Arrest records are public in Copperas Cove, 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 serves to promote transparency in government operations and maintain public oversight of law enforcement activities.
Members of the public may access arrest records through designated channels established by local authorities. The City of Copperas Cove maintains these records in accordance with Texas state law, which mandates the preservation of such documentation for specified retention periods. Public access to arrest records supports the principle of open government while balancing privacy considerations as outlined in § 552.108 of the Texas Government Code.
The Copperas Cove Police Department, as the primary law enforcement agency within the jurisdiction, processes and maintains arrest records in compliance with state regulations. These records become part of the public domain upon completion of booking procedures, subject to specific exemptions that may apply in cases involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or other protected categories as defined by statute.
The City of Copperas Cove provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
Submit a public information request to the City Secretary's office using the official Open Records Request form. Requests must be submitted in writing pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301.
Visit the Copperas Cove Police Department in person to request arrest record information. The department is located at:
Copperas Cove Police Department
302 East Avenue E
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
(254) 547-8222
Official Website
Copperas Cove Municipal Court
307 South Main Street
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
(254) 547-5030
Official Website
Utilize the eCourt Appearance system for information regarding scheduled court appearances related to arrests.
Review the Municipal Court Online Docket for information about scheduled court appearances.
Contact the Coryell County District Clerk's Office for felony arrest records:
Coryell County District Clerk
620 East Main Street
Gatesville, TX 76528
(254) 865-5911
Official Website
Arrest records maintained by the Copperas Cove Police Department contain standardized information as required by Texas state law. These records typically include the following elements:
The Copperas Cove Police Department Annual Reports provide statistical information regarding arrest trends and law enforcement activities within the jurisdiction. These reports are available to the public as part of the department's commitment to transparency and community engagement.
The expungement of arrest records in Copperas Cove follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Individuals may petition for expungement (also referred to as "expunction") under specific circumstances as defined by state law. The legal process removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Copperas Cove include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the appropriate court having jurisdiction over the case. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings as specified in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. The petition must be filed in the district court in the county where the arrest occurred or where the offense was alleged to have been committed.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. Notice of the hearing must be provided to all agencies believed to have records subject to expungement. These agencies typically include:
If the court grants the expungement, all agencies maintaining records related to the arrest will be ordered to destroy or return those records to the court. Following successful expungement, the arrest is deemed never to have occurred, and the individual may legally deny its existence on employment applications and other inquiries, with certain exceptions for specific governmental agencies.