Arrest records are public documents in Crowley, Texas, accessible to all citizens under the provisions of the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Texas residents to access government-held information, including documentation related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies. The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes, including:
The Texas Public Information Act specifically designates arrest records as public information unless explicitly exempted by statute. Pursuant to this legislation, the Crowley Police Department and Tarrant County Sheriff's Office maintain these records and must make them available upon proper request. While certain elements of arrest documentation may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in specific circumstances, the fundamental arrest information remains accessible to the public.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Crowley, Texas have multiple avenues through which to obtain this information. The City of Crowley and Tarrant County maintain systems that facilitate public access to these documents through both traditional and digital channels. Individuals may utilize any of the following methods to search for and obtain arrest records:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Crowley Police Department located at 101 E. Hampton Road, Crowley, TX 76036 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit a request for arrest records. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees may apply.
Online Access: The Tarrant County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate search system that provides information about current detainees and recent arrests. This resource is available 24 hours per day through the county's official website.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Records Division of the Crowley Police Department. Such requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and contact information for the requestor.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile arrest data from multiple jurisdictions, including Crowley. While these services may offer convenience, the information provided may not be as current or comprehensive as official government sources.
Public Access Terminals: Designated computer terminals at the Crowley Public Library (900 E. Main Street, Crowley, TX 76036) provide access to certain public records, including basic arrest information.
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. Current fee schedules are available at the time of request from the respective agencies.
Arrest records maintained by Crowley law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Texas state law and local regulations. These documents serve as the official record of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in detention. Standard arrest records in Crowley typically contain the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and residential address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation of Texas Penal Code sections or municipal ordinances; classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony); and preliminary determination of charges by the arresting officer.
Booking Information: Unique booking identification number, fingerprint classification data, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during processing.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail determination, bond amounts, pretrial release conditions, or detention status.
Case Disposition: If available, information regarding the resolution of charges, including dismissals, plea agreements, trial outcomes, or case transfers.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current case or charging decisions.
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005, if the arrest involves a registrable sex offense, additional documentation and cross-references to the sex offender registry may be included in the arrest record.
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms through which individuals may petition for the expungement (expunction) or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. These remedies are governed by Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure and apply to arrests made in Crowley and throughout the state. Expungement permanently removes arrest records from public access, while record sealing (non-disclosure orders) restricts access to authorized entities only.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Crowley include:
The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the district court in Tarrant County. This legal proceeding involves:
For arrests not qualifying for expungement, individuals may seek an Order of Non-Disclosure under Texas Government Code § 411.081, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement and certain governmental purposes. This remedy typically applies to successfully completed deferred adjudication cases.
The Tarrant County District Clerk's Office, located at 100 N. Calhoun Street, Fort Worth, TX 76196, processes all expungement petitions for arrests made in Crowley. Legal assistance is strongly advised for navigating this complex process, as procedural errors may result in petition denial.