Law enforcement agencies in Russell County record approximately 3,000 arrests each year, contributing to Alabama's total of around 131,000 arrests annually. According to §36-12-43(b)(3) of the Code of Alabama, public records, including arrest records, are available for public viewing and copying through the appropriate government agencies. Copying fees typically range from $1 to $25, depending on the volume of the requests or agency's policies.
However, some arrest records are restricted from public disclosure, such records include medical records, juvenile records, and sealed or expunged records. Only authorized individuals or entities, such as the courts, individuals named in the records, their legal representatives, and the Russell County District Attorney's Office, are permitted to access these restricted records.
In Russell County, arrest records are maintained by various agencies, including the County Sheriff's Office, local Police Departments, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).
The Russell County Sheriff's Office provides access to arrest records at the county level. These records can be obtained by visiting the Sheriff's Office at:
Russell County Sheriff's Office
305 Prentiss Drive
Phenix City, AL 36868
Phone: (334) 298-6535
The Sheriff's Office also provides an In Custody Search tool that allows users to look up information on individuals currently in custody.
To obtain arrest records from any Police Department in Russell County, individuals may submit requests online, by mail, or in person to the department that handled the arrest. Providing key details such as the arrestee's full name, the date of the arrest, and the incident location can help expedite processing. Most police departments charge fees for record copies, and processing time may vary. Records are reviewed before release to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and legal restrictions. The following Police Departments play significant role in law enforcement within the county:
To obtain criminal history records from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), individuals may submit requests by mail or in person. Applicants must complete the Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Record Information form, provide a fingerprint card from an ALEA-approved fingerprinting center, and include $25 fees (plus $5 for each additional copy requested). Mail-in requests should be sent to:
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511
Processing time for criminal records typically ranges from 5 to 10 business days.
Arrests that led to former charges in the county are recorded in criminal court records, which are managed and made accessible by the Russell County Circuit Clerk's Office. These records can be obtained by mail or through in-person visits during regular business hours at:
The County Circuit Clerk's Office
501 14th Street
Phenix City, AL 36867
Phone: (334) 298-0516
The Alabama Judicial System offers an online Case Search Tool, allowing users to access criminal court records electronically. Searches can be performed by case number or party name, and $9.99 fees per case apply. Additionally, third-party websites such as InfoTracer provide convenient online access to the county's public records by compiling information from official sources.
Russell County has an arrest rate of 4,504.3 per 100,000 residents. The following statistics offer insight into the county's arrest trends:
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Homicide | 16 |
| Sex Offenses | 21 |
| Assault | 218 |
| Arson | 6 |
| Burglary | 21 |
| Larceny | 108 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 12 |
| Robbery | 35 |
| DUI | 77 |
| Drug/Narcotic Offenses | 194 |
| Total Number of Arrests | 2,646 |
Source: Alabama Crime Statistics.