Florence Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Florence, Alabama?
Arrest records are public documents in Florence, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as expressly provided by statute. The Florence Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations and municipal ordinances as outlined in Chapter 2 of the Florence Code of Ordinances, which governs administrative functions including public safety operations.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and civic purposes:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables community awareness of criminal activity
- Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
- Supports journalistic reporting on public safety matters
- Allows researchers to analyze crime patterns and trends
The Florence Public Safety Committee, consisting of three councilmembers as established in the Florence Code of Ordinances, provides oversight for police department operations, including the management of public records.
How to Look Up Florence Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Florence have several methods available for conducting searches. The Florence Police Department maintains these records in compliance with Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and local ordinances governing records management. Individuals may utilize the following official channels to access arrest information:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Florence Police Department Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form with specific information about the desired records
- Present valid identification as required by departmental policy
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction as established by municipal ordinance
Florence Police Department
701 South Court Street
Florence, AL 35630
(256) 760-6500
Florence Police Department Official Website
Online Access Options:
- The Florence Police Department's official website provides limited arrest information
- Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate roster for current detainees
- Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) criminal history repository offers statewide records for a fee
Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office
700 South Seminary Street
Florence, AL 35630
(256) 760-5757
Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office Official Website
Pursuant to Florence municipal regulations, the Chief of Police is authorized to enforce all provisions related to public safety and records management as specified in Chapter 13 of the Florence Code of Ordinances.
Contents of a Florence Arrest Record
Florence arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Alabama state law and local record-keeping protocols. These documents typically include comprehensive data about the arrest incident and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements of Florence arrest records include:
Arrestee Information:
- Full legal name and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of booking
- Biometric identifiers including fingerprints
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Incident Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Specific charges filed, including Alabama Code citations
- Case/incident number for departmental reference
- Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
- Weapon involvement, if applicable
- Property seized during arrest
Case Processing Information:
- Booking date and time
- Bond amount and status
- Court appearance dates
- Detention facility information
- Case disposition (if available)
The Florence Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Alabama Code § 15-4-2, which establishes requirements for documenting arrests. Records are subject to redaction of certain sensitive information pursuant to privacy provisions in state law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Florence
The State of Alabama provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records through the Alabama Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 et seq.). Florence residents seeking expungement must comply with these state provisions, as municipal authorities are bound by state expungement laws.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Non-conviction records where charges were dismissed
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
- Pardoned offenses (excluding violent crimes)
- Arrests with no charges filed after two years
- Certain juvenile records as specified by statute
Application Process:
- File petition with the Circuit Court of Lauderdale County
- Submit certified disposition records from the original case
- Provide fingerprint card for identification verification
- Pay filing fees (currently $300) unless granted indigent status
- Serve copies of petition to District Attorney and law enforcement agencies
Lauderdale County Circuit Court
200 South Court Street, Suite 413
Florence, AL 35630
(256) 760-5728
Lauderdale County Circuit Court Official Website
Upon successful expungement, the Florence Police Department and other agencies must comply with court orders to seal records from public view. However, pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, certain government agencies retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes, including law enforcement and judicial functions.
The expungement process does not automatically remove information from private databases or third-party websites that may have previously obtained arrest data. Additional steps may be necessary to address records held by non-governmental entities.
Search Arrest Records in Florence
