Arrest records are public documents in El Mirage, Arizona, pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). This statute establishes that all public records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be open to inspection by any person during regular office hours. The El Mirage Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. Members of the public seeking information about arrests have a legal right to access these records, subject to certain exemptions that may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or matters of public safety.
The City of El Mirage provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These options are designed to accommodate various preferences and needs for obtaining this information:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the El Mirage Police Department Records Division to submit a request for arrest records. The department is located at 12401 W. Cinnabar Avenue, El Mirage, AZ 85335. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must present valid identification and may be required to complete a public records request form.
Online Submissions: The City of El Mirage website offers an electronic portal for submitting public records requests. Users must create an account and specify the type of arrest record being sought, including relevant details such as names, dates, and case numbers if available.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: El Mirage Police Department, Records Division, 12401 W. Cinnabar Avenue, El Mirage, AZ 85335. Requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the records being sought, and a copy of valid identification.
Maricopa County Resources: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may also be available through the Maricopa County Superior Court, located at 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Phone: (602) 506-3204.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.03, reasonable fees may be charged for the reproduction of records. The current fee schedule includes $5.00 for the first 10 pages and $0.50 for each additional page. Certified copies incur an additional fee of $5.00 per document.
Arrest records maintained by the El Mirage Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual involved. Standard components of these records include:
These records are maintained in accordance with the Arizona Department of Library, Archives and Public Records retention schedules, which typically require arrest records to be preserved for a minimum of 25 years. The completeness of records may vary based on the nature of the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-123 and other applicable privacy statutes.
The State of Arizona provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records in El Mirage. This process, governed by A.R.S. § 13-911, allows for the sealing of records under specific circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Maricopa County Superior Court. Petitioners must submit documentation including:
Upon successful expungement, records held by the El Mirage Police Department and other agencies will be sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes authorized by statute. The El Mirage City Court, which handles misdemeanor cases, is located at 14010 N. El Mirage Road, El Mirage, AZ 85335. Phone: (623) 815-2186.
While arrest records are generally public in El Mirage, certain statutory exemptions restrict access to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations. The El Mirage Police Department applies these exemptions in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D):
The determination regarding access restrictions is made on a case-by-case basis by the Records Custodian. Requestors whose access is denied may appeal the decision through administrative channels or seek judicial review pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.02.
Information obtained from El Mirage arrest records is subject to legal restrictions regarding its use. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Arizona state laws impose limitations on how arrest record information may be utilized, particularly in employment and housing contexts:
Misuse of arrest record information may result in civil liability under various state and federal statutes. The City of El Mirage recommends that individuals and organizations seeking arrest records for background screening purposes consult with legal counsel regarding compliance requirements.
Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their El Mirage arrest records may request corrections through established administrative procedures. The El Mirage Police Department has implemented a verification process that includes:
Requests for corrections should be submitted to: Records Division Supervisor, El Mirage Police Department, 12401 W. Cinnabar Avenue, El Mirage, AZ 85335. Phone: (623) 500-3000. The department aims to complete the review process within 30 business days of receipt of a complete request package.