Arrest records are public in Pike County, Alabama, pursuant to the Alabama Public Records Law (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40). This statute establishes that all public writings are open to inspection by any member of the public during regular business hours. Arrest records, as documents created and maintained by government agencies in their official capacity, fall under the definition of public writings and are therefore accessible to the general public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Alabama Public Records Law operates under the principle that government transparency serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies. In Pike County, this transparency extends to records of arrests made by the Pike County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county jurisdiction. Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose or relationship to the arrested individual, though certain identifying information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Alabama law.
Pike County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Pike County Circuit Clerk's Office provides electronic access to court records, which often include information related to arrests. Additionally, the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts maintains the Alacourt system, which contains case information for individuals processed through the Pike County court system.
Online access to arrest records is governed by Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which authorizes government agencies to provide electronic access to public records. The Pike County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster on their official website, which is updated regularly to reflect recent arrests and bookings into the county detention facility. This online resource includes basic information about individuals currently in custody, including names, charges, and booking dates.
It should be noted that while many arrest records are available online, comprehensive records may require in-person requests at the appropriate agency. Some records may be subject to redaction of sensitive information pursuant to Alabama Code § 41-13-23, which protects certain personal identifying information from public disclosure.
Members of the public seeking Pike County arrest records have several official channels through which to obtain this information:
Visit the Pike County Sheriff's Office in person to request physical copies of arrest records: Pike County Sheriff's Office 120 Church Street Troy, AL 36081 (334) 566-4347 Pike County Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit a request to the Pike County Circuit Clerk's Office, which maintains court records related to arrests: Pike County Circuit Clerk's Office Pike County Courthouse 120 West Church Street Troy, AL 36081 (334) 566-5113 Pike County Circuit Clerk Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Access the Alabama Department of Corrections inmate search for individuals who have been transferred to state custody following conviction.
File a formal public records request with the appropriate law enforcement agency pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40. Requests should include specific information to identify the record sought, such as the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Utilize the Pike County Court Records online database, which aggregates public record information from multiple sources.
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for copies of records as authorized under Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records.
Pike County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Alabama law enforcement protocols. These records typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Pike County Sheriff's Department typically contain more detailed information than those available through public-facing databases.
Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 et seq., certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, particularly in cases involving juveniles, victims of certain crimes, or when disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation.
Under Alabama law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained in Pike County. The Alabama Record Expungement Act (Code of Alabama § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-16) establishes the legal framework for the removal of arrest records from public access.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Pike County include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Pike County Circuit Court, payment of a filing fee (currently $300 as established by Alabama Code § 15-27-4), and notification to the district attorney's office. The Troy Field Office of the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles can provide guidance on the expungement process:
Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles - Troy Field Office 1301 Highway 231 South Troy, AL 36081 (334) 566-4899 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
If granted, an expungement order directs all agencies maintaining the record to seal it from public view. However, pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-16, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.
Protection orders, which may be related to arrest records in domestic violence cases, are maintained by the Pike County Circuit Clerk's Office. The Protection from Abuse Act (Code of Alabama § 30-5-1 et seq.) provides legal remedies for victims of domestic violence, including the issuance of protection orders that may result in arrest if violated.
Individuals seeking protection orders or information about existing orders may contact:
Pike County Circuit Clerk's Office - Domestic Relations Division Pike County Courthouse 120 West Church Street Troy, AL 36081 (334) 566-5113 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Protection order records are generally public but may contain redacted information to protect victims' safety and privacy pursuant to Alabama Code § 30-5-5(d).