Washington County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026
WashingtonMSRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Washington County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, mugshots, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, criminal court case filings, bond information, and inmate status records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the disposition of the case.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. The roster reflects current custody status and is updated on a regular basis. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about recent arrests or access available online resources through the agency's official channels.
- Available information includes: arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status
- Search by name or booking number where the online system permits
- Roster updates reflect intake and release activity
2. Local Police Departments
The Greenville Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Washington County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the department's official communications.
Greenville Police Department 520 Main St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 378-1515 Greenville Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Washington County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records linked to arrests processed in the county. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name to identify court proceedings associated with a specific arrest.
Washington County Circuit Clerk 305 Main St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 332-1595 Mississippi Courts Case Search
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide arrest data repository. The system is used by all state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to report records of arrest. Members of the public may access publicly available arrest data through this portal at no charge. Information available includes arrest date, charges, arresting agency, and basic identifying information.
In-Person Access:
Washington County Sheriff's Office 920 S. Colorado St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 378-3033 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Washington County Sheriff's Office
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and booking number. Copy fees apply as described in the fee section below.
Washington County Circuit Clerk 305 Main St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 332-1595 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Mississippi Courts
By Mail:
Written requests submitted by mail to the Washington County Sheriff's Office should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Processing time for mail requests is subject to agency workload and may range from several business days to several weeks.
By Phone:
The Washington County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (662) 378-3033 during regular business hours. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes. Subpoenas directed to the custodian of records compel production of documents in legal proceedings. Records obtained through discovery are subject to applicable protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest
Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County
Arrest records in Washington County are public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1, et seq., all public records maintained by government agencies are presumptively open to inspection by any person unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document official government action and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
As the Mississippi Supreme Court has recognized, "the public has a right to know about the actions of its government," a principle that extends to law enforcement activity including arrests. Arrest records serve purposes including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Miss. Code Ann. § 43-21-261)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access following court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation information
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain cases
- Witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Mississippi Constitution and the Public Records Act together establish the legal framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press and public access to court proceedings and arrest information. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the disposition of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
- Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies after seven years in certain contexts. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal guidance. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt.
What's in Washington County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race/ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name and badge number
- Booking date, time, and booking number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount and bond type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
- Release date and time if applicable
- Release conditions where public
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report contents)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
| Document Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Police Report | Detailed incident narrative; not always public |
| Court Records | Legal proceedings following arrest |
| Criminal Records | Convictions and sentences |
| Background Check | Comprehensive screening from multiple sources |
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Washington County?
Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge. Fees apply when copies are requested. Under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, provided such fees do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25–$1.00 (varies by agency) |
| Certified copies | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic records | Varies; may be provided at no charge |
| Search fee | Not permitted under Mississippi law beyond actual cost |
- Inspection of records in person: No charge
- Certification of records: Fee set by the custodial agency
- Accepted payment methods: Cash, money order, or check made payable to the applicable agency
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest
Members of the public may access the Mississippi Department of Public Safety arrest data portal at no charge for statewide arrest information.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County
Mississippi law provides two primary mechanisms for the removal or restriction of arrest records from public access: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access). Expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases, while sealing restricts access without physical destruction. The distinction is significant because sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, individuals who were arrested but not convicted, or who were convicted of certain eligible offenses and have completed their sentence, may petition the court for expungement. Eligibility criteria include:
- Arrest with no charges filed
- Charges filed but subsequently dismissed
- Acquittal at trial
- First-offense misdemeanor convictions (subject to waiting periods)
- Certain first-offense nonviolent felony convictions (subject to statutory criteria and waiting periods)
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a certified copy of the arrest record and court disposition from the Washington County Circuit Clerk
- Confirm eligibility under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71
- File a Petition for Expungement in the Washington County Circuit Court
- Serve the petition on the district attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing
- If granted, deliver certified copies of the expungement order to all agencies holding the record
Washington County Circuit Court 305 Main St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 332-1595 Mississippi Courts
Washington County District Attorney's Office (5th Circuit District) 305 Main St, Suite 2 Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 334-1300
Following entry of an expungement order, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and other custodial agencies are required to update or remove the subject record. Third-party commercial databases are not bound by expungement orders and may retain records independently; individuals may need to contact those entities separately.
What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following arrest, the individual is transported to the Washington County Regional Correctional Facility, the primary detention facility serving the county. The Washington County Regional Correctional Facility is operated under the oversight of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Washington County Regional Correctional Facility 1400 MLK Jr. Blvd Greenville, MS 38703 Phone: (662) 334-6944 Washington County Regional Correctional Facility
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the facility, the booking process is initiated. The process includes recording of personal information, photographing (mugshot), fingerprinting, criminal history and outstanding warrant checks, personal property inventory, medical screening, and housing classification. The booking process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the defendant of the charges, determines bond or bail, and advises the defendant of the right to counsel. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The court may deny bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the release process takes approximately one to eight hours. The defendant receives a court date, written conditions of release, and the return of personal property. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Washington County Public Defender's Office 305 Main St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 332-1595
Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. Defendants who do not qualify for a public defender retain the right to hire private counsel. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation.
Charging Decision:
The Washington County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea. Subsequent court dates are set at this proceeding.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs (including drug court or mental health court), plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or a combination thereof.
Timeline Overview:
| Stage | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Arrest to first appearance | Within 48 hours |
| First appearance to arraignment | Days to weeks |
| Misdemeanor resolution | Weeks to several months |
| Felony resolution | Several months to over one year |
Important Contacts:
Washington County Sheriff's Office 920 S. Colorado St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 378-3033 Washington County Sheriff's Office
Washington County Circuit Clerk 305 Main St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 332-1595 Mississippi Courts
Washington County District Attorney's Office 305 Main St, Suite 2 Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 334-1300
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case with others
- Contact family or friends regarding bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Washington County is governed by Mississippi law and applicable local agency policies. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History publishes records retention schedules applicable to county law enforcement and court agencies. Under current law, retention periods vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years depending on the custodial agency
- Court records are retained permanently in electronic form
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement: Minimum of three to five years
- Court records: Retained permanently unless expunged
- State repository: Retained unless expungement order received
Acquittals:
- Court records: Retained permanently unless sealed or expunged
- Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of three years
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records: Retained for a minimum of two to three years
- May be eligible for expungement upon petition
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records: Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable agency retention schedule, which ranges from three years for non-conviction records to permanent retention for felony conviction records.
Digital Records: Records management systems and court electronic records are retained permanently in most cases. Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to expungement orders issued by Mississippi courts. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but does not compel removal of records from non-consumer-reporting databases.
Retention by Agency:
Washington County Sheriff's Office 920 S. Colorado St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 378-3033
Washington County Circuit Clerk 305 Main St Greenville, MS 38701 Phone: (662) 332-1595
Mississippi Department of Public Safety – Criminal Information Center 3891 Highway 468 W Pearl, MS 39208 Phone: (601) 933-2600 Mississippi Department of Public Safety
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state criminal history repository and retains arrest records from all jurisdictions statewide. The MDOC inmate search tool allows members of the public to locate individuals currently in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
FBI Database:
The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain arrest records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
| Disposition | Retention Outcome |
|---|---|
| Conviction | Permanent retention in all databases |
| Dismissal | Retained unless expunged |
| Acquittal | Retained unless sealed or expunged |
| No charges filed | Shortest retention; may be purged after 2–3 years |
| Expungement granted | Local and state records updated; FBI may retain with notation |
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to a seven-year reporting window for non-conviction arrest records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose a shorter reporting window by state statute. Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party commercial databases, and individuals should monitor their records following the entry of an expungement order.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Records Division at (662) 378-3033 or submit a written public records request to the Circuit Clerk's office to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive documents.