Tempe Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Tempe, Arizona?
Arrest records are public documents in Tempe, Arizona, 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 at all times during office hours. The Arizona Supreme Court has consistently interpreted this law to favor disclosure of government records to promote government accountability and transparency.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Tempe Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within Tempe city limits. However, certain exceptions exist under A.R.S. § 39-123 and § 39-124, which protect records when disclosure might:
- Compromise an ongoing investigation
- Reveal confidential informant information
- Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
- Invade personal privacy where the public interest in disclosure does not outweigh the privacy interest
- Involve juvenile records subject to special protections under A.R.S. § 8-208
The Tempe Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records division.
How to Look Up Tempe Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Tempe, Arizona. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), each government body shall designate a person to serve as the custodian of records to whom requests may be directed. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest records:
In-Person Requests at Tempe Police Department
120 E. 5th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-8311
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Individuals requesting records in person must complete a public records request form and provide proper identification. The Records Section processes requests in the order received, with response times varying based on request complexity and volume.
Online Records Request Portal
The Tempe Police Department maintains an online records request portal through which citizens may submit requests electronically. Users must create an account and provide specific information about the record being sought, including:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Reason for request
Mail Requests
Written requests may be submitted to:
Tempe Police Department
Records Section
P.O. Box 5002
Tempe, AZ 85280
All mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope, contact information for the requestor, and a check or money order for applicable fees.
Maricopa County Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 506-3204
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For cases that have proceeded to prosecution, court records may be accessed through the Maricopa County Superior Court Criminal Department.
Contents of a Tempe Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Tempe Police Department contain standardized information as required by Arizona Administrative Code R13-1-402. These records typically include the following elements:
- Subject's full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Statutory charges filed at time of booking
- Booking number and photographs
- Fingerprint classification information
- Property inventory taken at time of booking
- Detention facility information
- Bail or bond amount (if applicable)
- Court case number (once assigned)
- Disposition information (if available)
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-3961, information regarding bail eligibility is also included in the arrest record. For certain offenses enumerated in this statute, individuals may be held without bail if the court finds that "the proof is evident or the presumption great" that the person committed the offense.
The Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) maintains electronic records of arrests, which are shared among authorized criminal justice agencies throughout the state in accordance with A.R.S. § 41-1750.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Tempe
Arizona law provides mechanisms for the sealing or expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. As of January 1, 2023, Arizona's new expungement law (A.R.S. § 13-911 through § 13-915) replaced the previous set-aside provisions, offering more comprehensive relief for eligible individuals.
Persons eligible for expungement in Tempe must file a petition with the court that handled their case. Eligibility criteria vary based on offense classification:
- For misdemeanor arrests: Waiting periods range from 1-3 years after completion of all sentence terms
- For felony arrests: Waiting periods range from 2-10 years depending on offense classification
- For marijuana offenses: Special provisions under A.R.S. § 36-2862 allow for immediate expungement of certain marijuana-related arrests
The Tempe Municipal Court processes expungement petitions for violations of city ordinances and certain misdemeanors at:
Tempe Municipal Court
140 E. 5th Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 350-8270
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For felony arrests and other matters handled by superior court, petitions must be filed with:
Maricopa County Superior Court
Criminal Court Administration
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
(602) 506-3204
Upon granting an expungement petition, the court orders all agencies possessing records of the arrest to seal those records from public view. Pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-911(E), an expunged record is not accessible to the public, but remains available to criminal justice agencies for limited purposes.
Individuals with expunged records may legally state on applications for employment, housing, or other benefits that they have not been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of the offense that was expunged, except when applying for:
- Employment with law enforcement agencies
- State Bar admission
- Fingerprint clearance cards
- Other positions specifically exempted by statute
Search Arrest Records in Tempe
