal background checks go; under FCRA, there is usually a 7-year look back period. Typically, arrests that did not result in convictions, bankruptcies, liens, civil lawsuits, and judgments will not appear after this period.

Mississippi Court Record Information

The Mississippi court system comprises seven types of courts with specific roles in the judicial system. These include:

  • Supreme Court
  • Court of Appeals
  • Circuit Court
  • Chancery Court
  • County Court
  • Justice Court
  • Municipal Court

Access to Court Records in Mississippi

As per the Mississippi Public Records Act, as well as a Statement of Policy Regarding Openness and Availability of Public Records, the Mississippi Judiciary grants rights to all residents’ access to court records. An overview of the court hierarchy in Mississippi appears below.

Finding Mississippi Court Records (Court Docket Search): A Step-by-Step Guide

Determining Jurisdiction and Record Custodian

Before diving into the process of finding Mississippi court records, it’s crucial to establish the jurisdiction the record falls under and locate the appropriate custodian of the record. Additionally, having some key information about the case, such as the names of the parties involved or the case number, will greatly enhance your chances of a successful search.

Offline Requests for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Records

If you’re looking to retrieve records from the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, you can submit your request to the court clerk either in person or by mail.

Court Address and Clerk’s Office Address

Street Address of the Court: 450 High Street Clerk’s Post Office Address: P.O. Box 249 City: Jackson, Mississippi 39201 City: Jackson, Mississippi 39205

Fees for Copying Court Records

  • Copies of records: $0.5 per page
  • Order from the Minute Book: $5
  • Copy of the mandate: $3
  • Copying from bound records: $2 per page

Mississippi State Law Library Records Repository

  • Cost: $0.15 per page for copies
  • Address for Requests: Mississippi State Law Library P.O. Box 1040 Jackson, Mississippi 39215
  • Processing Time: 14 days

Requesting Financial and Administrative Court Records

  • Contact the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA)
  • Address for Requests: Department of Finance and Administration- Public Information Officer 501 North West Street Jackson, Mississippi 39201
  • Other Options: In-person, Fax: (601) 359-3402, Email: [email protected]

Online Access to Mississippi Court Records

  • Access and view court records online
  • Mississippi Electronic Court (MEC) database
  • Online directory: [Link]

Finding Mississippi Bankruptcy Records

  • Bankruptcy proceedings in Mississippi
  • Use the PACER case locator tool
  • PACER registration required
  • Cost: $0.1 per page
  • Toll-Free: +1(866) 222-8029 (Voice Case Information System)

Overview of Mississippi Jail & Prison Inmate Records

  • Inmate records available for public scrutiny
  • Maintained by the Mississippi Department of Corrections
  • Includes mugshot, crime details, parole info, release date, and more
  • Useful for locating relatives, sending money, or visiting inmates

Looking Up Jail Records & Recent Arrests in Mississippi

  • Law enforcement agencies provide lists of arrested individuals
  • Contact the sheriff’s office or police department
  • Determine the county and use inmate search tools
  • Example: Hinds County Inmate Query search tool for recent arrests

Obtaining Jail Paperwork

Requesters seeking jail paperwork can obtain it by visiting and contacting local law enforcement agencies. This is particularly useful in cases where these agencies do not provide a search feature or an inmate roster on their websites.

Finding a Federal Prisoner in Mississippi

If you need to locate a federal prisoner in Mississippi, there are 4 federal prisons in the state, managed by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). To find a federal prisoner, use the BOP’s free Federal Prison Inmate Locator on their website. You can search for the inmate using their name or inmate number. Once you’ve located the inmate, use the Federal Prison facility locator to determine their current location.

Locating State Prisoners in Mississippi

To find state prisoners in Mississippi, utilize the Inmate Locator tool provided by the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). This service is free and allows you to search for state prisoners by the offender’s name or MDOC number. Alternatively, you can request this information via mail from MDOC, with associated fees. They accept money orders and cashier’s checks payable to MDOC, and the processing time is 7 business days. If you are looking for a parolee, use the parole search tool.

Requesting Mississippi Vital Records

Vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, are essential life event documents maintained by government authorities. In Mississippi, access to these records is restricted:

  • Death Records: Accessible only to record holders, immediate family members, or legal representatives.
  • Birth Records: Accessible to record holders, immediate family members, or legal representatives.
  • Marriage Records: Marriage licenses are public, but marriage certificates are only available to spouses named in the record, immediate family members, and legal representatives.
  • Divorce Records: Certified copies of Mississippi divorce records are available to spouses, family members, and legal representatives. Some documents with confidential details are sealed and accessible only with court-authorized access.

To obtain Mississippi vital records, follow these steps:

  1. Provide a copy of a valid ID.
  2. Complete and sign the relevant applicant form.
  3. Include payment for fees via check or money order (cash for in-person requests may be accepted).
  4. Provide proof of guardianship or legal representation.
  5. Specify the location of the record.

Death Certificates

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Vital Records Office does not offer online death record searches. To request a death certificate, the fee is $17.00 per copy, with additional copies costing $6.00 each. Mail your request to the Mississippi Vital Records Office.

Birth Certificates

To request a Mississippi birth certificate, file an Application for Certified Mississippi Birth Certificate online or in person at a records office. Birth records cannot be queried online. Include payment of $17 per copy and $6 for additional copies with your request, via personal check, money order, or cashier’s check payable to and mailed to the MSDH office.

Marriage Certificates

Obtaining Marriage Records

The Vital Records Office is the primary contact for individuals seeking information about marriage status and obtaining marriage certificates. To request a marriage record, please follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Records Office Requesters may visit the Records Office in person to request a marriage record.
  2. Processing Time The processing time for requested copies of marriage certificates is 7-10 business days.
  3. Fees
    • Certified Copy: $17
    • Additional Copies (ordered concurrently): $6 each Money orders should be made payable to the “Mississippi Vital Records.”
  4. In-Person Requests All vital records, including marriage certificates, can be requested in person at:

Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Vital Records Office 222 Marketridge Drive Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157 Walk-in service is available during business hours from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

  1. Mail-In Requests To request marriage certificates and other vital records by mail, please send your request to:

Mississippi Vital Records P.O. Box 1700 Jackson, Mississippi 39215

Divorce Certificates

Accessing Divorce Records

Members of the public can access divorce case records using the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) search tool provided on the website of the State of Mississippi Judiciary.

Divorce Certificate Requests

  • Divorce certificates can be obtained from the court where the divorce was granted.
  • Requests for certified copies of a divorce certificate in the state are processed only for the divorced parties on the record or immediate family.
  • Please mail your requests to the Vital Records Office.

Alternative Ordering Method

Individuals may also order vital records, including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and death records, through VitalChek, a private company cited on the MSDH site.

Mississippi County Divorce Rates

Visualizing Divorce Statistics

To provide insight into the divorced population in the state, the image below displays the divorce rates for every Mississippi County based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Streamlined Mississippi Public Record Search

Sifting through Mississippi public records can be a daunting task, with numerous departments and jurisdictions to navigate. Our search tools offer a solution to simplify and enhance the efficiency of your Mississippi public record search, ensuring accurate results.

Freedom from Third-Party Restrictions

Moreover, when using our services, you won’t encounter the same restrictions and limitations imposed by third-party search providers.

FAQs

How can I access free Mississippi state records and public information?

    • You can access free Mississippi state records and public information by visiting the official websites of relevant state agencies, such as the Mississippi Department of Health or the Mississippi State Archives. Many government agencies provide online access to a variety of public records.

What types of records can I find for free in Mississippi?

    • Mississippi provides access to a range of free public records, including birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce records, property records, criminal records, and various government documents. The availability of records may vary by agency.

Are there any fees associated with obtaining Mississippi state records?

    • While many records are available for free, some agencies may charge fees for copies, certifications, or specialized searches. It’s advisable to check with the specific agency to understand their fee structure.

How do I request public records in Mississippi?

    • To request public records in Mississippi, you can typically submit a formal request through the relevant government agency’s website or by contacting them directly. Each agency may have its own process for requesting records.

Is there a waiting period to receive requested records in Mississippi?

    • The waiting period for receiving requested records in Mississippi can vary depending on the agency and the type of record requested. Some records may be available instantly online, while others may take several days to process and provide.