Arizona Arrest Records

Is Arizona an Open Arrest Records State?

Arizona is classified as an open arrest records state pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 39-121, which establishes that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all reasonable times during office hours." Arrest records, which document the detention or taking into custody of individuals by law enforcement agencies, fall under the category of public records in Arizona.

The Arizona Public Records Law provides statutory authority for public access to governmental information, including arrest records. This legislative framework is designed to promote transparency and accountability within the justice system by ensuring that:

Law enforcement actions are subject to public scrutiny
Judicial processes operate with appropriate oversight
Citizens have access to information that may impact public safety
Government agencies maintain accountability to the public they serve

The Arizona Criminal Justice Commission serves as the central hub for criminal justice information in the state, facilitating the coordination of record-keeping practices among various law enforcement agencies. Under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), custodians of public records must "maintain all records reasonably necessary or appropriate to maintain an accurate knowledge of their official activities and of any of their activities which are supported by monies from this state or any political subdivision of this state."

While Arizona maintains an open records policy, certain limitations exist regarding the disclosure of specific information, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in A.R.S. § 39-123.

How to Look Up Arizona Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Arizona arrest records may access this information through multiple official channels. The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state as authorized by A.R.S. § 41-1750. Individuals may obtain arrest records through the following methods:

State-Level Resources

Arizona Department of Public Safety
2102 W. Encanto Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85009
(602) 223-2000
Criminal History Records

The DPS Criminal History Records Section processes requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1750(G), requestors must provide proper identification and may be required to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies.

County-Level Resources

Maricopa County Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 506-3204
Public Access to Court Information

The Maricopa County Superior Court maintains public access terminals available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., where individuals may search court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.

Online Access Options

The Arizona Judicial Branch provides an online portal for accessing public court records through its Public Access to Court Information system. This resource allows users to search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings throughout Arizona's court system.

For specific law enforcement agency records, many departments maintain their own records request portals where arrest reports can be requested electronically. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.03, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the cost of reproduction and delivery of requested records.

Contents of an Arizona Arrest Record

Arizona arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by the Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) policies and procedures. These records typically include the following components:

Biographical Information

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
Residential address (may be redacted in public versions)
Fingerprint identification number
Booking photograph ("mugshot")

Arrest Details

Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory authority for the arrest
Incident report number
Booking facility information

Criminal Charges

Specific charges filed (including A.R.S. citation)
Classification of offense (felony or misdemeanor)
Charge severity level
Weapon involvement (if applicable)
Domestic violence designation (if applicable)

Case Disposition Information

Court case number
Bail or bond amount
Pre-trial release conditions
Court appearance dates
Case outcome (conviction, dismissal, etc.)
Sentencing information (if applicable)

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-4051, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including victim identifying information, information related to ongoing investigations, and certain personal identifying information of the arrested individual.

Understanding the Arizona Open Records Act

The Arizona Open Records Act, codified in A.R.S. § 39-121 through § 39-128, establishes the framework for public access to government records in Arizona. This legislation is founded on the principle that government transparency is essential to a functioning democracy and that citizens have a right to information about governmental activities.

Key provisions of the Act as they relate to arrest records include:

Presumption of Openness: A.R.S. § 39-121 establishes that "public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all reasonable times during office hours."
Reasonable Timeframe: Under A.R.S. § 39-121.01(E), public bodies must "promptly furnish" requested records. While "promptly" is not specifically defined, the Arizona Department of Public Safety typically processes routine requests within 10-15 business days.
Fee Structure: A.R.S. § 39-121.03 permits agencies to charge "a reasonable fee for copying any public record," though inspection of records must be permitted without charge.
Exemptions: A.R.S. § 39-123 and § 39-124 outline specific categories of information that may be withheld, including information that would invade personal privacy, compromise ongoing investigations, or threaten public safety.

The District of Arizona U.S. Attorney's Office works in conjunction with state agencies to ensure compliance with both state and federal records laws, particularly in cases where federal charges may be involved.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Arizona

Arizona law provides mechanisms for the sealing or setting aside of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process, governed primarily by A.R.S. § 13-911 through § 13-912, allows eligible individuals to petition for the sealing of records related to arrests that did not result in conviction or for convictions that have been set aside.

Eligibility Criteria

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-911, individuals may petition for sealing of records if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The conviction has been vacated or set aside
The person has received an absolute discharge from imprisonment
Any required restitution and fines have been paid in full
A specified waiting period has elapsed (varies by offense type)

Certain offenses are ineligible for sealing, including:

Dangerous offenses as defined in A.R.S. § 13-105
Offenses requiring sex offender registration
Offenses involving sexual motivation
Offenses against victims under 15 years of age

Application Process

The petition process requires filing with the Superior Court in the county where the arrest or conviction occurred. Petitioners must:

Complete the appropriate petition form
Provide certified copies of relevant court documents
Submit fingerprints for verification purposes
Pay applicable filing fees
Serve notice on the prosecuting agency

The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility and that sealing the records serves the interests of justice. If granted, the order directs all relevant agencies to seal records related to the arrest or conviction.

How to Find Local Arrests in Arizona?

Local arrest information in Arizona is maintained by individual law enforcement agencies and county courts. Members of the public seeking information about recent or historical arrests at the local level have several official channels available.

Municipal Police Departments

Phoenix Police Department
Records and Identification Bureau
620 W. Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 534-1127
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tucson Police Department
Records Section
270 S. Stone Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 791-4462
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

County Sheriff's Offices

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Records and Information Bureau
550 W. Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 876-1801
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pima County Sheriff's Department
Records Section
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714
(520) 351-4600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01, these agencies maintain public access terminals where individuals may review arrest logs and booking information. Many agencies also provide online portals for accessing basic arrest information, though complete records typically require formal requests.

Search Arrest Records in Arizona

Counties

Apache Cochise Coconino Gila Graham Greenlee La Paz Maricopa Mohave Navajo Pima Pinal Santa Cruz Yavapai Yuma