Mobile Arrest Records
Arrest records for Mobile are kept by the Mobile Police Department and the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. The Police Records Unit handles about 6,000 reports each month. They work out of Police Headquarters at 2460 Government Boulevard. When Mobile Police arrest someone, that person goes to Mobile County Metro Jail. The jail sits at 450 St. Emanuel Street in downtown Mobile. The Sheriff's Office runs an online "Who's in Jail" database. It shows current inmates along with booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. Court records for criminal cases show up in the Alacourt system after charges get filed.
Mobile Quick Facts
Mobile County Handles Filings
Mobile is the county seat of Mobile County. All criminal case filings for arrests in the city go through Mobile County courts. The 13th Judicial Circuit serves Mobile County only. It does not matter who makes the arrest. Mobile Police, Sheriff deputies, or other local agencies all book people at the county level. The Mobile County Metro Jail is the main booking spot for the whole county.
| County | Mobile County |
|---|---|
| Judicial Circuit | 13th Judicial Circuit |
| Court Location | Mobile Government Plaza, 205 Government Street, Mobile, AL 36602 |
| Circuit Clerk Phone | (251) 574-8700 |
Jail and Booking Information
Mobile County Metro Jail
The Mobile County Metro Jail is the main place where people get held after arrest. Booking happens here. Inmates stay here while they wait for bail or trial. The jail has an online inmate search. It gets updated all day long.
| Address | 450 St. Emanuel Street Mobile, AL 36603 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 574-2423 |
| Inmate Search | Who's in Jail Database |
| Records Email | yrcalhoun@mobileso.com |
Mobile Police Department Records Unit
The Mobile Police Records Unit handles requests for police reports, arrest reports, and incident reports. You need to show up in person for background checks. Bring a valid photo ID. The unit is open on weekdays during normal business hours.
| Address | 2460 Government Boulevard Mobile, AL 36606 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 208-7211 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | Records and Forms |
How to Search for Arrest Records in Mobile
Mobile County Sheriff's Online Inmate Search
The fastest way to check if someone is in jail right now is the Mobile County Sheriff's Who's in Jail database. This tool shows everyone booked into Metro Jail. You can search by last name. Or just browse the full roster. Each listing has the inmate's name, mugshot, booking date and time, charges, and bond amount. The database updates all day long as new bookings come in and people get out. Keep in mind this only shows current inmates. If someone got arrested but posted bond, they will not show up.
Alacourt for Court Case Records
Once charges get filed, the case goes into the court system. You can search it through Alacourt Public Access. Pick Mobile County from the dropdown. Choose Criminal or Traffic. Then type in the person's name. Results show case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and how the case ended. Alacourt is free and covers all Alabama counties. There can be a delay from arrest to when the case shows up. The district attorney has to file charges first.
Mobile Police Department Records Request
For official copies of arrest reports or incident reports, contact the Records Unit. They handle thousands of reports each month. You can get copies for a small fee. Go to Police Headquarters at 2460 Government Boulevard during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID. Background checks must be done in person. You cannot do them by mail or phone. For general questions about records, you can email the Mobile Police Department.
Alabama VINE for Custody Status
The Alabama VINE system lets you track an inmate's status. You can sign up for alerts when things change. This helps if you need to know when someone gets out of jail. Call 1-877-846-3425 or go to the VINE website to search by name. You can get alerts by phone, email, or text. This service is free. It works across the whole state.
Types of Arrest Records Available
Current Jail Roster
The jail roster shows who is being held at Metro Jail right now. Each entry has the booking photo, full name, date of birth, booking date and time. It also lists all charges and bond amounts. Court dates show up when they are set. This info is public under Alabama law.
Arrest Reports
Arrest reports show the details of an arrest. They list the date, time, and place. They name the arresting officer. They show the charges at the time of arrest. There is also a story of what led to the arrest. You can get these from the Police Records Unit after the arrest is processed.
Criminal Court Records
After charges get filed, the case creates court records. These include the charging document, all motions and orders, and hearing transcripts. Plea deals, verdicts, and sentencing info are in there too. The Mobile County Circuit Clerk keeps these records. You can search them through Alacourt.
Background Check Information
A full criminal background check in Alabama means sending a request to ALEA. ALEA stands for Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. They give you a complete criminal history, not just records from one place. Mobile Police can tell you about arrests their own officers made. But for a statewide search, go to ALEA.
Fees for Arrest Records
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Who's in Jail Online Search | Free |
| Alacourt Case Search | Free |
| Police Incident Report Copy | $5.00 - $10.00 |
| Certified Court Document | $1.00 - $5.00 per page |
| ALEA Criminal History Check | $25.00 |
| Alabama VINE | Free |
Processing Times
| Request Type | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Online Jail Roster Search | Immediate |
| Alacourt Search | Immediate |
| In-Person Report Request | Same day to 3 business days |
| ALEA Criminal History (mail) | 5-10 business days |
Legal Framework for Public Access
Alabama law gives the public access to arrest records and court documents. Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, every resident can look at and copy any public state record. Some records are off limits by law. But this rule is why you can get arrest records, jail rosters, and court case info.
Some info is kept from the public. Juvenile records are private under Alabama Code Section 12-15-102. Expunged records are sealed. You cannot see them. Details of ongoing cases and warrants not yet served are also off limits. Home addresses, Social Security numbers, and driver's license numbers may be blacked out on public records.
Alabama lets you expunge some arrest records under Alabama Code Title 15, Chapter 27. If your charges got dropped, you were found not guilty, or you finished a diversion program, you might be able to seal your record. To do this, file a petition in circuit court. You will pay a filing fee. Once approved, the record comes off public databases. But law enforcement can still see expunged records.
Mobile Arrest Records Resources
Mobile Police Department Records Portal
The Mobile Police website has info about how to ask for police reports and other records. The Records Unit at Police Headquarters takes walk-in requests during business hours.
Mobile County Who's in Jail Database
The Mobile County Sheriff's online inmate roster runs all day, every day. Search by name to find current inmates. You can see booking info, charges, and bond amounts.
Legal Aid Resources in Mobile
Need help with your arrest record? Want to expunge a record? Having trouble with the court system? A few groups in Mobile offer free or cheap legal help.
Legal Services Alabama - Mobile Office
Legal Services Alabama gives free civil legal help to low-income people. They do not do criminal defense. But they can help with record-related issues. This includes expungement petitions. They can also explain how a record might affect your housing or job.
| Address | 104 St. Francis Street, Suite 700 Mobile, AL 36602 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (251) 433-6560 |
| Services | Expungement assistance, record-related civil matters |
Mobile Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service
The Mobile Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. They can set you up with an attorney for a small fee. This is good if you need advice on a pending case. Or if you want to look into expungement.
Alabama State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program
The Volunteer Lawyers Program pairs low-income people with attorneys who work for free. Get in touch to see if you qualify. They can help with criminal record matters.
Other Major Alabama Cities
Arrest records in other Alabama cities work the same way. Local police and county sheriff offices keep the records. Pick a city below to find the right resources.
Start Your Search
Use the search tool below to find arrest records for Mobile and other places.