Waco Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Waco, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Waco, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public upon proper request. The statute serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system throughout Texas jurisdictions, including McLennan County and the City of Waco.
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information under § 552.022, which states that categories of public information are not subject to withholding except as expressly provided by law. Law enforcement agencies operating within Waco maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information contained within these documents may be redacted pursuant to exceptions outlined in § 552.101 through § 552.158 of the Texas Government Code. Such exceptions may include information related to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or data protected by other state or federal privacy statutes.
How to Look Up Waco Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Waco, Texas have multiple methods available for obtaining this information. The McLennan County Sheriff's Office and Waco Police Department maintain systems for processing public information requests in compliance with Texas Government Code § 552.221, which requires governmental bodies to promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication.
Individuals may access Waco arrest records through the following official channels:
In-person requests at the McLennan County Sheriff's Office located at 901 Washington Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Written requests submitted to the Waco Police Department Records Division at 3115 Pine Avenue, Waco, TX 76708. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Electronic requests through the McLennan County case index search portal, which provides access to court records related to arrests and subsequent case proceedings.
Telephone inquiries to the McLennan County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (254) 757-5095 for preliminary information regarding record availability.
Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any additional identifying information such as date of birth. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction and labor costs associated with processing requests.
Contents of a Waco Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Waco, Texas typically contain standardized information as prescribed by the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's encounter with law enforcement resulting in detention or arrest.
Standard components of a Waco arrest record include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest details, including date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
Statutory charges filed against the individual, with reference to specific violations of the Texas Penal Code or applicable municipal ordinances.
Arresting agency information, including the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the jurisdiction under which the arrest was executed.
Booking data, including the unique booking identification number, fingerprint classification, and the facility where processing occurred.
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as a "mugshot," taken during the booking process in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 15.
Disposition information indicating the initial handling of the case, such as release on bond, detention pending arraignment, or other preliminary judicial actions.
Criminal history information as permitted for disclosure under Texas Government Code § 411.135, which may include prior arrests within the jurisdiction.
The McLennan County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in both physical and electronic formats, with retention periods determined by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's local government retention schedules (PS designation).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Waco
The expungement of arrest records in Waco is governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. This legal process, formally known as expunction, provides eligible individuals with the opportunity to remove arrest records from public access and official databases maintained by law enforcement agencies and courts within McLennan County.
Pursuant to Article 55.01 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
The person was arrested but never charged with an offense, or charges were declined by the prosecuting attorney.
The person was charged but the case was dismissed or quashed, and the statute of limitations has expired.
The person was acquitted of the offense by a judge or jury (finding of "not guilty").
The person was convicted but subsequently pardoned by the Governor of Texas or the President of the United States.
The person meets the requirements for expunction under specialized statutory provisions, such as those related to certain alcohol offenses committed by minors.
The expungement process requires the filing of a Petition for Expunction with the McLennan County District Court, located at 501 Washington Avenue, Waco, TX 76701. Filing fees and court costs, which typically range from $250 to $500, are assessed pursuant to the fee schedule established by the McLennan County District Clerk.
Upon granting of an expunction order, all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, including the Waco Police Department, McLennan County Sheriff's Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, are directed to delete or return all records and files related to the expunged arrest. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding, as specified in Article 55.03 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.
Search Arrest Records in Waco
Waco Police Department
3115 Pine Avenue
Waco, TX 76708
(254) 750-7500
Official Website
McLennan County Sheriff's Office
901 Washington Avenue
Waco, TX 76701
(254) 757-5000
Official Website
