Arrest records are public information in Glenn Heights, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public. The statute upholds principles of governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have the right to obtain information regarding interactions between individuals and law enforcement entities operating within the jurisdiction.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.022, which states that certain categories of information are public information unless expressly confidential under law. Law enforcement agencies in Glenn Heights are required to maintain these records and make them available upon proper request, subject only to specific statutory exemptions that may apply in limited circumstances.
Members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Glenn Heights have multiple methods available to them. The City of Glenn Heights maintains several channels through which these records may be accessed, in accordance with Texas state law regarding public information. The following procedures are established for accessing arrest records:
Submit a formal public information request through the Glenn Heights Police Department. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the official online portal.
Visit the Glenn Heights Police Department in person to request arrest record information:
Glenn Heights Police Department
550 E. Bear Creek Road
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
Phone: (972) 223-3478
Official Police Department Website
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Contact the Dallas County Sheriff's Office for arrests processed through county facilities:
Dallas County Sheriff's Department
133 N. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
Phone: (214) 653-3450
Access the Glenn Heights Municipal Court for information regarding arrests related to municipal violations:
Glenn Heights Municipal Court
1938-C S. Hampton Road
Glenn Heights, TX 75154
Phone: (972) 223-1690 ext. 275
Utilize third-party public record aggregation services that compile arrest data from multiple jurisdictions, noting that such services must comply with Texas laws regarding data access and privacy.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, governmental bodies must promptly produce public information in response to proper requests. The standard timeframe for response is within ten business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Arrest records maintained by the Glenn Heights Police Department and associated agencies typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement. These records are standardized in accordance with Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) guidelines and generally include the following elements:
The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17 requires law enforcement agencies to maintain complete and accurate records of all arrests. These records must be preserved in accordance with state records retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Arrest records obtained from Glenn Heights authorities may be utilized for various legitimate purposes as permitted under Texas law. The Texas Public Information Act establishes parameters for the appropriate use of such information while balancing public access rights with privacy considerations. Authorized uses of arrest records include:
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Business and Commerce Code § 20.05, certain restrictions apply to the use of arrest records for employment purposes if the arrest did not result in conviction or if the record has been expunged or sealed by court order. Employers must exercise caution when utilizing arrest information in making adverse employment decisions.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) imposes additional federal restrictions on the use of arrest records by consumer reporting agencies and employers. Under 15 U.S.C. § 1681c, consumer reporting agencies are generally prohibited from reporting arrest records that are more than seven years old unless certain exceptions apply.
Under Texas law, individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records maintained by Glenn Heights authorities under specific circumstances. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the expungement process, which effectively removes arrest information from public access when statutory requirements are met.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Glenn Heights include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Glenn Heights arrests, petitions are typically filed with:
Dallas County District Court
George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 653-7149
Upon granting an expungement order, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, including the Glenn Heights Police Department, must destroy or return all documentation 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 that do not qualify for expungement, Texas law provides an alternative remedy through orders of nondisclosure under Government Code Chapter 411. These orders seal records from public view while maintaining them for use by law enforcement and certain governmental entities.
Juvenile arrest records in Glenn Heights are subject to enhanced confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code Chapter 58. These provisions recognize the distinct treatment of juvenile offenders within the justice system and establish stricter limitations on public access to such records.
The following provisions apply specifically to juvenile arrest records:
The Glenn Heights Police Department maintains juvenile records separately from adult arrest records in compliance with these confidentiality requirements. Unauthorized disclosure of juvenile arrest information may result in criminal penalties under Texas Family Code § 58.8075.