Arrest records are public documents in Tuscaloosa County, 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 Alabama Supreme Court has consistently interpreted this law to include arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies as public records accessible to citizens.
The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county maintain these records as part of their official duties. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental interests, including transparency in law enforcement operations, accountability of public officials, and the public's right to information about potential public safety concerns in their communities.
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if disclosure would:
Tuscaloosa County provides digital access to arrest records through several official online platforms. The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of current inmates and recent arrests. This digital accessibility aligns with Alabama Code § 41-13-1, which encourages state and local agencies to provide reasonable public access to records through information technology.
The Alabama Administrative Office of Courts also maintains the Alacourt system, which provides online access to court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings in Tuscaloosa County. Access to this system requires registration and may involve user fees as authorized under Alabama law.
Digital access to these records is subject to the same legal restrictions that apply to physical records. The online systems are designed to balance public access rights with privacy protections and security considerations as mandated by state and federal regulations.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Tuscaloosa County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-40 and local administrative procedures:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office Records Division, located at 714 1/2 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should be prepared to complete a records request form and provide identification.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to: Records Division, Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, 714 1/2 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information.
Online searches can be conducted through the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office inmate search portal, which provides information on current inmates and recent arrests.
Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court of Alabama, which maintains records of criminal proceedings in Tuscaloosa County.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency provides criminal history information for a fee, though this requires fingerprint submission and is more comprehensive than basic arrest records.
Fees for record retrieval are established pursuant to Alabama Code § 36-12-41, which authorizes reasonable charges for the production of public records. Current fees are $5.00 per record for in-person or mail requests, with additional charges for certified copies.
Tuscaloosa County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Alabama Criminal Code § 15-10-1 through § 15-10-4. These records typically include the following elements:
The Alabama Department of Corrections maintains additional records for individuals who are subsequently convicted and sentenced to state custody.
It should be noted that arrest records reflect only the fact that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Alabama law and the U.S. Constitution, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Alabama Legislature has established statutory provisions for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Alabama Code § 15-27-1 through § 15-27-19, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Tuscaloosa County when:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court located at 714 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. The petition must be accompanied by:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and provide notice to the district attorney, law enforcement agencies, and any victims as required by law. If the court grants the petition, all records of the arrest will be ordered sealed from public access.
The Northern District of Alabama Federal Court handles expungement requests for federal arrests that occurred in Tuscaloosa County, following separate federal procedures and requirements.
The use of arrest record information obtained from Tuscaloosa County agencies is subject to legal restrictions under both Alabama and federal law. Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and Alabama employment laws, the following limitations apply:
The City of Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County have implemented additional local regulations regarding the use of criminal history information in municipal hiring practices, following a "ban the box" approach that delays criminal history inquiries until later in the hiring process.
Violations of these restrictions may result in civil liability under Alabama law and federal statutes. Individuals who believe their records have been improperly accessed or used may file complaints with the appropriate regulatory agencies or seek legal counsel regarding potential civil remedies.