Phoenix Inmate Records Search

Phoenix inmate records are held by Maricopa County since the city does not run its own jail. When Phoenix Police arrest someone, that person goes to the MCSO Intake Transfer Release facility first. From there, detainees move to the Fourth Avenue Jail or another Maricopa County detention site. This page explains how to find people arrested in Phoenix and how to get records from the police department. We cover the booking process, where to search online, and what fees apply for copies of arrest documents.

Phoenix Arrest to Jail Process

The Phoenix Police Department does not operate a jail. All booking happens at Maricopa County facilities. This is important to know when trying to find someone who was just arrested in Phoenix.

Here is how the process works. A Phoenix officer makes an arrest and takes the person to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Intake Transfer Release facility. The ITR is at 2670 S 28th Drive in Phoenix. Staff at ITR take fingerprints, photos, and enter the booking data into the system. From ITR, most detainees transfer to the Fourth Avenue Jail at 201 S. 4th Avenue in Phoenix. Some may go to other MCSO jails based on space and classification needs. The whole process can take several hours from arrest to final housing assignment.

If you want to find someone arrested by Phoenix PD, search the MCSO inmate roster. Go to the MCSO inmate search portal and enter the person's name. You can also search by booking number. Results show the current facility, charges, bond amount, and next court date. The data updates regularly but there may be a delay between arrest and when the record appears online.

Phoenix Police Records Request

Arrest reports and incident reports come from Phoenix Police, not MCSO. The police department handles all records from their investigations and calls for service. You need to go through Phoenix PD to get copies of these documents.

The Phoenix Public Safety Records Portal lets you submit requests online. Most requests require a $5.00 convenience fee upon submission. Paper reports cost $0.24 per page. Body worn camera footage costs $4.00 per request. Photographs are $4.00. Calls for service printouts are free. The 911 recordings cost $16.50 each. The online system tracks your request and notifies you when records are ready for pickup or download.

Processing times vary based on what you ask for. Simple reports may come back in a few days. Complex requests with video can take much longer.

Phoenix Inmate Records Office Location

You can visit the Phoenix Police Records Unit in person. The office is at 1717 E. Grant Street, Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Walk in service is available. Call 602-534-1127 to check on a request or ask questions before you visit. Appointments are available at 602-262-1885 if you prefer to schedule a specific time.

When you go in person, bring identification. Know what records you need. Staff can help you fill out forms and explain what is available. Payment by cash, check, or card is accepted. Some requests can be completed same day while others require you to return later. The office handles thousands of requests each year so bring patience and clear details about what you seek.

Note: Phoenix Police no longer provides public fingerprinting services at their Records Unit.

Phoenix Letter of Clearance

A Letter of Clearance shows your arrest history with Phoenix Police. Many employers and licensing agencies ask for this document. The process requires fingerprints and a background check.

The Phoenix PD FAQ page explains the full steps. You need a completed Letter of Clearance information sheet, a full set of fingerprints, and a valid government photo ID. The fee is $28.00 if a record exists. If no record is found, the cost drops to $8.50. Processing takes about 7 business days when no arrest record exists. With an arrest record, expect 6 to 8 weeks for completion. The longer time allows staff to gather disposition information from courts.

This letter covers Phoenix Police records only. For a statewide criminal history, you need to contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Their process uses the state fingerprint database.

Phoenix Court Records Access

Court records tell you about charges, pleas, and case outcomes. Criminal cases from Phoenix go through Maricopa County Superior Court or Phoenix Municipal Court, depending on the severity of the offense.

Misdemeanors and minor offenses often stay in Phoenix Municipal Court. You can look up cases at the court building at 300 W. Washington Street in Phoenix. Felony cases and serious misdemeanors go to Maricopa County Superior Court at 620 West Jackson Street. The Superior Court has an online criminal case search tool where you can find case information by defendant name or case number. These searches are free.

Getting copies of court documents involves separate fees from police record fees. The Clerk of Superior Court charges $0.50 per page for copies. Certified copies cost $35.00 per document. Phone the court at 602-372-5375 for specific questions about obtaining case files or certified records.

Note: Court records and police records are maintained by different offices, so you may need to visit both to get complete information about an arrest.

Phoenix Inmate Custody Alerts

Victims and concerned parties can sign up for custody alerts through VINELink. This free service notifies you when an inmate is released, transferred, or escapes from Maricopa County jail. Since Phoenix detainees go to MCSO facilities, VINE covers all Phoenix arrests that result in detention.

Register at vinelink.com or call 1-866-277-7477 anytime. The service works around the clock, every day of the year. You pick how to receive alerts: phone call, text, or email. Registration takes just a few minutes. You need the inmate's name or booking number to set up alerts. This saves you from checking the jail roster daily.

Arizona victims also have the right to one free copy of the incident report under state law. Ask Phoenix PD about this when requesting records if you are a crime victim.

Arizona State Criminal Records

Phoenix PD records only show local arrests. For a full Arizona criminal history, you need the state repository. The Arizona Department of Public Safety runs the Central State Repository under A.R.S. 41-1750. This database collects arrest and disposition data from all Arizona law enforcement agencies.

To review your own Arizona criminal record, complete a Record Review Packet from DPS. You must submit fingerprints with the request. DPS mails a response within 15 days of receiving your completed packet. The Arizona Public Services Portal handles applications. Fees run $22.00 for paid employees and licensees or $20.00 for volunteers. State law does not allow DPS to run criminal checks for private employers or general public curiosity. The record review is meant for individuals checking their own history.

Visiting Phoenix Arrestees

Visitation happens at MCSO jails, not Phoenix Police facilities. Once a person is booked, you schedule visits through the jail system. MCSO currently offers remote video visitation only through ViaPath/GettingOut. In person visits are suspended.

Create an account on the GettingOut platform to schedule video calls. You will need identification and must pass a background check. Once approved, visits cost $0.25 per minute. Inmates at any MCSO facility can receive video visits this way. Some restrictions apply based on inmate classification level and facility rules.

You can also add money to an inmate's commissary account. TouchPay handles deposits at 1-866-355-9593 or through their website. When depositing to a Maricopa County account, enter the letter P before the six digit inmate ID number. The money helps inmates buy snacks, hygiene items, and phone time while in custody.

Nearby Arizona Cities

Many cities near Phoenix are also in Maricopa County and use MCSO jails. Some cities have their own short term holding facilities but all transfer detainees to county jails for longer stays.