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Pampa Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Pampa, Texas?

Arrest records are public information in Pampa, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies must be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. Law enforcement agencies in Pampa maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally available for public inspection. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to public records.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and statutory exemptions. These exemptions may include information related to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or data protected by other state or federal laws.

How to Look Up Pampa Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for accessing arrest records in Pampa, Texas. The City of Pampa has implemented several access points to facilitate public record requests in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act:

In-person requests can be submitted at the Pampa Police Department, located at 1342 W. Kentucky Ave., Pampa, TX 79065. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The Pampa Municipal Court maintains records related to municipal violations and can be visited at 200 W. Foster Ave., Pampa, TX 79065. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division, Pampa Police Department, 1342 W. Kentucky Ave., Pampa, TX 79065.
Electronic access to certain records is available through the City of Pampa's official website, where citizens can search for warrant listings and other public information.
The Gray County Clerk's Office, located at 205 N. Russell St., Pampa, TX 79065, maintains county-level criminal records that may include arrest information.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.

Contents of a Pampa Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Pampa Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. Standard components of these records include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed enumeration of charges filed, including citation of applicable Texas Penal Code sections
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking information, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint records
Case number and incident report references
Bail or bond information, when applicable
Detention facility information
Preliminary hearing dates and court assignment

Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26, law enforcement agencies are required to maintain complete records of all arrests. These records serve multiple purposes within the criminal justice system, including documentation for prosecution, background checks, and statistical analysis of crime patterns as reflected in the Reports and Crime Data maintained by the department.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Pampa

The expungement process in Pampa follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Expungement (also referred to as "expunction" in Texas law) is available to individuals who:

Were arrested but never charged with a crime
Had charges dismissed or quashed
Were acquitted of charges (found "not guilty")
Were convicted but subsequently pardoned
Meet the requirements for expungement under Texas law for certain misdemeanors after a waiting period

The legal process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Gray County. Texas Code of Criminal Procedure § 55.02 outlines the specific procedures that must be followed. Upon approval, the court issues an Order of Expunction directing all agencies holding records related to the arrest to destroy or return those records to the petitioner.

Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may be eligible for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.

The Gray County District Clerk's Office, located at 205 N. Russell St., Pampa, TX 79065, can provide the necessary forms and information regarding the filing process. Due to the legal complexities involved, many petitioners secure legal representation to navigate the expungement process effectively.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While the Texas Public Information Act establishes the presumption that arrest records are public, several statutory exceptions limit access to certain information. These restrictions serve to balance transparency with privacy concerns and the integrity of the justice system:

Records pertaining to juveniles (under 17 years of age) are subject to special confidentiality provisions under Texas Family Code Chapter 58
Information that would interfere with an active investigation or prosecution may be temporarily withheld under Texas Government Code § 552.108
Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and certain medical information, is protected under Texas Government Code § 552.101 and § 552.130
Victim information in cases involving sexual assault, family violence, or stalking receives additional protection under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 57.02

The Pampa Police Department Records Division is responsible for reviewing record requests and applying appropriate redactions in accordance with these statutory provisions. Requestors may appeal denied requests through procedures outlined in the Texas Public Information Act.

Impact of Arrest Records on Employment in Pampa

Arrest records can significantly impact employment opportunities for Pampa residents. Texas Labor Code § 21.002 provides some protections against discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction. However, employers may legally consider conviction records in making hiring decisions when the offense is relevant to the position sought.

The Texas Workforce Commission provides guidance to employers regarding the appropriate use of criminal history information in employment decisions. Employers in certain regulated industries, including healthcare, education, and financial services, are subject to additional restrictions and requirements regarding background checks.

Individuals with arrest records seeking employment in Pampa may benefit from:

Obtaining copies of their records to verify accuracy
Understanding their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act if background checks are conducted
Exploring record sealing or expungement options if eligible
Preparing to discuss circumstances surrounding arrests during interviews when appropriate

The Pampa Economic Development Corporation, located at 107 E. Foster Ave., Pampa, TX 79065, offers workforce development resources that may assist individuals with arrest records in finding employment opportunities.