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Scottsdale Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Scottsdale, Arizona?

Arrest records are public in Scottsdale, Arizona, pursuant to Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). This accessibility aligns with Arizona's commitment to government transparency and public oversight of law enforcement activities. The Scottsdale Police Department maintains these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement actions within municipal boundaries. Members of the public may access these records to verify arrests, conduct background checks, or monitor law enforcement activities in accordance with state statutes.

The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes, including:

Ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system
Providing transparency in law enforcement operations
Supporting public safety through information sharing
Facilitating background verification processes for employment and housing

Certain limitations may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under A.R.S. § 39-123 and § 39-124.

How to Look Up Scottsdale Arrest Records in 2025

The Scottsdale Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.

In-Person Requests

Individuals may submit requests in person at:

Scottsdale Police Department Records Unit
8401 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Phone: 480-312-5000
Police Records Request

Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

Online Requests

The Scottsdale Police Department Records Request portal allows users to submit requests electronically. The system requires registration and accepts payment for any applicable fees via credit card.

Mail Requests

Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to:

Records Unit
Scottsdale Police Department
8401 E. Indian School Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

All requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope and appropriate payment for processing fees.

Arizona Department of Public Safety

For statewide criminal history information:

Arizona Department of Public Safety
Criminal History Records Section
P.O. Box 6638
Phoenix, AZ 85005
Phone: 602-223-2222

Contents of a Scottsdale Arrest Record

Scottsdale arrest records contain standardized information collected at the time of booking pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3865. These official documents serve as the factual record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in detention.

Standard information included in Scottsdale arrest records:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color, identifying marks)
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Date, time, and location of arrest
Statutory charges filed at booking
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and facility information
Bail or bond information, if applicable

Additional information may include:

Vehicle information if relevant to the arrest
Property inventory taken during booking
Medical screening notations (non-confidential)
Court appearance dates
Custody status

The Police Arrests database provides a searchable interface for basic arrest information generated from the police department's Record Management System.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The Arizona Public Records Law establishes the legal foundation for access to arrest records in Scottsdale. Under A.R.S. § 39-121, "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."

Statutory Provisions

Several key statutes govern the accessibility of arrest records:

A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1) requires custodians of public records to "promptly furnish such copies, printouts or photographs" upon request and payment of fees
A.R.S. § 39-121.03 establishes request procedures for copies, printouts or photographs of public records
A.R.S. § 39-124 specifically addresses the release of law enforcement records

The Scottsdale City Court maintains related judicial records that may contain information about post-arrest proceedings.

Exemptions and Restrictions

Certain categories of information may be redacted or withheld:

Information that would compromise ongoing investigations
Juvenile arrest records (subject to restrictions under A.R.S. § 8-208)
Victim identifying information as protected under A.R.S. § 13-4434
Information deemed confidential by court order
Records sealed pursuant to expungement orders

Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Scottsdale

The Scottsdale Police Department assesses fees for record retrieval and reproduction in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-121.03, which permits charging for the cost of reproduction. Fee schedules are established by municipal ordinance and are subject to periodic review by the Scottsdale City Council.

Current fee structure for arrest record requests:

Standard arrest report: $5.00 for first 10 pages
Additional pages: $0.25 per page
Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
Photographs: $5.00 per CD/DVD
Research fee: $20.00 per hour (first hour waived)

Payment methods accepted include:

Cash (in-person only)
Credit/debit cards
Money orders
Cashier's checks

Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors pursuant to A.R.S. § 12-302. Requests for fee waivers must be submitted in writing with supporting documentation.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Scottsdale

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

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals may petition for expungement if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The conviction was set aside or vacated
The individual received a pardon
The case was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict
The individual completed a diversion program

Certain offenses are ineligible for expungement, including violent or dangerous crimes as defined in A.R.S. § 13-706.

Petition Process

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Scottsdale City Court or Maricopa County Superior Court, depending on the jurisdiction of the original case. The petition must include:

Complete case information
Certified copies of disposition documents
Statement of eligibility under applicable statutes
Filing fee (currently $100, subject to change)

Upon successful petition, records are sealed from public access but remain available to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Scottsdale may utilize arrest records as part of background verification processes, subject to limitations imposed by federal and state law.

Legal Considerations

The use of arrest records for employment screening is regulated by:

Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.)
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Arizona Employment Protection Act (A.R.S. § 23-1501)

Employers must ensure that arrest record information is:

Relevant to the position being filled
Not used in a discriminatory manner
Properly disclosed to applicants
Subject to appropriate verification and dispute procedures

The Court Case Information system provides access to related court proceedings that may follow an arrest.