Monroe County Public Records / Monroe County Arrest Records

Monroe County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Monroe County in 2026

MonroeMSRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Monroe County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and inmate rosters. Information presented reflects what is available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and inmate information accessible to the public. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate rosters and recent arrest activity. The Sheriff's Office records division processes requests for booking records, including arrest dates, charges, and custody status. Records are updated on a regular basis as new bookings occur and inmates are released.

2. Local Police Departments

The Aberdeen Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Monroe County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically made available through the department. Members of the public seeking arrest records from municipal jurisdictions within Monroe County may submit requests directly to the relevant police department's records division.

Aberdeen Police Department 121 W Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 369-4281 Aberdeen Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Monroe County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated court proceedings, charge dispositions, and case numbers. The Mississippi eCourts portal provides online access to circuit court case information statewide.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state criminal history repository. Members of the public may request criminal history records through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center. A fee applies for criminal history record requests submitted by the general public. The repository includes arrest and disposition information reported by law enforcement agencies throughout Mississippi.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office 201 Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 369-6612 Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
Specific information about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and approximate arrest date, assists in locating records
Copy fees apply per page as established by Mississippi law

Police Departments:

Aberdeen Police Department 121 W Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 369-4281 Aberdeen Police Department

Records requests are processed through the records division during regular business hours
Members of the public should provide the full name of the subject and the approximate date of the incident
Copy fees apply per page

Clerk of Court:

Monroe County Circuit Clerk 201 Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 369-8143 Monroe County Circuit Clerk

Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Members of the public may inspect case files at the clerk's office
Copy fees apply per page as set by state statute

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office at 201 Commerce St, Aberdeen, MS 39730. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on volume and record availability.

By Phone:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office: (662) 369-6612
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Limited information is available by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery processes in criminal and civil cases provide additional avenues for obtaining arrest-related documentation.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Aberdeen Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County

Arrest records in Monroe County are public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1, et seq., records created or maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, are presumptively open to inspection by any member of the public. Arrest records are made available in the interest of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalistic inquiry, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information, including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Mississippi law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not subject to public disclosure
Victim identifying information may be withheld in certain cases
Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Mississippi Constitution and the Mississippi Public Records Act establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. Due process considerations require that the public have access to information about government actions, including the exercise of arrest authority.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.

What's in Monroe County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification, including felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance bond
- No bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Previous arrests within the county, prior booking numbers, and historical charges may be included in some records, though this information is not always part of the current arrest record.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Monroe County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Monroe County is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, which authorizes public bodies to charge reasonable fees for the production of records. The following fee structure applies under current law and local policy:

Record Type	Fee
Standard copy (per page)	$0.25–$1.00 per page (varies by agency)
Certified copy	Additional fee set by clerk
Electronic records	May be provided at no charge or at cost of reproduction
Search fee	May apply if extensive search is required

Inspection of records at the office is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies
Certification fees are set by the Circuit Clerk and apply when a certified copy is requested
Electronic format copies may be provided at the cost of reproduction, which may be lower than paper copies
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, money order, and check; members of the public should confirm accepted methods before submitting a request
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost; fees are assessed only when copies are requested

How To Delete Arrest Records in Monroe County

Under Mississippi law, the legal mechanisms for removing arrest records from public access are expungement (destruction or removal of the record) and sealing (restricting public access while retaining the record). The distinction is significant: expungement results in the physical or electronic destruction of the record, while sealing restricts public access but allows law enforcement to retain and access the record.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Mississippi law, under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71, provides for expungement of certain arrest and conviction records. Eligibility depends on the nature of the offense, the outcome of the case, and the applicant's criminal history. The following circumstances may qualify for expungement:

Arrest with no charges filed
Charges dismissed or nolle prossed
Acquittal at trial
First-offense misdemeanor convictions, subject to statutory waiting periods
Certain first-offense felony convictions, as specified by statute
Successful completion of a pretrial diversion or intervention program

Offenses Not Eligible for Expungement:

Sex offenses requiring registration
Crimes against children
Felony convictions involving violence, where not specifically authorized by statute
DUI convictions (subject to specific limitations)

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and any associated court records from the Monroe County Circuit Clerk
Confirm eligibility under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71 or the applicable statute for the offense type
Prepare a Petition for Expungement, which must be filed in the circuit court of the county where the arrest or conviction occurred
File the petition with the Monroe County Circuit Clerk and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve the petition on the district attorney's office and any other required parties
Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will determine whether expungement is appropriate
If granted, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to destroy or seal the record

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Monroe County Circuit Clerk 201 Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 369-8143 Monroe County Circuit Clerk

Mississippi District Attorney – 17th Circuit Court District Contact the Circuit Clerk's office for current District Attorney contact information.

Mississippi Office of the Public Defender Mississippi Office of the State Public Defender

Individuals seeking expungement are encouraged to consult with a licensed Mississippi attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process.

What Happens After Arrest in Monroe County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Monroe County, the arrested individual is transported to the Monroe County Jail for booking. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before transport.

Monroe County Jail 201 Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 369-6612 Monroe County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the arrested individual undergoes a standard intake process that typically takes one to four hours depending on volume. The booking process includes:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification assignment

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who are indigent
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted via video conference in some circumstances. Court schedules are available through the Mississippi Courts website.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the judge or magistrate at the initial appearance

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A court date is provided in writing
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody and receives a housing assignment
Inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who are determined to be indigent have the right to appointed counsel. Applications are processed through the court at the initial appearance.

Mississippi Office of the State Public Defender Mississippi Office of the State Public Defender Phone: (601) 576-4290

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Mississippi Bar Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney's Office for the 17th Circuit Court District reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges.

Grand Jury:

For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. Defense counsel is not present during grand jury proceedings.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery
Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects; expungement may be available
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, and veterans court programs result in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: resolved more quickly, often within weeks to a few months
Felonies: may take six months to over a year
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Mississippi Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 201 Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 369-6612 Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Monroe County Circuit Clerk 201 Commerce St Aberdeen, MS 39730 Phone: (662) 369-8143 Monroe County Circuit Clerk

Mississippi District Attorney – 17th Circuit Court District Contact the Circuit Clerk's office for current contact information for the District Attorney.

Mississippi Office of the State Public Defender 239 N Lamar St, Suite 604 Jackson, MS 39201 Phone: (601) 576-4290 Mississippi Office of the State Public Defender

Mississippi Courts – Case Information Mississippi Courts

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Monroe County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Monroe County is governed by Mississippi law and the policies of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, which establishes records retention schedules for public agencies. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1, public bodies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History publishes retention schedules applicable to law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, the Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the FBI
Records are maintained indefinitely and are part of the subject's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the Circuit Clerk
The state repository retains records in accordance with state policy
Records appear on background checks and are part of the criminal history

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains records for a period established by the applicable retention schedule
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records per the retention schedule
Court records are often retained permanently
Records may be eligible for expungement under Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a period established by the retention schedule
Local arrest logs are retained per policy
These records may be eligible for expungement

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records per the applicable schedule
Records are often eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the applicable retention schedule
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and the nature of the offense

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained per the applicable schedule
Records management system data is often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary in retention policy
Court electronic records are often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records in third-party databases may not be updated when a record is expunged
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Monroe County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Mississippi retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on the nature and outcome of the case
Phone: (662) 369-6612

Aberdeen Police Department:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable schedule
Phone: (662) 369-4281

Monroe County Circuit Clerk:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained per the applicable schedule
Electronic records are often retained permanently
Phone: (662) 369-8143

State Repository:

The Mississippi Criminal Information Center maintains arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions in the state
Retention policy is established by state law and agency policy
Mississippi Criminal Information Center

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention is typically permanent
Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are often not reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all systems takes time following the court order
No Charges Filed: These records have the shortest typical retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are available online through the Sheriff's Office and the Mississippi Courts portal
Older arrests may require an in-person request and may involve retrieval from archives with a possible fee and longer processing time
Very old arrests may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form; some records may have been destroyed per the retention schedule
Members of the public should contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office records division at (662) 369-6612 for information about specific historical records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the approved retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks under the FCRA cover a period of seven years for most positions, though convictions may be reported indefinitely
Some states restrict the reporting of non-conviction records after a specified period; Mississippi does not currently impose such a restriction by statute
Arrests without conviction may appear on background checks but cannot be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in certain contexts
Expungement does not guarantee removal from all third-party databases, and individuals should monitor their records following an expungement order

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Monroe County Sheriff's Office records division at (662) 369-6612 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A public records request may be required, and fees may apply for copies of responsive records.