Tucson Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Tucson, Arizona?
Arrest records are public documents in Tucson, 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 include arrest records among the documents accessible to the public. This legal framework ensures governmental transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to access information about law enforcement activities within Pima County and the City of Tucson.
The Tucson Police Department and Pima County Sheriff's Department maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Members of the public seeking arrest information may encounter certain redactions in these records as mandated by A.R.S. § 39-123, which protects confidential information such as Social Security numbers, financial account information, and details pertaining to ongoing investigations.
How to Look Up Tucson Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Tucson. The following methods are available pursuant to Arizona's public records statutes:
• In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division of the Tucson Police Department located at 270 S. Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors must complete a public records request form and present valid government-issued identification.
• Online Access: The Pima County Justice Court provides public access to judicial records through their electronic case search system. This resource allows users to search by name, case number, or citation number for cases processed through the county court system.
• Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Records Division, Tucson Police Department, P.O. Box 1071, Tucson, AZ 85701-1071. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and a copy of the requestor's identification.
• Pima County Sheriff's Department: Records may also be requested from the Sheriff's Records Section at 1750 E. Benson Highway, Tucson, AZ 85714. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main telephone number is (520) 351-4600.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-121.03, agencies may charge reasonable fees for reproduction of records. Current fee schedules indicate charges of $5-15 for basic arrest record searches and additional fees for certified copies.
Contents of a Tucson Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Tucson law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) protocols. These records typically include:
• Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), gender, and race of the arrested individual.
• Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); agency case number; and booking number.
• Criminal Charges: Specific statute violations, charge classification (felony or misdemeanor), and charge severity level.
• Procedural Information: Miranda rights acknowledgment, booking facility location, bail amount (if applicable), and court appearance dates.
• Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected according to A.R.S. § 41-1750 and booking photographs ("mugshots").
• Disposition Information: Court outcomes, if available, including dismissals, convictions, sentences, or diversion program participation.
It should be noted that pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-4051, certain information may be redacted from public versions of these records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
Limitations on Arrest Record Access
While arrest records are generally public in Tucson, several statutory and procedural limitations restrict access in specific circumstances:
• Juvenile Records: Pursuant to A.R.S. § 8-208, records pertaining to juvenile arrests are confidential and not available to the general public unless the juvenile was charged as an adult.
• Sealed Records: Court orders may seal certain arrest records following procedures outlined in A.R.S. § 13-911, rendering them inaccessible through standard public records channels.
• Ongoing Investigations: Information related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld under A.R.S. § 39-121.03(B) if release would impede law enforcement activities.
• Privacy Protections: Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account details are redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with A.R.S. § 39-123.
• Set-Aside Convictions: Records of arrests resulting in convictions that have been set aside pursuant to A.R.S. § 13-905 remain public but will indicate the set-aside status.
The Tucson City Prosecutor's Office (103 E. Alameda Street, Tucson, AZ 85701, (520) 791-4104) can provide guidance regarding specific limitations applicable to individual cases.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Tucson
Arizona law provides mechanisms for the sealing or setting aside of certain arrest records under specific conditions. The process, governed primarily by A.R.S. § 13-905 through § 13-912, allows eligible individuals to petition for relief from the collateral consequences of arrests and convictions.
Effective January 1, 2023, Arizona's new expungement law (A.R.S. § 36-2862) created additional pathways for the sealing of marijuana-related arrest records. Individuals with qualifying marijuana offenses may petition the court where the arrest or conviction occurred for expungement. The Pima County Superior Court (110 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701) processes these petitions.
Eligibility criteria for standard record sealing include:
• Completion of all terms of sentence, including probation and payment of fines • Fulfillment of required waiting periods (typically 2-10 years depending on offense severity) • No pending criminal charges • Demonstration of rehabilitation
The petition process requires submission of formal documentation to the court of jurisdiction. The Pima County Superior Court Self-Service Center provides standardized forms and procedural guidance for individuals seeking expungement. Petitioners may contact the Self-Service Center at (520) 724-8456 for assistance.
Upon granting of an expungement petition, the court orders all law enforcement agencies to seal the relevant records from public access. However, these records remain available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.
Legal Uses of Tucson Arrest Records
Arrest records obtained through public channels in Tucson may be utilized for various legitimate purposes as permitted under Arizona law:
• Background Screening: Employers conducting pre-employment screening may access arrest records in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and A.R.S. § 13-904(E).
• Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review arrest records when evaluating rental applications, subject to fair housing regulations.
• Research and Statistical Analysis: Academic institutions and policy organizations may use anonymized arrest data for research purposes.
• Media Reporting: Journalists may access and report on arrest records as part of news coverage protected by First Amendment principles.
• Personal Safety: Individuals may review arrest records of persons with whom they have significant contact for safety considerations.
It should be noted that A.R.S. § 13-904(E) prohibits denial of employment solely on the basis of a conviction that has been set aside, unless the employment involves law enforcement, corrections, or positions working with vulnerable populations.
Search Arrest Records in Tucson
How to Obtain Certified Copies of Arrest Records
Certified copies of arrest records serve as official documentation for legal proceedings, immigration matters, and other formal purposes. These documents bear the official seal of the issuing agency and attestation of authenticity. To obtain certified copies in Tucson:
• Tucson Police Department Records Division: Located at 270 S. Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701, this office provides certified copies for a fee of $15 per record. Requestors must submit a notarized authorization if requesting records pertaining to another individual.
• Pima County Sheriff's Department Records Section: Located at 1750 E. Benson Highway, Tucson, AZ 85714, this office processes certified record requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The current fee is $15 per certification.
• Pima County Superior Court Clerk: For arrest records associated with court cases, certified copies may be obtained from the Clerk of the Superior Court at 110 W. Congress Street, Tucson, AZ 85701. Fees are $0.50 per page plus a $17 certification fee.
Pursuant to A.R.S. § 39-161, it is a class 2 misdemeanor to knowingly offer any false instrument for filing with a public office. All requests for certified copies must therefore include accurate identifying information and proper authorization.
