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Harlingen Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Harlingen, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Harlingen, 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 public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act ensures transparency in government operations by granting citizens the right to access government records, including arrest records, thereby promoting accountability within public institutions. Individuals seeking arrest records in Harlingen may access these documents through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities.

How to Look Up Harlingen Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Harlingen, Texas. Members of the public may utilize the following methods to access these records:

In-Person Requests at the Harlingen Police Department: Citizens may submit requests directly at the department's Records Division.

Harlingen Police Department
1018 Fair Park Boulevard
Harlingen, TX 78550
(956) 216-5401
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Harlingen Police Department Public Records Center

Online Access: The Harlingen Police Department maintains an online portal where certain arrest information and jail lists are published regularly.
Cameron County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests may be obtained from the county clerk's office.

Cameron County Courthouse
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0800
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email, including sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records sought.

Contents of a Harlingen Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Harlingen Police Department and other law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard components of an arrest record include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information including booking number and processing details
Custody status and detention facility information
Bail or bond amount, if applicable
Mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
Case disposition information, if available

In accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 15.26, arresting officers must document the time and place of arrest, which becomes part of the official arrest record.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Harlingen is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. Key legal provisions include:

Texas Public Information Act: Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.
Criminal History Record Information: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.083, criminal history record information maintained by the Department of Public Safety may be disseminated to criminal justice agencies, certain non-criminal justice agencies, and other entities authorized by federal statute or executive order.
Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to juvenile arrests are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under Texas Family Code § 58.007, with limited exceptions for law enforcement and judicial purposes.
Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are not available for public inspection.

Restrictions on Access to Certain Arrest Records

Not all arrest records are fully accessible to the public. The following restrictions apply to arrest record access in Harlingen:

Ongoing Investigations: Records pertaining to active investigations may be temporarily withheld under Texas Government Code § 552.108 to prevent interference with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime.
Juvenile Records: Arrest records of individuals under 17 years of age are generally confidential pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.007, with limited exceptions.
Expunged Records: Records of arrests that have been expunged by court order are removed from public access in accordance with Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.03.
Sealed Records: Records sealed under an order of nondisclosure pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.081 are not available to the general public.
Deferred Adjudication: Records related to successfully completed deferred adjudication may be subject to an order of nondisclosure under certain circumstances as provided by Texas Government Code § 411.0725.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Harlingen

The expungement process in Harlingen allows for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Eligibility criteria and procedures are as follows:

Eligibility Requirements: Individuals may qualify for expungement if they were arrested but never charged, charges were dismissed, they were acquitted at trial, or they were convicted but subsequently pardoned.
Petition Process: Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02, eligible individuals must file a petition for expungement with the district court in Cameron County.

Cameron County District Clerk
974 E. Harrison Street
Brownsville, TX 78520
(956) 544-0838
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Legal Effect: Upon granting of an expungement order, all records and files pertaining to the arrest are removed from public records repositories and may not be disclosed by agencies maintaining such records.
Waiting Periods: Depending on the offense and case disposition, statutory waiting periods may apply before an individual becomes eligible for expungement.
Legal Representation: While not required, legal counsel is strongly recommended for navigating the technical requirements of the expungement process.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records in Harlingen may be utilized for background screening purposes, subject to certain legal limitations:

Employment Screening: Under Texas Labor Code § 21.002, employers must exercise caution when using arrest records (as opposed to conviction records) for employment decisions, as reliance on arrest information alone may have a disparate impact on protected classes.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property managers may access arrest records when screening potential tenants, but must comply with Fair Housing Act requirements prohibiting discriminatory practices.
Professional Licensing: Regulatory boards may consider arrest records when evaluating applications for professional licenses, particularly for positions involving public trust or safety.
Educational Institutions: Schools and universities may review arrest records for campus safety purposes, subject to applicable privacy laws and institutional policies.
Fair Credit Reporting Act Compliance: Third-party background check companies accessing arrest records must comply with the FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.), including providing notice to individuals and ensuring accuracy of reported information.