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Mesa Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Mesa, Arizona?

Arrest records in Mesa, Arizona are public documents accessible to citizens pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). This statute establishes that public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person during office hours. The Mesa Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations governing the collection, storage, and dissemination of criminal justice information. Public access to these records promotes governmental transparency and accountability while providing citizens with information about law enforcement activities within their community.

The Arizona Public Records Law specifically states that "Public records and other matters in the custody of any officer shall be open to inspection by any person at all times during office hours." This provision ensures that arrest records, as public documents, remain accessible to interested parties who wish to obtain this information for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, research, or personal knowledge.

How to Look Up Mesa Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Mesa, Arizona as of 2025. The Mesa Police Department has implemented several methods to facilitate public access to these documents in compliance with Arizona Public Records Law:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Mesa Police Department Records Division located at 130 N. Robson, Mesa, AZ 85201. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification must be presented when requesting records.
Online Access: The Mesa Police Department provides digital access to certain arrest records through the Mesa Municipal Court electronic system. This platform allows users to search for cases by name, case number, or citation number.
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via mail to: Mesa Police Department, Records Division, P.O. Box 1466, Mesa, AZ 85211-1466. Requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the records being sought.
Police Incident Reports: The City of Mesa maintains a Police Incidents database containing information based on initial police reports taken by officers when responding to calls for service.

Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.03, the Mesa Police Department may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records. Current fee schedules are available at the Records Division or on the official department website.

Contents of a Mesa Arrest Record

Mesa arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Arizona Administrative Code R13-1-402, which establishes uniform reporting standards for law enforcement agencies throughout the state. These records typically include the following components:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any distinguishing physical characteristics or identifying marks.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) citation numbers and charge descriptions.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, and photographs taken during the booking process.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether the individual was released on bail, the amount of bail set, or if the individual was remanded to custody pending further proceedings.
Court Information: Docket number, scheduled court appearances, and the judicial entity with jurisdiction over the case.

The Mesa Police Department maintains these records in accordance with the records retention schedule established by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records division, as required by A.R.S. § 41-151.12.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Mesa

Arizona law provides mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. As of 2025, the process is governed by A.R.S. § 13-911 through § 13-912, which outline the eligibility criteria and procedural requirements for record expungement.

Individuals may qualify for expungement of arrest records in Mesa under the following circumstances:

Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Arrests not resulting in a formal charge within the statute of limitations
Convictions that have been set aside pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-907
Completed diversion programs where charges were subsequently dismissed
Certain marijuana offenses eligible under A.R.S. § 36-2862

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Maricopa County Superior Court located at 201 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003. The petition must include certified copies of the original case documents, proof of identification, and a statement explaining the grounds for expungement.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date, typically within 60-90 days. The prosecuting agency and any victims involved in the original case will receive notification of the petition and may present objections at the hearing. Judicial determination regarding expungement is made based on statutory eligibility and consideration of public safety factors.

If granted, an expungement order requires all law enforcement agencies, including the Mesa Police Department, to seal the arrest record from public view. However, pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-911(E), expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies for legitimate law enforcement purposes and may be disclosed in certain circumstances as prescribed by statute.

Search Arrest Records in Mesa

Mesa Police Department Records Division
130 N. Robson
Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: (480) 644-2211
Official Website

Maricopa County Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-3204
Official Website

Mesa Municipal Court
250 E. 1st Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (480) 644-2255
Official Website