Amarillo Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Amarillo, Texas?
Arrest records are public documents in Amarillo, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government information, including arrest records maintained by the Amarillo Police Department, is available to the public. The Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records documenting interactions with law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public may access these records unless specific statutory exemptions apply. Such exemptions may include:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Records involving juveniles
- Records sealed by court order
- Information that would compromise public safety if released
The Texas Public Information Act requires governmental bodies to promptly release requested information unless there is a compelling reason to withhold it under one of the statutory exceptions outlined in §§ 552.101 through 552.158.
How to Look Up Amarillo Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Amarillo provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. As digital infrastructure continues to evolve, the following methods remain available for obtaining arrest information:
Online Portal Access: The Amarillo Municipal Court maintains an electronic database where certain arrest records can be searched using name, case number, or date of arrest.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Records Division of the Amarillo Police Department to submit formal requests for arrest records.
Amarillo Police Department
200 SE 3rd Avenue
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 378-3038
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMPotter County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county law enforcement.
Potter County Sheriff's Office
608 S. Pierce Street
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2900
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMWritten Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records. These requests must be directed to the custodian of records at the relevant agency and should include specific information to identify the desired records.
Third-Party Services: Commercial background check services may provide access to Amarillo arrest records, though the accuracy and comprehensiveness of such services cannot be guaranteed by governmental entities.
Requestors should note that fees may apply for record retrieval and reproduction in accordance with Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70.
Contents of an Amarillo Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Amarillo law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102. Standard arrest records include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, address, and physical descriptors of the arrested individual
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); agency making the arrest
Offense Information: Specific charges filed; statutory citations; offense classification (misdemeanor or felony); incident report number
Processing Data: Booking number; fingerprint classification; mugshot photographs; personal property inventory
Case Disposition: Bond amount and status; court assignment; preliminary hearing date; case outcome if available
Detention Information: For individuals held in custody, facility location and inmate identification number
The comprehensiveness of records may vary based on the arresting agency and the stage of criminal proceedings. Records maintained by the Amarillo Municipal Court typically contain information related to Class C misdemeanors, while more serious offenses are documented in records maintained by Potter or Randall County authorities.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Amarillo
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 provides mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Amarillo. Expungement permanently removes arrest records from public access and, when granted, allows individuals to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Amarillo include:
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
- Charges that were dismissed
- Acquittals at trial
- Pardons
- Certain successfully completed deferred adjudication programs
- Arrests for misidentification
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Amarillo residents, petitions are typically filed with:
Potter County District Clerk
500 S. Fillmore, Room 303
Amarillo, TX 79101
(806) 379-2300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Randall County District Clerk
2309 Russell Long Blvd., Suite 120
Canyon, TX 79015
(806) 468-5600
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon review, the court may schedule a hearing to determine whether the statutory requirements for expungement have been satisfied. If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return those records to the court.
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which limits public access to criminal records without completely removing them from government databases.
Search Arrest Records in Amarillo
