Arrest records are public in Cedar Park, 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. Arrest records fall within the category of public information unless specifically exempted by law.
The Texas Public Information Act operates under the principle that the public has a right to information concerning government affairs and the official acts of public officials and employees. Under Texas Government Code § 552.021, public information is available to the public during normal business hours of the governmental body.
Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or in accordance with other statutory exemptions outlined in Texas Government Code § 552.101 through § 552.158.
The Cedar Park Police Department maintains arrest records and provides several methods for public access in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following official channels:
In-person requests can be submitted at the Cedar Park Police Department Records Division during regular business hours. Staff will assist requestors in completing the necessary forms and identifying available records.
Online requests for arrest records and reports can be submitted through the city's official website. The electronic system allows for efficient processing of public information requests.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division. All written requests must include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Public access terminals are available at designated government facilities where individuals can search certain public records databases without filing a formal request.
Cedar Park Police Department
555 E. Whitestone Blvd.
Cedar Park, TX 78613
Phone: (512) 260-4600
Cedar Park Police Department
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.221, the Records Division 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.
Cedar Park arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Texas state law and local regulations. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and applicable state regulations. Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with Texas Government Code § 552.130, § 552.136, and § 552.147, which protect driver's license numbers, social security numbers, and other personal identifying information.
The State of Texas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement (expunction) of arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Chapter 55 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure. Residents of Cedar Park may petition for expungement if their situation meets the statutory requirements.
Pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.01, an individual is entitled to have all records and files relating to an arrest expunged if:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the district court in Williamson County. The petition must comply with the requirements specified in Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 55.02, including providing all relevant case information and legal grounds for expungement.
If granted, an Order of Expunction will be issued directing all agencies holding records related to the arrest to destroy or return all files and references to the arrest. Following expungement, the individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest except when questioned under oath in a criminal proceeding.
Williamson County District Clerk
405 Martin Luther King Street, Box 15
Georgetown, TX 78626
Phone: (512) 943-1212
Williamson County District Clerk
Arrest records maintained by the Cedar Park Police Department serve as critical components in background check processes conducted for various purposes. These records are accessible to authorized entities in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Texas state regulations.
Employers, educational institutions, licensing agencies, and other authorized organizations may access Cedar Park arrest records when conducting background investigations. The Municipal Court maintains records of cases processed through their system, which may include information about arrests that resulted in municipal charges.
Background checks utilizing Cedar Park arrest records typically require:
The Cedar Park Police Department Records Division processes background check requests in accordance with Texas Government Code § 411.135, which governs the dissemination of criminal history record information. Certain restrictions apply to the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction or deferred adjudication.
While arrest records in Cedar Park are generally public, several legal restrictions govern their accessibility and use. These limitations are established by federal and state statutes designed to protect individual privacy rights and ensure fair treatment.
The following restrictions apply to Cedar Park arrest records:
The Cedar Park Police Department and Municipal Court are responsible for ensuring compliance with these legal restrictions when processing requests for arrest records. Unauthorized access or improper use of restricted information may result in civil or criminal penalties under Texas law.