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Abilene Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Abilene, Texas?

Arrest records are public information in Abilene, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes that information collected, assembled, or maintained by governmental bodies is presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Texas Public Information Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and ensures citizens have access to records created with public funds. Law enforcement agencies in Abilene, including the Abilene Police Department, maintain arrest records as part of their official duties, and these records are generally available for public inspection and copying upon proper request.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with privacy laws and exemptions under Texas Government Code § 552.108, which protects information related to ongoing investigations or prosecutions. Additionally, records pertaining to juveniles are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements under Texas Family Code § 58.007.

How to Look Up Abilene Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Abilene provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:

Online Portal Access: The Abilene Police Department maintains an online incident and arrest reports system where daily reports are published. This resource allows members of the public to review recent arrest information without visiting a physical location.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Abilene Police Department Records Division, located at 450 Pecan Street, Abilene, TX 79604. The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via mail to: Records Division, Abilene Police Department, P.O. Box 60, Abilene, TX 79604. All written requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Open Records Requests: For comprehensive arrest record searches, individuals may file an Open Records Request with the City Secretary's Office pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221. Requests must be submitted in writing and should clearly identify the information sought.

The Abilene Police Department processes all requests in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.221, which requires governmental bodies to promptly produce public information for inspection or duplication, or to provide a written statement of when the information will be available if not immediately accessible.

Contents of an Abilene Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Abilene Police Department and Taylor County law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as prescribed by Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 66.102:

Arrestee Identification: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race/ethnicity, and physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency and officer identification
Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including Texas Penal Code citations; offense classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Case Processing Data: Booking number, case number, court assignment, and initial appearance information
Custody Status: Detention facility location, bond amount and type, and release information if applicable
Biometric Data: Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Photographic Evidence: Booking photographs ("mugshots") taken during the arrest processing

It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.108, certain information may be withheld if release would interfere with detection, investigation, or prosecution of crime. Additionally, personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and personal telephone numbers may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.147 and § 552.117.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Abilene

Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, eligible individuals may petition for expungement (expunction) of arrest records in Abilene. Expungement is a legal process that removes an arrest from an individual's criminal history and, when granted, allows the person to legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Abilene include:

Cases resulting in acquittal (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01(a)(1))
Cases dismissed or no charges filed, with statutory waiting periods satisfied (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01(a)(2))
Arrests for misdemeanors eligible for expungement after completion of pretrial diversion programs (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01(a)(2)(A))
Certain alcohol-related offenses committed by minors (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code § 106.12)

The expungement process requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Taylor County District Court, located at 300 Oak Street, Abilene, TX 79602. The petition must comply with all requirements specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, including proper notification to all agencies that may possess records related to the arrest.

Upon granting an expunction order, all records and files pertaining to the arrest are removed from public access or destroyed. Government agencies and private entities are prohibited from maintaining or releasing information about the expunged arrest, and the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except in specific circumstances outlined in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.03.

For arrests not eligible for expungement, individuals may qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records from public view while maintaining them for law enforcement purposes.

Search Arrest Records in Abilene

Abilene Police Department
450 Pecan Street
Abilene, TX 79604
Phone: (325) 673-8331
Official Website

Taylor County Sheriff's Office
450 Pecan Street
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325) 674-1300
Official Website

City of Abilene Municipal Court
555 Walnut Street
Abilene, TX 79601
Phone: (325) 676-6333
Official Website

Taylor County Clerk's Office
300 Oak Street, Suite 100
Abilene, TX 79602
Phone: (325) 674-1202
Official Website