Arrest records are public information in Katy, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records created, collected, or maintained by governmental bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are presumed to be open to public inspection. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities, including arrests made within Katy city limits. Exceptions to disclosure may apply in certain circumstances as provided by state law, such as ongoing investigations or cases involving juveniles under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Katy, Texas have multiple avenues available for accessing this information. The following official channels may be utilized to obtain arrest record information:
Submit a public information request to the Katy Police Department in person, by mail, or through their designated online portal. Requests must specify the information sought with reasonable particularity as required by Texas Government Code § 552.222.
Contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office Records Division for arrests made by county law enforcement within Katy city limits.
Visit the Fort Bend County or Waller County Sheriff's Offices for arrests in portions of Katy that fall within these counties' jurisdictions.
Access the Katy Municipal Court records for information on arrests that resulted in municipal court proceedings.
Utilize the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service for statewide criminal history information, subject to statutory fees and identification requirements.
Katy Police Department
5456 Franz Road
Katy, TX 77493
Phone: (281) 391-4848
City of Katy Police Department
Harris County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1200 Baker Street
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 274-5400
Harris County Sheriff's Office
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office
1840 Richmond Parkway
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4665
Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office
Waller County Sheriff's Office
701 Calvit Street
Hempstead, TX 77445
Phone: (979) 826-8282
Waller County Sheriff's Office
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Katy typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard elements included in these records are as follows:
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on applicable privacy laws, ongoing investigation status, and other statutory exemptions under Texas Government Code § 552.108. Certain sensitive information, such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information, is typically redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.147 and § 552.101.
Texas law provides mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, individuals may petition for expungement if their situation meets statutory requirements. The expungement process in Katy follows state law and typically requires:
Eligibility criteria for expungement generally include:
Individuals not qualifying for expungement may alternatively seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which limits public access to criminal history record information while maintaining access for law enforcement and certain governmental entities.
Legal representation is advisable during the expungement process due to its complexity. The Harris County District Clerk, Fort Bend County District Clerk, or Waller County District Clerk (depending on jurisdiction) processes expungement petitions for arrests occurring in their respective portions of Katy.
Harris County District Clerk
201 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 927-5800
Harris County District Clerk
Fort Bend County District Clerk
301 Jackson Street
Richmond, TX 77469
Phone: (281) 341-4509
Fort Bend County District Clerk
Waller County District Clerk
836 Austin Street, Room 318
Hempstead, TX 77445
Phone: (979) 826-7711
Waller County District Clerk