Arrest records in Arlington, Texas are considered public information pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that records collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies must be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The Arlington Police Department and Tarrant County maintain these records as part of their official duties and responsibilities to the community.
Members of the public may access arrest records for various legitimate purposes, including background checks, personal information verification, or general public interest. However, certain records may be subject to redaction or withholding if they fall under specific exemptions outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158, which protect information related to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
The Texas Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public information requests and can issue opinions when disputes arise regarding the public nature of specific records. Governmental bodies must respond to public information requests within 10 business days, either by providing the requested information or explaining why the information cannot be released.
Arlington residents and interested parties have multiple avenues to access arrest records in 2025. The following official channels are available for record retrieval:
• Arlington Police Department Records Division 620 W. Division Street Arlington, TX 76011 Phone: (817) 459-5670 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Records may be requested in person by completing a Public Information Request form. Requestors must provide specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the individual, date of arrest, and case number if available.
• Tarrant County Criminal Records Department 401 W. Belknap Street Fort Worth, TX 76196 Phone: (817) 884-1240 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM The county maintains comprehensive criminal records, including arrests that occurred within Arlington city limits. Certified copies are available for a nominal fee as established by Texas Administrative Code Title 1, Part 3, Chapter 70.
• Arlington Municipal Court 101 S. Mesquite Street, Suite 200 Arlington, TX 76010 Phone: (817) 459-6900 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM The court maintains records related to arrests for municipal violations and can provide information on case dispositions.
• Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service Online requests can be submitted through the department's website for statewide criminal history information, which includes arrests in Arlington. Fees are assessed in accordance with Texas Administrative Code § 27.1.
Requestors should note that processing times vary depending on the complexity of the request and the volume of records being processed. Identification may be required when requesting records in person to verify the requestor's identity.
Arlington arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.251. These official documents typically include the following elements:
• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases • Date of birth and demographic information • Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars • Official booking photograph (mugshot) • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers • Arrest details including date, time, location, and circumstances • Statutory charges filed at the time of booking • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) • Arresting agency information • Booking facility information • Case or incident report number • Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions • Court appearance dates, if scheduled at the time of booking
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on the status of any related investigation and applicable privacy laws. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.130, § 552.136, and § 552.147, which protect driver's license numbers, social security numbers, and other sensitive personal information.
Law enforcement agencies maintain these records in both physical and electronic formats, with retention schedules governed by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission's Local Government Retention Schedules (PS schedule for Public Safety Records).
The expungement process in Arlington follows Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, which provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Eligible individuals may petition for expungement (also called "expunction" in Texas law) when:
• An arrest occurred but no charges were filed or charges were dismissed • A grand jury issued a "no bill" on felony charges • The individual was acquitted of charges (found "not guilty") • The individual was convicted but subsequently pardoned • The individual successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program that qualifies for expungement • The statute of limitations has expired on an offense for which the person was released and the charge has not been presented
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Tarrant County. Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, the petition must include:
• The petitioner's full name, sex, race, date of birth, driver's license number, social security number, and address • The offense charged and the date of arrest • The county where the arrest occurred and the name of the arresting agency • The case number and court of offense, if applicable • A list of all law enforcement agencies, jails, courts, and other governmental entities that may possess records subject to expungement
Upon filing, the court will schedule a hearing, typically 30 days after filing. If the court grants the expunction, an order will be issued directing all agencies holding records to destroy or return them to the court. Following successful expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Alternative remedies include orders of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seal records rather than destroy them, making them inaccessible to the general public while remaining available to law enforcement and certain governmental agencies.
• Arlington Police Department Records • Tarrant County Criminal Records Search • Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search • Arlington Municipal Court Case Search • Public Information - UTA Police Department