Arrest records are public in Cameron County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act supports principles of governmental transparency and accountability, enabling citizens to obtain documentation of law enforcement activities, judicial proceedings, and administrative decisions.
Members of the public may request access to arrest records maintained by Cameron County law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities. These records typically document instances where individuals have been taken into custody by law enforcement officials on suspicion of criminal activity. The Cameron County Sheriff's Office maintains the primary repository of arrest records for the county.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.108, particularly for records pertaining to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as determined by statute.
Arrest records can be accessed online in Cameron County through several official digital platforms. The county maintains electronic databases that allow for remote retrieval of public records, including arrest documentation. This digital accessibility aligns with the county's commitment to modernizing record-keeping systems and enhancing public service delivery.
The Cameron County District Clerk's Office provides online access to court records related to arrests and subsequent judicial proceedings. Additionally, the Cameron County Inmate List offers a regularly updated roster of individuals currently detained in county facilities. This resource includes basic information about arrestees and their current detention status.
For comprehensive searches of arrest records, the Cameron County Portals system integrates various public records databases, allowing users to conduct searches across multiple county departments and record types. Users should note that while basic information may be available online, obtaining complete arrest records may require additional steps or formal requests in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act.
To obtain Cameron County arrest records in 2025, individuals may utilize several established methods that comply with Texas public records laws. The county has implemented multiple access points to accommodate various public needs:
Online Access Options:
In-Person Request Procedures:
Written Request Protocol:
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, agencies must promptly produce requested records unless an exception applies. Requestors should anticipate a response within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional processing time.
Cameron County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These official documents serve as the factual record of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:
The Cameron County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Texas Local Government Code § 201.003, which establishes requirements for the creation and preservation of local government records. The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102 further governs the reporting and maintenance of criminal history record information.
Access to complete arrest records may be subject to redaction of certain information protected by privacy laws or ongoing investigation exemptions as provided in the Texas Public Information Act.
In Cameron County, the expungement process allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory conditions. Expungement (also referred to as expunction) is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement in Cameron County under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Cameron County District Clerk's Office located at 974 E. Harrison Street, Brownsville, TX 78520. The petition must comply with the requirements specified in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and include all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the district court will schedule a hearing to determine eligibility. If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expunction directing all relevant agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Alternative remedies include orders of non-disclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seal records rather than destroy them, making them inaccessible to most private entities while remaining available to law enforcement and certain governmental agencies.