Arrest records in Mansfield, Texas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the presumption that government records, including those documenting arrests, shall be available to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to records detailing law enforcement activities and other governmental functions.
The Mansfield Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available through various channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information should note that while most arrest data is publicly accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under Texas Government Code § 552.108 and § 552.130.
The Mansfield Police Department provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:
Mansfield Police Department
1601 E. Broad Street
Mansfield, TX 76063
(817) 276-4700
Police Department Records Division
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Access: The Mansfield Police Department maintains a Police-to-Citizen (P2C) portal where members of the public may search for arrest information, inmate status, and other public safety data.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via mail or email to the Records Division, citing the specific information sought under the Texas Public Information Act.
Municipal Court Records: For cases that have proceeded to court, the Mansfield Municipal Court maintains records that may be accessed by case number or defendant name.
Mansfield Municipal Court
1200 E. Broad Street
Mansfield, TX 76063
(817) 276-4716
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number (if known) to facilitate efficient record retrieval.
Standard arrest records maintained by the Mansfield Police Department contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and subsequent processing. These records typically include the following elements as required by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.17:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, address, and any known aliases or identifying numbers.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the specific agency conducting the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete description of the alleged offense(s), including applicable Texas Penal Code sections and charge classification (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking Information: Photographs (mugshots), fingerprints, personal property inventory, and medical screening results.
Case Processing: Assigned case numbers, court appearance dates, bail or bond information, and detention facility assignment.
Disposition Information: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or adjudicated.
Pursuant to Texas Administrative Code Title 37, Part 1, Chapter 27, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information protected under HIPAA regulations.
The accessibility of arrest records in Mansfield is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. The following statutes and regulations establish the parameters for record disclosure:
Texas Public Information Act (TPIA): Codified in Texas Government Code Chapter 552, this act establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted.
Texas Code of Criminal Procedure: Articles 2.17 and 2.21 mandate the creation and maintenance of arrest records by law enforcement agencies and establish requirements for their content.
Texas Local Government Records Act: Texas Local Government Code Chapter 201 establishes retention schedules for arrest records and other law enforcement documentation.
Federal Regulations: The FBI's Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy imposes additional requirements on the handling and dissemination of criminal history information.
Under Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain arrest information may be withheld if release would interfere with the detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, records related to juvenile arrests are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Texas Family Code § 58.007.
Texas law provides mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for expungement in Mansfield if their situation meets the criteria established in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Tarrant County. Upon approval, an expungement order directs all agencies maintaining records of the arrest to destroy or return all documentation related to the case.
Tarrant County District Clerk
100 N. Calhoun Street
Fort Worth, TX 76196
(817) 884-1574
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Alternatively, individuals who do not qualify for expungement may seek an order of nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes. This option is typically available to those who have successfully completed deferred adjudication for certain offenses.
Due to the legal complexities involved, persons seeking expungement or nondisclosure are advised to consult with legal counsel familiar with Texas record clearing procedures.
The Mansfield Police Department assesses fees for arrest record requests in accordance with guidelines established by the Texas Attorney General's Office. Current fee schedules for common record requests include:
Payment may be made by cash, check, money order, or credit card. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.267.
Processing times for record requests vary based on several factors:
The Mansfield Police Department processes all requests in the order received, in accordance with the timeframes established in Texas Government Code § 552.221, which requires prompt production of public information.