Andalusia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Andalusia, Alabama?
Arrest records are public documents in Andalusia, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be made available for public inspection. The law operates under the principle that citizens have a fundamental right to information regarding governmental operations, including law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction.
The Alabama Public Records Law specifically states that "every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of this state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute." This provision ensures transparency in governmental functions and accountability in law enforcement operations throughout Andalusia and the state of Alabama.
Exceptions to public access may apply in certain circumstances as outlined in Alabama Code § 41-13-1, particularly when disclosure might compromise ongoing investigations, violate privacy rights in specific contexts, or endanger public safety. Juvenile records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Alabama law.
How to Look Up Andalusia Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Andalusia have several official channels through which such information may be obtained:
Andalusia Police Department: Citizens may request arrest records in person at the department headquarters. Andalusia Police Department 102 Opp Avenue Andalusia, AL 36420 (334) 222-1155 Andalusia Police Department Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Covington County Sheriff's Office: County-level arrest records may be accessed through this agency. Covington County Sheriff's Office 300 Hillcrest Drive Andalusia, AL 36420 (334) 428-2640 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Andalusia Municipal Court: Court records related to arrests within city jurisdiction can be obtained here. Andalusia Municipal Court 505 East Three Notch Street Andalusia, AL 36420 (334) 222-3325 Municipal Court information Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Covington County Courthouse: Records of arrests that have proceeded to court may be available through the clerk's office. Covington County Courthouse 1 Court Square Andalusia, AL 36420 (334) 428-2510 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Resources: The Andalusia City Jail inmate roster provides current detention information, updated regularly in accordance with Alabama Code § 14-6-18, which requires maintenance of jail records.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth. Pursuant to Alabama Administrative Code 265-X-1-.06, a nominal fee may be charged for record retrieval and copying services.
Contents of an Andalusia Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Andalusia law enforcement agencies typically contain the following categories of information as prescribed by Alabama Code § 15-4-1 through § 15-4-9:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, distinguishing marks)
- Official booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
- Arrest details including:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory violations cited at time of arrest
- Booking number and processing information
- Custody status information
- Case disposition data (when available)
- Bail or bond information
In accordance with the Andalusia Code of Ordinances, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information protected under federal HIPAA regulations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Andalusia
The Alabama Record Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 et seq.) provides a legal mechanism through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of certain arrest records in Andalusia. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access, though law enforcement agencies may retain limited access for official purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Andalusia include:
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Cases dismissed by the prosecutor or court
- Acquittals following trial proceedings
- Non-violent misdemeanor convictions after specified waiting periods
- Certain non-violent felony charges under conditions specified in § 15-27-5
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Covington County Circuit Court
- Payment of a filing fee (currently $300 as established by § 15-27-4)
- Submission of certified court records and arrest documentation
- Notification to the District Attorney's Office
- Judicial review and determination
Petitioners should be aware that expungement is discretionary rather than automatic, even when statutory eligibility requirements are met. The court will consider factors including the nature of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, and the time elapsed since the arrest or conviction.
Certain serious offenses, including violent felonies, sex crimes, and crimes against children, are statutorily ineligible for expungement under Alabama law.
Search Arrest Records in Andalusia
