Arrest records are public documents in Pflugerville, Texas, pursuant to the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Texas Public Information Act operates under the presumption that all government information is available to the public, with certain statutory exceptions designed to protect privacy, security, and other compelling interests.
The Pflugerville Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records serve multiple public interests, including:
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other protected categories of information as specified in § 552.101-152 of the Texas Government Code.
The Pflugerville Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may obtain arrest records. Pursuant to departmental policy and state law, requestors must follow established procedures to access these documents. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records in Pflugerville:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests at the Records Division of the Pflugerville Police Department located at 1611 E. Pfennig Lane, Pflugerville, TX 78660. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. A valid government-issued photo identification is required when submitting requests in person.
Online Requests: The Pflugerville Police Department maintains an online portal through which citizens may submit requests for arrest records. The electronic system allows for efficient processing and tracking of requests.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Pflugerville Police Department, 1611 E. Pfennig Lane, Pflugerville, TX 78660. Requests must include the requestor's contact information, specific details about the record being sought, and a copy of the requestor's identification.
Public Access Terminals: Designated computer terminals are available at the Pflugerville Public Library (1008 W. Pfluger Street, Pflugerville, TX 78660) for accessing certain public records, including basic arrest information.
In accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.221, the Pflugerville Police Department must promptly produce public information in response to an application. "Promptly" means as soon as possible under the circumstances, within a reasonable time, without delay.
Arrest records maintained by the Pflugerville Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement resulting in arrest. These records are standardized in accordance with Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) guidelines and generally include the following components:
It should be noted that pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Art. 62.005, if the arrested individual is a registered sex offender, this information will be cross-referenced in the arrest record and may contain additional details regarding registration status and compliance.
The expungement process in Pflugerville follows Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, which provides legal mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances. Expungement (legally referred to as "expunction" in Texas statutes) permanently destroys all records and files related to an arrest.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Pflugerville include:
The expungement procedure requires filing a Petition for Expunction with the Travis County District Court. This legal document must contain:
Upon filing, a hearing date will be scheduled, typically within 30 days. If the court grants the expungement, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies to destroy records related to the arrest. The Pflugerville Police Department, upon receiving such an order, is legally obligated to comply within 60 days and provide verification of compliance to the court.
Individuals seeking expungement may also qualify for an Order of Nondisclosure under Texas Government Code Chapter 411, which seals records rather than destroying them. This alternative may be available in cases where full expungement is not legally permissible.
Travis County District Clerk's Office
1000 Guadalupe Street
Austin, TX 78701
(512) 854-9457
Travis County District Clerk