Access Scottsdale Inmate Records

Scottsdale inmate records are stored with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office because the city does not have its own jail. When Scottsdale Police make an arrest, that person gets booked into an MCSO facility. You can search current inmates through the county system at no cost. Scottsdale Police also keeps arrest reports and evidence files in their records division. Be aware that Scottsdale has significant backlogs on records requests. This page explains where to find inmate data, how to request police documents, and what to expect during the process.

Scottsdale Jail Arrangement

Scottsdale contracts with MCSO for all jail services. The city has no detention facility of its own. This setup saves money on staffing and facilities while still providing full jail services. When Scottsdale officers arrest someone, they take that person to MCSO intake in Phoenix for processing.

The county creates a booking record with photos, charges, and bond information. This data shows up in the online inmate search system after processing completes. The time from arrest to when records appear online varies based on how busy the intake facility is. During peak times it can take longer. MCSO runs five jails in the Phoenix area that hold inmates from across Maricopa County, including those arrested by Scottsdale Police.

Note: Brief holding at Scottsdale Police station does not create a jail record since it is not a detention facility.

Search Scottsdale Inmates Online

The MCSO inmate search tool shows people currently in county jail. This includes anyone arrested by Scottsdale Police who is still in custody. The search is free to use. Enter a name or booking number to find someone. Results display booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and facility location.

MCSO operates multiple facilities. Fourth Avenue Jail handles most intake processing. Lower Buckeye Jail holds over 2,400 inmates. Estrella Jail houses female inmates. Towers Jail and the ITR facility round out the system. Someone arrested in Scottsdale could be at any of these locations. The search results tell you exactly where each person is housed. Keep in mind this is current custody data only. Once someone is released, their record no longer appears in the active search.

Request Scottsdale Police Records

Scottsdale Police Department has its own records division separate from MCSO. This office handles arrest reports, incident documents, and evidence from cases worked by Scottsdale officers. The main contact is 480-312-1999 and the office is at 8401 E. Indian School Road.

The Scottsdale Police records request page provides detailed instructions. You can submit requests online through their portal. Paper requests by mail or in person also work. Include as much detail as possible in your request. The person's name, date of birth, and incident date all help staff find the right files faster.

The records office is open Monday through Thursday from 8 AM to 4 PM. Hours are limited compared to some other agencies. If you need to visit in person, plan your trip during these hours. Staff can explain fees and help you figure out exactly what records you need. Bring identification and any case numbers or reference information you have.

Scottsdale Records Backlog Warning

Scottsdale Police has major backlogs on records requests. This affects everyone seeking documents from their office. The delays apply to both simple and complex requests. Plan ahead if you need records for legal proceedings or other deadlines.

General document requests have an 8 to 10 month backlog. This includes arrest reports, incident reports, and other paper records. Staff work through requests in the order received. There is no way to expedite most requests without a court order. If you submit a request today, expect to wait most of a year before you receive the documents.

Body worn camera footage takes even longer. The backlog for video is 12 to 14 months. This extended wait comes from the time needed to review footage and redact portions that cannot be released. Each video must be watched and edited before it goes out. With limited staff and high demand, the queue grows long. Submit video requests as early as possible if you know you will need the footage.

Use the Scottsdale Police online records portal to submit and track requests. The system lets you see where your request sits in the queue.

Note: These backlogs are specific to Scottsdale Police, not MCSO, which handles requests on a different timeline.

Scottsdale Records Fees

Scottsdale charges $10 for a record of search. This fee applies to name searches to see if someone has a record with Scottsdale Police. Other fees depend on the type of record requested. Paper copies have standard per page rates. Digital media like video and audio cost more due to staff time for review.

Body camera footage in particular carries high fees because of the review process required. Staff must watch each minute of video to identify and redact protected information before release. This takes significant time on top of the already long queue. Payment is required before records are released. Scottsdale accepts checks and credit cards for most transactions.

Scottsdale Court Case Records

Criminal cases from Scottsdale go through Maricopa County courts for prosecution. The Superior Court criminal case search covers felony matters. Look up defendants by name or case number. Results show charges, hearing schedules, and case status. Misdemeanors may be handled in Scottsdale City Court with separate records.

The Arizona Courts public access system searches 153 courts statewide. This helps when you are not sure which court has jurisdiction. Scottsdale falls within Maricopa County for most criminal cases. Court records and jail records are maintained by different offices. You may need both types to get a complete picture of someone's case.

Scottsdale Public Records Access

Arizona law requires government agencies to provide public records on request. A.R.S. 39-121 states that public records shall be open to inspection by any person during office hours. You do not need to give a reason for wanting records. The law applies to Scottsdale Police, MCSO, and the courts equally.

Some records have legal protections. Juvenile case files are sealed in most situations. Medical information is confidential. Open investigation files can be withheld until the case closes. If an agency does not respond promptly, the request is considered denied under A.R.S. 39-121.01. Long backlogs like those at Scottsdale Police can create complications, but the law still requires eventual compliance with valid requests.

Track Scottsdale Inmate Status

VINELink offers free custody alerts for inmates in Arizona. If someone arrested in Scottsdale is in MCSO custody, you can sign up to know when they are released or transferred. This service runs around the clock every day of the year.

Go to vinelink.com or call 1-866-277-7477 to register. Pick how you want alerts delivered. Options include phone, text, and email. The system tracks the inmate you specify and notifies you automatically when their status changes. This saves you from checking the jail roster repeatedly. Victims of crime use this service most often, but anyone can register for any inmate.

Scottsdale Records Contacts

Here are the key contacts for Scottsdale inmate and arrest records:

• Scottsdale Police Records: 480-312-1999
• Address: 8401 E. Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
• Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 AM to 4 PM
• MCSO Jail Info: 602-876-0322
• MCSO Records: PRRstaff@mcso.maricopa.gov

Scottsdale Police handles arrest reports and incident files from their jurisdiction. MCSO manages jail booking records for all county inmates. Court records come from the Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk at 602-372-5375. Each office operates independently with its own fees, hours, and processing times. You may need to contact multiple agencies depending on what information you seek.

Maricopa County Jail System

Scottsdale sits in Maricopa County. All jail services flow through MCSO in Phoenix. The county operates five detention facilities with over 6,000 total beds. Visit our Maricopa County inmate records page for full details on the jail system, visitation procedures, and how to add money to inmate accounts.

MCSO public records go through their office at 550 W. Jackson Street in Phoenix. Email PRRstaff@mcso.maricopa.gov or fax 602-876-8308. Walk in hours run Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM. Copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified documents are $35 each. MCSO typically processes requests faster than Scottsdale Police does, but complex requests still take time.

Nearby Maricopa County Cities

These cities border Scottsdale and send inmates to the same MCSO facilities. Check these pages if you cannot find someone.