Cochise County Inmate Records

Cochise County inmate records are available through the sheriff's office, but online access has changed. The Cochise County Sheriff's Office removed its public mugshot and inmate list from the website following a federal court ruling. You can still request booking records and detention information through official channels. This page covers how to access Cochise County jail records, contact the detention facilities, and schedule video visits with inmates.

Cochise County Mugshot Policy Change

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office made a significant change to its public information practices. After reviewing the Houston v. Maricopa County court decision from 2024, the agency stopped posting mugshots and inmate lists online. This ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals found that publishing booking photos and personal details could violate constitutional rights.

The sheriff's public information page explains the policy. Booking photographs no longer accompany social media posts or press releases. The online inmate list was also removed. This affects how the public can find inmates in Cochise County detention.

You can still get inmate information. Call the jail directly or submit a public records request. The records themselves are still public under Arizona law. Only the method of distribution changed. Instead of browsing an online roster, you need to contact the sheriff's office with specific inquiries.

Note: Several Arizona counties took similar steps after the Houston ruling including Pinal and Mohave Counties.

Cochise County Detention Facilities

The main Cochise County jail is in Bisbee. This is the county seat and where most inmates are housed. The facility has capacity for 160 inmates. It serves the entire county which covers over 6,200 square miles in southeastern Arizona.

Contact information for detention facilities:

• Main Jail: 203 North Judd Drive, Bisbee, AZ 85603
• Non-Emergency Phone: 520-803-3550 or 520-432-9500
• Sierra Vista Substation: 100 Colonia de Salud, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, 520-803-3858
• Willcox Substation: 450 South Curtis Avenue, Willcox, AZ 85643, 520-384-7070

The substations in Sierra Vista and Willcox handle initial processing. Arrestees typically transfer to the Bisbee jail for longer term holding. The jail operates around the clock for booking, release, and bond posting. Call ahead for information about specific inmates or administrative questions.

Cochise County Jail Records Requests

You can request copies of booking records, arrest reports, and other detention documents. The sheriff's public records request form is available online. Fill it out with details about what records you need.

Arizona's public records law gives you the right to inspect and copy most government records. Under A.R.S. 39-121, public records must be available during office hours. This includes jail booking sheets, arrest reports, and incident logs. Some records have restrictions. Medical files, juvenile records, and certain security information may need special authorization.

Be specific in your request. Include the person's full name and date of birth. Add the arrest date or booking number if you have it. Vague requests for "all records" take longer and may be denied. Fees apply for copies. Contact the records unit for current pricing.

Visiting Inmates in Cochise County

Cochise County jail offers video visitation through Securus Technologies. You need to schedule visits at least 48 hours in advance. No same day or walk in visits are allowed. Plan ahead if you want to see someone in custody.

Regular visitation hours are Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. You must create an account at the Securus enrollment page before scheduling. The enrollment process requires identification and a background check. Once approved, you can book visits online or by phone.

For help with visitation, contact Securus at 877-578-3658. The platform allows video visits from home if you cannot travel to the jail. Remote visits work on computers, tablets, and phones with cameras. Some inmates may have restrictions based on classification or disciplinary status.

Note: Weekend visits may be limited or unavailable, so plan your visits during weekday hours.

Cochise County Criminal Background Checks

Jail records show current or recent bookings only. For a full criminal history in Arizona, the Department of Public Safety maintains the Central State Repository. Under A.R.S. 41-1750, DPS collects arrest and court disposition data from all Arizona law enforcement agencies.

Individuals can request their own criminal record through a Record Review Packet from DPS. The process involves fingerprints and a fee. Responses come within 15 days. Third parties like employers have limited access under Arizona law. Most background checks go through authorized channels and fingerprint based systems.

Court records offer another source. The Arizona Courts public access portal lets you search case information for most Arizona courts. This shows charges filed, hearing dates, and case outcomes. Court data complements jail booking records to give a fuller picture of someone's criminal justice involvement.

State Inmates from Cochise County

People sentenced to state prison transfer out of county jail. They will not appear in Cochise County detention records after the move. For state inmates, use the ADCRR inmate data search. This covers all Arizona state prison facilities.

The state database shows current location, projected release dates, and facility information. Per A.R.S. 31-221, the Department of Corrections maintains master record files on all committed inmates. Release dates shown are estimates and subject to change based on earned time credits and other factors.

Inmate Status Alerts in Cochise County

VINELink provides free custody status alerts for Cochise County inmates. Register at vinelink.com to get notified when an inmate is released, transferred, or escapes. The service runs 24 hours a day, every day.

Choose how you want to receive alerts. Options include phone calls, text messages, and emails. You can register for multiple inmates and update your contact preferences anytime. The service helps crime victims and concerned parties stay informed without calling the jail repeatedly. Call 1-866-277-7477 if you need help registering.

Cities in Cochise County

Cochise County covers southeastern Arizona near the Mexican border. The county seat is Bisbee, a historic mining town. Sierra Vista is the largest city by population. Other communities include Douglas, Benson, and Willcox. All arrests countywide funnel through the Cochise County Sheriff's Office detention system.

Sierra Vista has its own police department. Douglas and Bisbee also have municipal police forces. These agencies handle arrests in their jurisdictions and maintain their own records divisions. After booking, inmates go to the county jail in Bisbee. Police reports stay with the arresting agency while jail records go through the sheriff's office.

Fort Huachuca is a major Army installation in Cochise County. Military police handle matters on base. Civilians arrested on or near the installation typically go through county or city courts and may be held at the county jail pending court appearances.

Nearby Arizona Counties

Cochise County borders Santa Cruz and Pima Counties to the west, Graham County to the north, and New Mexico to the east. Mexico lies to the south. Each Arizona county maintains separate jail facilities and inmate records.