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Benbrook Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Benbrook, Texas?

Arrest records are public in Benbrook, 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 available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions. The public nature of arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations and maintaining public oversight of governmental activities. Members of the public may access these records through established channels provided by local law enforcement agencies and judicial offices.

The Texas Public Information Act specifically addresses the presumption of openness in § 552.021, which states that public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body. Arrest records fall within this category unless specifically exempted by law, such as records pertaining to juvenile offenders or cases under active investigation where disclosure might interfere with law enforcement proceedings.

How to Look Up Benbrook Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Benbrook provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records, with enhanced digital options implemented in recent years. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following official channels:

Online Request System: The Benbrook Police Department maintains an electronic portal for submitting public information requests. This system allows requestors to submit and track their requests for arrest records and other public safety information.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Benbrook Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with completing the necessary forms.

Benbrook Police Department
1080 Mercedes Street
Benbrook, Texas 76126
Phone: 817-249-6184
Official Website

Written Requests: Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.301, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or fax. These requests must be directed to the Public Information Officer at the Benbrook Police Department.
Tarrant County Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, arrest records may also be available through the Tarrant County Clerk's Office, which maintains records of criminal proceedings within the county jurisdiction.

All requests for arrest records must comply with the requirements set forth in the Texas Public Information Act. The governmental body must promptly produce public information for inspection, duplication, or both, in the offices of the governmental body upon request by any person for public information.

Contents of a Benbrook Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Benbrook Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and details of an arrest. Standard components of these records include:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, date of birth, physical description, and, when available, address of residence
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Detailed description of the alleged offense(s)
Statutory citation of violated laws or ordinances
Case number assigned by the Benbrook Police Department
Booking information, including fingerprints and photographs
Initial appearance information, including bond amount if applicable
Disposition of the case, if resolved

The Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 15.26 requires law enforcement officers to take arrested persons before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. Records pertaining to this process are typically included in the arrest documentation. Additionally, pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, certain information related to the arrest may be redacted if it contains confidential information such as social security numbers, driver's license numbers, or other personal identifying information.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Benbrook

The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure governs the expungement process, which is formally referred to as "expunction" in Texas law. Individuals may be eligible for expungement of arrest records in Benbrook under the following conditions:

The person was arrested but never charged with a crime
Charges were filed but later dismissed
The person was acquitted of the charges (found "not guilty")
The person was convicted but later pardoned or otherwise granted relief based on actual innocence
The person completed a pretrial diversion program, in certain circumstances
The statute of limitations for the offense has expired and no charges were filed

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Tarrant County. This legal procedure necessitates strict adherence to statutory requirements outlined in Article 55.02 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Upon approval by the court, an Order of Expunction is issued, directing all agencies holding records of the arrest to destroy or return all files and references to the arrest.

It should be noted that certain governmental agencies may retain records for administrative purposes even after expungement, though these records are no longer available to the public. Law enforcement agencies may maintain expunged records for internal use only, pursuant to Article 55.02, Section 4 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

The Texas Public Information Act contains specific provisions that limit access to certain arrest records. These restrictions are designed to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and other compelling governmental interests. Key restrictions include:

Records pertaining to juveniles are generally confidential under Texas Family Code Chapter 58
Information that would interfere with an active investigation or prosecution may be temporarily withheld under Texas Government Code § 552.108
Records containing information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be withheld under common law and constitutional privacy principles
Information related to victims of certain offenses, particularly sexual offenses, may be redacted to protect victim privacy

The Benbrook Municipal Court and Police Department are required to balance the public's right to information with these statutory and constitutional privacy protections. Requestors seeking arrest records may be required to provide identification to ensure proper handling of sensitive information, particularly when requesting records pertaining to themselves.

Benbrook Municipal Court
911 Winscott Road
Benbrook, Texas 76126
Phone: 817-249-6083
Official Website

Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records

Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, governmental bodies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public information. The Benbrook Police Department has established the following fee schedule for arrest record requests:

Standard arrest report: $5.00 per report
Certified copies: Additional $2.00 per document
Extensive searches requiring more than one hour of staff time: $15.00 per hour after the first hour
Copies of photographs or other media: Actual cost of reproduction

Fee waivers or reductions may be available for requests that are in the public interest or for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the Public Information Officer. All fees must be paid prior to the release of requested records, and payment can be made by cash, check, or money order payable to the City of Benbrook.