Pima County, Arizona Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pima County, Arizona?
Arrest records are public documents in Pima County, Arizona, pursuant to Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121). These records are maintained as part of the state's commitment to government transparency and public oversight of law enforcement activities. Under Arizona law, members of the public have the legal right to access and review arrest records maintained by county agencies, including the Pima County Sheriff's Department and municipal police departments within the county jurisdiction.
The Arizona Public Records Law 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. This statutory provision ensures that arrest records, as official government documents, remain accessible to citizens, journalists, researchers, and other interested parties. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would violate privacy rights or compromise ongoing investigations as specified under A.R.S. § 39-121.03.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department serves as the primary custodian of county-level arrest records, while municipal police departments maintain records for arrests within their respective jurisdictions. Records may also be accessed through the Pima County Justice Court and Pima County Superior Court for cases that have proceeded to court proceedings.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Pima County?
Pima County provides multiple digital platforms for accessing arrest records online. The county has implemented electronic record-keeping systems that allow for remote access to certain arrest information in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code R2-5-304, which governs the maintenance and accessibility of public records in digital formats.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides basic information about individuals currently in custody or recently arrested. This system includes booking information, charges, and custody status. The information is updated regularly to reflect current inmate populations and recent arrest activities.
For court-related arrest records, the Pima County Justice Court case search portal offers online access to case information, including arrest details for cases that have been processed through the court system. Similarly, the Arizona Judicial Branch maintains a statewide case lookup system that includes Pima County arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings.
It should be noted that while basic arrest information is available online, comprehensive arrest records including detailed reports, witness statements, and evidence documentation may require formal requests through the appropriate agencies. Online systems typically provide summary information rather than complete arrest files.
How to Look Up Pima County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Pima County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county has established multiple access points in compliance with A.R.S. § 39-121.01(D)(1), which requires public bodies to maintain records reasonably necessary to provide an accurate accounting of their official activities.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Section of the Pima County Sheriff's Department located at 1750 E. Benson Highway, Tucson, AZ 85714. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply for document reproduction.
Online Access: The Pima County Sheriff's Department inmate lookup system provides 24-hour access to current arrest and detention information. For court-processed arrests, the Pima County Justice Court case search and Arizona Judicial Branch public access portal offer searchable databases.
Written Requests: Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.03, written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Pima County Sheriff's Department Records Section. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Requests should be addressed to:
Pima County Sheriff's Department
Records Section
1750 E. Benson Highway
Tucson, AZ 85714
Phone: (520) 351-4600
Official Website
- Third-Party Vendors: While commercial background check services may provide arrest information, the Arizona Department of Public Safety advises that official records should be obtained directly from authorized government agencies to ensure accuracy and completeness as specified in A.R.S. § 41-1750.
Standard processing times for arrest record requests range from 5-10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and the age of the records sought. Expedited processing may be available for certain circumstances as determined by department policy.
Contents of a Pima County Arrest Record
Pima County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) regulations and the Arizona Department of Public Safety guidelines. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; arrest circumstances; and whether force was used during apprehension.
Criminal Charges: All charges filed at the time of arrest, including citation of applicable Arizona Revised Statutes; charge classification (felony or misdemeanor); and charge severity level.
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, photograph (mugshot), property inventory, and medical screening results when applicable.
Case Processing: Court case number if assigned; initial appearance date; bail or bond information; detention status; and preliminary hearing schedule when applicable.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current charges or bail considerations.
In accordance with A.R.S. § 13-4051, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and details that might compromise victim safety or ongoing investigations. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under A.R.S. § 8-208 and may not be included in publicly accessible records.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Pima County
Arizona law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Effective January 1, 2023, Arizona's new expungement law (A.R.S. § 13-911 through § 13-915) replaced the previous set-aside provisions, creating a more comprehensive pathway for eligible individuals to have their arrest records sealed from public view.
Under the current statutory framework, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Pima County if they meet the following criteria:
- The arrest did not result in a conviction
- The conviction was vacated or set aside
- The individual received a pardon
- The conviction was for certain marijuana offenses now eligible for expungement under A.R.S. § 36-2862
- The waiting period for the specific offense category has elapsed (ranging from 2 years for certain misdemeanors to 10 years for serious felonies)
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Pima County Superior Court located at 110 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701. The court reviews each petition individually, considering factors such as:
- The nature and severity of the original offense
- The petitioner's conduct since the arrest or conviction
- The petitioner's compliance with all sentencing terms
- Whether the petitioner has any subsequent arrests or convictions
- The state's position regarding the expungement request
If granted, an expungement order requires all Pima County agencies to seal the arrest record from public view, though the information remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in A.R.S. § 13-911(E). Expunged records will not appear in standard background checks, and individuals with expunged records may legally state they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense in most circumstances.
Search Arrest Records in Pima County
