Arrest records are public in Grand Prairie, 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 Act upholds principles of governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to public records, including those pertaining to arrests. Law enforcement agencies in Grand Prairie maintain these records as part of their official duties, and members of the public may request access to them through established procedures.
The public nature of arrest records serves multiple functions within the criminal justice system. These records document law enforcement activities, provide statistical data for crime analysis, and inform community members about public safety matters. However, requesters should note that certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect privacy interests as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and other applicable statutes.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Grand Prairie have several methods available to them. Each method varies in processing time, associated fees, and comprehensiveness of results. The following options are available for record retrieval:
• In-person requests can be submitted at the Grand Prairie Police Department Records Division, located at 1525 Arkansas Lane, Grand Prairie, TX 75052. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be reached at (972) 237-8790. Requesters must complete a Public Information Request form and present valid identification.
• Online requests may be submitted through the Grand Prairie Police Department's official website. The department utilizes a secure portal where requesters can specify the information sought and provide necessary identifying details. Processing times for online requests typically range from 5-10 business days, depending on request volume.
• Mail requests are accepted when sent to: Grand Prairie Police Department, Records Division, P.O. Box 531048, Grand Prairie, TX 75053-1048. Requests must include the requester's contact information, specific details about the record sought, and a notarized signature if requesting records containing confidential information.
• The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for individuals processed through their facilities. Requests may be directed to 100 N. Lamar Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196. Their Records Division operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (817) 884-1213.
• The Dallas County Sheriff's Office also maintains arrest records for individuals processed through their facilities. Their Records Division is located at 133 N. Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207, and operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. They can be contacted at (214) 653-3450.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, fees may be assessed for record retrieval and reproduction. Standard fees include charges for copies, certification, and staff time for extensive searches. Fee schedules are established in accordance with guidelines set by the Office of the Attorney General.
Arrest records maintained by Grand Prairie law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records typically include:
• Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
• Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, names and badge numbers of arresting officers, and the specific statutory violations alleged.
• Case processing information, including the assigned case number, booking details, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot).
• Charge information, detailing the specific offenses charged, their classification (misdemeanor or felony), and applicable Texas Penal Code sections.
• Judicial processing details, including bond amount and type, court assignment, scheduled appearance dates, and preliminary case disposition information.
• Prior criminal history references, if applicable and relevant to the current arrest.
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains standards for arrest record documentation through its Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) division, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions. These standards comply with federal requirements established by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The expungement process in Grand Prairie follows procedures established under Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement (legally termed "expunction") provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to remove arrest records from public and governmental databases. When granted, an expunction order requires all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Grand Prairie include:
• Cases resulting in acquittal (finding of "not guilty") • Cases dismissed by the prosecutor or court without resulting in a final conviction • Arrests that did not lead to formal charges within the applicable statute of limitations • Arrests resulting from identity theft or mistaken identity • Successful completion of certain pretrial diversion programs • Pardoned offenses or those overturned on appeal
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Grand Prairie arrests, petitions are typically filed with either:
Dallas County District Clerk George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building 600 Commerce Street, Suite 101 Dallas, TX 75202 (214) 653-7149 Dallas County District Clerk
Tarrant County District Clerk 100 N. Calhoun Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 (817) 884-1574 Tarrant County District Clerk
Filing fees for expungement petitions typically range from $250 to $500, depending on the court and case complexity. Additional costs may include attorney fees if legal representation is obtained. While not required, legal representation is advisable due to the technical nature of expungement proceedings.
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy those records. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.03, once records are expunged, the person may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest and expunged events, except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
• Grand Prairie Police Department Records • Tarrant County Jail Records Search • Dallas County Jail Records Search • Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search • Warrant Information City of Grand Prairie • Search - Search violations - Court - Grand Prairie, TX - Municipal Online Services