Arrest records are public information in Pearland, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. Law enforcement agencies in Pearland maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally accessible to members of the public upon proper request.
The Brazoria County Sheriff's Office and the Pearland Police Department serve as the primary custodians of arrest records within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies are required by law to provide reasonable access to arrest information unless specific statutory exemptions apply. Such exemptions may include records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or information that would compromise public safety if released.
Individuals seeking arrest records must submit requests in accordance with established procedures. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication upon request, unless an exception to disclosure applies or the information is in active use.
The Pearland Police Department maintains a comprehensive system for public access to arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize several official channels established by local authorities:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may obtain arrest records by visiting the Records Division of the Pearland Police Department during regular business hours.
Pearland Police Department
2555 Cullen Parkway
Pearland, TX 77581
(281) 997-4100
Pearland Police Department Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Access: The Pearland Police Department maintains an online public access portal where certain arrest information may be searched and retrieved. This system allows for searches by name, date range, and case number.
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county authorities within Pearland city limits, records may be requested from:
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office
3602 County Road 45
Angleton, TX 77515
(979) 864-2392
Brazoria County Sheriff's Office Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail or email to the appropriate records custodian. Requests must reasonably identify the information sought.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and duplication in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70. The standard charges for copies of public information are established by the Office of the Attorney General.
Arrest records maintained by Pearland law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and generally include:
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains standards for arrest record documentation through the Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC) and reports to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Law enforcement agencies in Pearland adhere to these standards in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27.
It should be noted that arrest records reflect only the fact of arrest and associated charges, not determinations of guilt. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged under certain circumstances.
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55. Expungement is a court-ordered process that, when granted, requires all agencies possessing arrest information to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Pearland include:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Brazoria County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02, the petition must include specific information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine eligibility.
Brazoria County District Clerk
111 E. Locust Street, Room 500
Angleton, TX 77515
(979) 864-1355
Brazoria County District Clerk Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Individuals not qualifying for expungement may be eligible for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411. This alternative does not delete records but restricts public access to them. The requirements and procedures for obtaining an Order of Nondisclosure differ from those for expungement and typically involve successfully completed deferred adjudication or certain misdemeanor convictions.
Legal representation is advisable when pursuing expungement or nondisclosure, as the statutory requirements are complex and procedural errors may result in denial of relief.