Arrest records are public information in Gray County, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to members of the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information created, collected, or maintained by governmental bodies. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."
The Gray County Sheriff's Office, located at 218 N. Russell, Pampa, TX 79065, maintains arrest records as part of its official duties. These records document law enforcement activities within the county and are generally available for public inspection in accordance with state law.
Gray County arrest records are accessible online through several official channels. The Gray County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their website. Additionally, the Gray County Clerk's Office maintains court records that may contain information related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
Online accessibility is provided in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.272, which permits governmental bodies to provide for "public inspection of electronic records online or in an electronic format." This digital availability significantly enhances public access by eliminating the need for in-person visits to county offices during business hours. However, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records pursuant to privacy protections outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.147.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Gray County may utilize several official methods:
Online Database Access: The Gray County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database of arrest records that can be searched by name, date of arrest, or case number. This service is available 24 hours per day.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Gray County Sheriff's Office at 218 N. Russell, Pampa, TX 79065 during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to request arrest records. Photo identification is required for all in-person requests.
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to:
Gray County Sheriff's Office
218 N. Russell
Pampa, TX 79065
Phone: 806-669-8022
Gray County Sheriff's Office
Gray County District Clerk
205 N. Russell
Pampa, TX 79065
Gray County District Clerk
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, reasonable fees may be charged for copies of arrest records. The standard fee schedule is established by the Gray County Commissioners Court and is subject to periodic revision.
Gray County arrest records typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and details of an arrest. Standard arrest records include:
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005, if the arrested individual is a registered sex offender, additional information regarding their registration status may be included in the arrest record.
Under Texas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Gray County. The legal process for expungement is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Gray County District Clerk at the Gray County Courthouse, 205 N. Russell, Pampa, TX 79065. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.02.
Upon successful expungement, all records of the arrest are removed from public access and law enforcement databases. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 55.03, once an expungement order is granted, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
For non-disclosure orders (which seal rather than destroy records), petitions must be filed in accordance with Texas Government Code Chapter 411. The Gray County District Clerk's Office can provide the necessary forms and filing instructions for both expungement and non-disclosure petitions.