> >El Paso Arrest Records

El Paso Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in El Paso, Texas?

Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), arrest records are public documents in El Paso, Texas. This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. Law enforcement agencies in El Paso maintain these records as part of their official duties, and members of the public have the legal right to access this information. The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental purposes, including:

Promoting transparency in law enforcement operations
Ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system
Providing citizens with information about public safety in their communities
Supporting the constitutional principle of open government

The El Paso Police Department Records Division maintains these public records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain records may be subject to redaction or withholding under specific provisions of the Texas Public Information Act, particularly those involving ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety.

How to Look Up El Paso Arrest Records in 2025

The El Paso Police Department and El Paso County maintain several official channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest records. Individuals seeking such information have multiple options available:

In-Person Requests:

El Paso Police Department Headquarters - Records Division
911 N. Raynor Street
El Paso, TX 79903
(915) 212-4000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
El Paso Police Department
El Paso County Clerk's Office
500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Suite 105
El Paso, TX 79901
(915) 546-2071
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Access:

The El Paso Police Department Online Services portal provides electronic access to certain public records
The El Paso County Court Records Search system allows for case lookup by name or case number
The El Paso Municipal Court portal provides access to Class C misdemeanor records

Written Requests:

Formal public information requests may be submitted in writing pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221
Requests must include sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records
Agencies must respond to requests within 10 business days

Standard fees apply for record retrieval and copying services in accordance with Texas Administrative Code § 70.3. Payment methods include cash, credit card, money order, or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted for records requests.

Contents of an El Paso Arrest Record

Official arrest records maintained by the El Paso Police Department and El Paso County contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information:

Full legal name and any documented aliases
Date of birth and place of birth
Gender and race/ethnicity as reported
Physical descriptors including height, weight, hair color, eye color
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
State identification number and/or FBI number when applicable

Arrest Details:

Date, time, and location of arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory charges filed at time of booking
Arrest warrant information, if applicable
Booking number and facility information
Custody status and bail/bond information

Case Processing Information:

Court case number and jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Disposition of charges
Sentence information if convicted

Supplemental Documentation:

Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint records
Property inventory lists
Medical screening information

Pursuant to Texas law, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information protected under HIPAA. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles are subject to different confidentiality standards under Texas Family Code § 58.007.

Expungement of Arrest Records in El Paso

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 establishes the legal framework for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in El Paso. Expungement is a legal process that removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.

Eligibility Criteria:

Arrests that did not result in formal charges
Cases dismissed due to lack of probable cause, mistake, or similar reasons
Acquittals at trial or on appeal
Pardoned offenses
Certain successfully completed deferred adjudication programs
Arrests for certain misdemeanors with completed community supervision

Filing Requirements:

Petition must be filed in the district court in El Paso County where the arrest occurred
Petitioner must provide all agencies holding records
Filing fees and court costs apply (approximately $250-$350)
Waiting periods vary based on offense classification

Legal Process:

Petition for Expunction must be filed with the El Paso District Clerk 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Room 103 El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 546-2021
Notice is provided to all agencies holding records
Hearing is scheduled approximately 30-45 days after filing
Court issues Order of Expunction if petition is granted

Effect of Expungement:

All records of the arrest are removed from public access
Government agencies must destroy or return all records
Individual may legally deny the arrest occurred
Private entities maintaining such records are required to remove them

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process is complex and technical. The El Paso County Law Library provides self-help resources for pro se litigants at 500 E. San Antonio Avenue, Room 108, El Paso, TX 79901.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in El Paso, Texas Government Code § 552.108 establishes several important exceptions and limitations to public access. These restrictions serve to balance transparency with other important governmental interests:

Ongoing Investigations:

Records pertaining to active criminal investigations may be withheld
Information that would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime
Records that would disclose law enforcement techniques or procedures

Protected Categories:

Juvenile records are confidential under Texas Family Code § 58.007
Victims of sexual assault or family violence have enhanced privacy protections
Records sealed by court order are not publicly accessible
Information related to confidential informants

Procedural Limitations:

Agencies may require proper identification before releasing records
Commercial use restrictions may apply to bulk record requests
Records may be redacted to remove confidential information
Certified copies require additional verification

The El Paso Police Department Records Division is responsible for ensuring compliance with these legal restrictions while facilitating appropriate public access to arrest records. Individuals denied access to records may file an appeal with the Texas Attorney General's Office within 10 business days of denial.