Access Tempe Inmate Records
Tempe inmate records can be found through the city police and Maricopa County Sheriff systems. The Tempe Police Department operates a small jail for short-term holding after arrests. This facility has strict time limits and serves as a processing point before transfer to MCSO. If you are trying to find someone arrested in Tempe, you need to know how the local jail works and when inmates move to county custody. This page covers the Tempe city jail, how to search for inmates online, and how to request records from Tempe police. We include contact numbers, fees, and links to all the search tools you need.
Tempe Jail Quick Facts
Tempe City Jail Details
The Tempe City Jail is at 1855 East Apache Boulevard. This is a short-term facility. Inmates stay here for less than 95 hours. After that time, they must transfer to Maricopa County jails or be released. The jail is small. It has 23 beds for men and 12 beds for women.
Call 480-350-8280 or 480-350-8569 for jail information. Staff can tell you if someone is currently held at the Tempe facility. Since the max hold time is short, many people pass through quickly. If you cannot find someone at the Tempe jail, they may have already moved to MCSO custody. The 95-hour limit is strict. Tempe cannot keep people longer than that by law.
This jail works best for short processing needs. People arrested on minor charges who can pay bail often leave within hours. Those facing more serious charges or without funds for bond move to the county. The Tempe facility does not offer long-term housing, work release, or inmate programs. It is purely for initial holding after arrest.
Search for Tempe Inmates
Tempe does not have a public online jail roster. The facility is too small for a live search system. To check if someone is at the Tempe City Jail, call 480-350-8280. Give them the person's name. They can confirm if that person is there or has been released or transferred.
For inmates who transferred to Maricopa County, use the MCSO online search. Go to mcso.org/InmateInfo and type in the name. This search covers all five county jail facilities. Results show the inmate's photo, current charges, bond amount, and facility location.
The MCSO system updates regularly but has some delay. If you know someone was just arrested, give it a few hours before checking online. Booking takes time and the database catches up after processing completes. You can search by name or by booking number if you have it.
Note: State prison inmates go through a different system at the Arizona Department of Corrections.
Tempe Police Records Requests
Tempe Police maintains arrest records, incident reports, and booking data. You can request copies of these public records. Arizona law under A.R.S. 39-121 grants access to public records during office hours.
Contact the Tempe Police Records Division at 480-350-8598. Fees run $5 for the first 20 pages. Extra pages cost $0.25 each. You will need to provide details about the record you want. Include the person's name, date of the incident, and any case numbers you have. The more specific your request, the faster they can find the right documents.
Records requests can be made in person, by mail, or sometimes online depending on the type of record. Processing times vary based on the complexity of your request. Simple arrest reports usually come back faster than requests involving video or multiple incidents. If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal.
Transfer to Maricopa County
Because Tempe can only hold inmates for 95 hours, most people transfer to MCSO. This happens after the initial court appearance if they cannot post bond. The transfer goes to Fourth Avenue Jail at 201 S. 4th Avenue in Phoenix. Call 602-876-0322 for information about inmates there.
Once at MCSO, inmates have access to more services. Video visitation runs through ViaPath at $0.25 per minute. Commissary deposits go through TouchPay at 1-866-355-9593. You can also send funds online at touchpaydirect.com. Add the letter P before the six-digit inmate ID for Maricopa County accounts.
Maricopa County operates five jail facilities with over 6,000 beds. Inmates may move between locations during their stay. The online search shows which facility currently holds someone. Keep checking if the location changes or you cannot find them right away.
Tempe Criminal Case Lookup
Court cases from Tempe arrests go to Maricopa County courts. The Superior Court case search lets you look up felony cases by name. You can see charges, hearing dates, and case status. This helps track what is happening with someone's case while they sit in jail.
Misdemeanor cases may go through Tempe Municipal Court instead. Those require a separate search or direct contact with the court. The court system and jail system are not connected. Jail records show custody status. Court records show legal proceedings. Check both for complete information on someone's situation in Tempe.
Inmate Status Alerts
VINELink provides free alerts when an inmate's status changes. This works for inmates at MCSO facilities after transfer from Tempe. You get notified if someone is released, moved, or escapes custody.
Register at vinelink.com or call 1-866-277-7477. The service is free and runs 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Pick how you want to receive alerts. Options include phone, text, and email. Once you sign up, alerts come automatically. You do not have to keep checking the jail roster yourself.
Note: VINE covers county and state facilities but does not track city jails like Tempe directly.
Arizona Criminal History Search
The Arizona Department of Public Safety runs the Central State Repository. Under A.R.S. 41-1750, all Arizona criminal justice agencies report arrests to this database. It holds statewide criminal history data.
Individuals can review their own record through a Record Review Packet. DPS sends you any existing records within 15 days. Call 602-223-2222 for details. The DPS Public Services Portal handles fingerprint clearance cards and related services. Private employers generally cannot access this database directly. Background checks for employment use other methods.
Nearby Maricopa County Cities
Tempe shares borders with several other cities in the Phoenix metro area. Each has its own police force but most use MCSO for jail services. Someone arrested near the border of two cities could end up booked in either jurisdiction.
Maricopa County Inmate Information
Tempe is located in Maricopa County. Most inmates transfer to county facilities for longer stays. See our main county page for full details on MCSO jails, search tools, visitation rules, and how to request records from the sheriff.