Arrest records are public in Killeen, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Texas Public Information Act ensures transparency in government operations, including law enforcement activities. Members of the public may access arrest records to verify the actions of law enforcement agencies and to maintain accountability within the criminal justice system.
The Killeen Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records become part of the public domain once processed, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.101.
The City of Killeen provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official methods:
For in-person requests, individuals should visit:
Killeen Police Department
3304 Community Blvd.
Killeen, TX 76542
(254) 501-8800
Police Department Official Website
Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest to facilitate the search process.
Arrest records maintained by the Killeen Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Standard information included in these records consists of:
The Department Transparency initiative ensures that these records are maintained according to state standards. Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, the Killeen Police Department adheres to specific record-keeping requirements that standardize the format and content of arrest documentation.
The legal foundation for public access to arrest records in Killeen is established through multiple layers of legislation. The primary authorities governing this access include:
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates most arrest records as public information, with limited exceptions. Under Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain investigative records may be temporarily withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, Texas Government Code § 552.101 protects information considered confidential by law, such as juvenile records or certain victim information.
The Municipal Court of Record in Killeen maintains judicial records related to arrests that fall within its jurisdiction, primarily Class C misdemeanors. These records are governed by additional rules established by the Texas Supreme Court regarding judicial records.
Not all arrest records in Killeen are accessible to the general public. Texas law establishes several categories of protected information that may be redacted or withheld entirely:
The Killeen Police Department's Records Division is responsible for reviewing requests and applying appropriate redactions in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.130, § 552.136, and § 552.147, which protect certain personal identifying information such as driver's license numbers, social security numbers, and financial account information.
Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (complete removal) of arrest records. The expungement process in Killeen follows the procedures established in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Eligibility criteria for expungement generally include:
The expungement petition must be filed in the district court of Bell County. If granted, an expungement order requires all agencies, including the Killeen Police Department, to destroy or return all records related to the arrest. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
For arrests not eligible for expungement, individuals may qualify for an order of non-disclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.
The Killeen Police Department assesses fees for providing copies of arrest records in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70. Current fee schedules for record retrieval include:
Fee waivers or reductions may be available for indigent requestors pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.267. Payment methods accepted include cash, money order, and credit/debit cards for in-person requests. For mail requests, only checks or money orders are accepted.
All fees collected are processed through the City of Killeen Finance Department and are subject to periodic review and adjustment by the Killeen City Council.