Arrest records in Fort Stockton, Texas are public documents accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552), which establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental entities is available for public inspection and copying. The Fort Stockton Police Department and Pecos County Sheriff's Office maintain these records as part of their official duties.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. However, certain exceptions may apply under § 552.101 through § 552.158, which protect specific categories of information from disclosure, including:
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the records are generally public, access may be restricted in cases involving juveniles, certain victims of crimes, or when a court has specifically ordered records to be sealed.
The Fort Stockton community has multiple official channels through which arrest records may be accessed. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following methods:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Fort Stockton Police Department or the Pecos County Sheriff's Office. Requestors must complete a Public Information Request form and may be required to present valid identification.
Online access is available through the Fort Stockton Municipal Court's online portal, which provides searchable access to certain violation and arrest information.
Written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301.
County court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings can be accessed through the Pecos County Clerk's Office.
Fort Stockton Police Department 102 W 1st Street Fort Stockton, TX 79735 (432) 336-4600 Fort Stockton Police Department
Pecos County Sheriff's Office 103 W Callaghan Street Fort Stockton, TX 79735 (432) 336-3521 Pecos County Sheriff's Office
Pecos County Clerk's Office 200 S Nelson Street Fort Stockton, TX 79735 (432) 336-2181 Pecos County Clerk
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70.
Standard arrest records maintained by Fort Stockton law enforcement agencies contain specific information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These records typically include:
The Texas Department of Public Safety maintains standards for the collection and reporting of this information through the Computerized Criminal History System as mandated by Texas Government Code § 411.042.
Arrest records do not constitute proof of guilt, as all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 38.03.
The expungement process in Fort Stockton follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement (also called "expunction") when:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Pecos County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
Upon successful expungement, all records and files pertaining to the arrest are removed from public access and agencies are prohibited from releasing or disclosing any information about the expunged arrest.
Pecos County District Clerk 200 S Nelson Street, Room 108 Fort Stockton, TX 79735 (432) 336-2662 Pecos County District Clerk
Individuals with arrests that 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.