Arrest records are public in Longview, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by or for governmental entities is public unless otherwise expressly prohibited by law. The Texas Public Information Act ensures citizens have the right to access government records, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within public services. Members of the public may request arrest records from various law enforcement agencies and court systems serving the Longview area, subject to certain statutory limitations regarding confidential information.
The Longview Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records become part of the public domain once processed, though certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal data as specified under § 552.108 and § 552.101 of the Texas Government Code.
The City of Longview provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking information have several options available, including:
Online Databases: The Longview Police Department maintains digital records accessible through approved governmental portals. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Longview Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with completing the necessary paperwork and identifying the specific records needed.
Longview Police Department
518 W. South St.
Longview, TX 75601
(903) 237-1199
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Gregg County Courthouse: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be available through the county clerk's office.
Gregg County Courthouse
101 E. Methvin St.
Longview, TX 75601
(903) 237-2500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records. These requests must be directed to the custodian of records at the appropriate agency and should include specific information to identify the records being sought.
Arrest records maintained by the Longview Police Department and Municipal Court typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual involved. Standard components of an arrest record include:
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information may be withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, juvenile records are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under Texas Family Code Chapter 58.
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances. This process is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Expungement eligibility generally requires that the individual meet certain statutory conditions, such as:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Longview residents, this would typically be filed with the Gregg County District Court. The petition must comply with the requirements set forth in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, including:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. If the court determines that all statutory requirements have been met, it may issue an order of expunction. This order directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to delete or return all files and references to the arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Legal representation is strongly advised for individuals seeking expungement, as the process involves complex legal requirements and procedural rules. The City Prosecutor for Municipal Court handles only Class C Misdemeanors in Longview and cannot provide legal advice regarding expungement.
While arrest records are generally public in Longview, Texas law imposes certain restrictions on access to protect privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The following categories of arrest records may have limited public accessibility:
Law enforcement agencies, including the Longview Police Department's Community Outreach division, must balance the public's right to information with these statutory protections. Requestors seeking arrest records may be required to provide identification and complete formal request forms specifying the records sought.