According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, Alabama sees at least 138,000 arrests every year, while law enforcement agencies in Houston County report only 1,000. Following the Alabama Open Records Law, residents have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records, including arrest records, except where restricted by statute.
The law also protects certain privileged arrest records, particularly those related to juvenile cases or those that may expose a victim's identity. However, these exempt records remain accessible to authorized individuals such as court officials, the record subjects, or the District Attorney. Obtaining arrest records in Houston County may cost up to $25, depending on the policies of the holding agency.
Houston County arrest records are maintained by various holding agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), courthouses handling criminal cases, the Sheriff's Office, and local police departments.
Arrest records from the Houston County Sheriff's Office may be obtained by visiting the office located at 411 N Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36303. A nominal fee may be required, and requesters must provide precise information regarding the arrestee to facilitate the record retrieval process.
Furthermore, individuals may utilize the Inmate Search tool to access information on individuals currently detained in the Houston County Jail.
Police arrest records in Houston County are typically available from the arresting police department. To request these records, it is recommended to visit the respective department in person during regular business hours.
Houston County is home to several municipal police departments, including:
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), specifically the Criminal Records Identification Unit, is responsible for handling inquiries related to criminal history and background checks.
Through the Alabama Background Check (ABC) system, qualifying employers in Houston County may access up-to-date and comprehensive criminal records for $15 per search. Alternatively, users may access records with a $95 annual subscription.
Anyone may conduct a public background check on another individual either by visiting the ALEA office or by submitting the required documents by mail. A key requirement in this process is the submission of the applicant's fingerprint. As outlined on page 4 of the ALEA Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information, the applicant must provide a classifiable set of fingerprints taken by any law enforcement agency in Houston County with an FBI-issued ORI.
Once the fingerprint card is obtained, the applicant must submit the completed application, a copy of a current photo ID, and a $25 fee, payable by money order or cashier's check. These documents may be mailed to PO Box 1511, Montgomery, AL 36102-1511, or submitted in person at 301 S. Ripley Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 (Adam Ave Side).
To access arrest information from criminal cases heard in the District and Circuit Courts, individuals must visit the Office of the Circuit Clerk. Furthermore, interested parties may search for criminal court records by case number or name through the On-Demand Access to Alabama State Trial Court Records website.
Alternatively, individuals may find arrest records through trusted third-party websites. Reliable services like InfoTracer offer up-to-date and accurate Houston County arrest records.
Law enforcement agencies in Houston County reported around 1,000 arrests. The breakdown of arrests by specific offenses is as follows:
| OFFENSE | NUMBER OF ARRESTS |
|---|---|
| Robbery | 7 |
| Arson | 4 |
| Burglary | 32 |
| Aggravated Assault | 45 |
| Rape | 1 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 16 |
| Larceny | 79 |
| Simple Assault | 158 |
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer
| Department | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Ashford Police Department | PO Box 428 519 North Broadway Street | (334)899-5113 |
| Cottonwood Police Department | 1414 Metcalf St PO Box 447 | (334)691-2113 |
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Houston County Jail | 901 East Main Street | 334-712-0762 |