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Odessa Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Odessa, Texas?

Yes, arrest records are public in Odessa, Texas. This accessibility is governed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is public unless expressly exempted by law. Arrest records, as part of the public record, provide transparency in the criminal justice system and uphold the public's right to information.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Citizens of Odessa may access these records through various governmental agencies, including the Odessa Police Department and the Ector County Sheriff's Office.

Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of arrest records, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or when disclosure would violate personal privacy rights as defined in § 552.101 of the Texas Government Code. However, the presumption under Texas law remains in favor of public access to governmental records, including arrest documentation.

How to Look Up Odessa Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Odessa arrest records, individuals have multiple avenues to explore, especially with advancements in digital access implemented by local government agencies. The following methods are available for searching arrest records in Odessa:

Visit the Odessa Police Department Records Unit located at 205 N. Grant Avenue, Odessa, TX 79761. The Records Unit is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and can be contacted at (432) 335-4600.
Submit a public information request through the City of Odessa Public Information Request Portal pursuant to the Texas Open Records Act.
Access the Ector County Sheriff's Office inmate search database, which provides information on currently incarcerated individuals. The Sheriff's Office is located at 2500 S. Highway 385, Odessa, TX 79766 and can be reached at (432) 335-3050.
Utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Record Information system for statewide arrest records. Requests can be submitted online or by mail to the Texas DPS, Crime Records Service, P.O. Box 4143, Austin, TX 78765-4143.
Contact the Odessa Municipal Court for records related to arrests for municipal violations. The court is located at 201 N. Grant Avenue, Odessa, TX 79761 and can be reached at (432) 335-3300.

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public information. The standard fees for copies of arrest records are established by the Office of the Attorney General and typically range from $0.10 per page for standard copies to higher fees for certified copies or electronic records.

Contents of an Odessa Arrest Record

An Odessa arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual involved. Standard components of these records include:

Full legal name of the arrested individual, along with any known aliases or alternative identifications
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of charges filed, including citation of relevant Texas Penal Code sections
Classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony) and degree (e.g., Class A, B, C, or 1st, 2nd, 3rd degree)
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking agency information and processing details
Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process
Fingerprint records collected at the time of arrest
Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions of release
Case disposition information if available (pending, dismissed, convicted)
Court assignment information for subsequent legal proceedings

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26 requires law enforcement officers to take arrested persons before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and this initial appearance information may also be included in the arrest record. Additionally, pursuant to Article 15.17, information regarding the magistrate's warning of rights may be documented in the arrest record.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Texas

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Odessa operate within a comprehensive legal framework established by Texas state law. The primary statutes governing these records include:

The Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552) establishes the fundamental right of public access to government records, including arrest documentation. Under § 552.022, certain categories of information, including police blotter information and basic arrest details, are expressly designated as public information.

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure provides specific guidelines for the creation and maintenance of arrest records. Article 60.01 establishes the Criminal Justice Information System, which mandates the collection and reporting of arrest data by local law enforcement agencies to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The Texas Local Government Records Act (Texas Local Government Code Chapter 201) requires municipal governments, including the City of Odessa, to establish records management programs that include policies for the retention and disposition of arrest records. Under this act, arrest records must be maintained for specific periods as outlined in the Texas State Library and Archives Commission retention schedules.

The Criminal History Record Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 411, Subchapter F) governs the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records, by the Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement agencies.

Law enforcement agencies in Odessa must comply with these statutory requirements when creating, maintaining, and providing access to arrest records. The Odessa Police Department has implemented policies and procedures in accordance with these laws to ensure proper management of arrest documentation while balancing public access rights with privacy protections.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Odessa

In Odessa, the expungement of arrest records is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Individuals who have been arrested may petition for expungement (also called expunction) under specific circumstances prescribed by law. The expungement process effectively removes all information about an arrest from public records and databases.

Pursuant to Article 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, individuals may qualify for expungement if:

They were arrested but never charged with a crime
Charges were dismissed or quashed due to lack of probable cause, mistake, or similar reasons
They were acquitted of charges by a court (including appellate acquittals)
They were convicted but subsequently pardoned
They completed a pre-trial diversion program that qualifies for expungement
The statute of limitations for the offense has expired without charges being filed

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Ector County where the arrest occurred. The petition must include specific information as required by Article 55.02, including all agencies believed to have records related to the arrest. The Ector County District Court is located at 300 N. Grant Ave., Odessa, TX 79761.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing, typically 30 days after filing. All governmental agencies named in the petition must be notified of the hearing. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued directing all agencies to destroy or return all records and files related to the arrest.

It should be noted that certain waiting periods may apply before an individual becomes eligible for expungement, depending on the nature of the case and its disposition. Additionally, pursuant to Article 55.01(c), expungement is not available for arrests resulting from an offense arising out of a criminal episode if the person was convicted of at least one offense in that episode.

Search Arrest Records in Odessa

Odessa Police Department
205 N. Grant Avenue
Odessa, TX 79761
(432) 335-4600
Official Website

Ector County Sheriff's Office
2500 S. Highway 385
Odessa, TX 79766
(432) 335-3050
Official Website

Odessa Municipal Court
201 N. Grant Avenue
Odessa, TX 79761
(432) 335-3300
Official Website