More than 830,000 arrests occur in Texas yearly, while law enforcement agencies in Taylor County execute over 3,000 arrests within the same period. The typical cost of obtaining arrest records in Taylor County ranges from $0.10 to $15. These records are available to the public according to the Texas Public Information Act. However, confidential records like details of undercover officers, juvenile records, and sensitive personal details are exempt from public access. Access to these records is restricted to individuals listed in the records and criminal justice agencies, including the courts, the police, and the District Attorney's Office.
Agencies that maintain arrest records in Taylor County include the County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the courts.
The Sheriff's Office is the primary public safety agency in Taylor County. It has the authority to make arrests within communities in the county and maintain official records of such arrests. Interested persons can obtain records from the Sheriff's Office by submitting a written request in person or via mail to:
Law Enforcement Center
450 Pecan St.
Abilene, TX 79602
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
Ensure that your request is accompanied by a copy of your driver's license that contains your photograph. Additionally, requesters may view information on inmates in the county using the Jail Records portal.
Municipal-level agencies, known as local police departments (PDs), provide law enforcement services within several communities in Taylor County. These agencies may maintain crime-related information, including arrest records, within their respective jurisdictions. To obtain police arrest records in Taylor County, confirm the location of the arrest and contact the records office of the local agency operating within the area. Some PDs also have records portals or incident report websites where residents can find information on public safety activities. Listed below are some of the local police departments in Taylor County. The Abilene Police Department, the Tye Police Department, and the Merkel Police Department are the major local police departments in Taylor County.
At the state level, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) collates and provides public access to crime-related information, including Taylor County arrest records. Records maintained by the DPS may be accessed online through the Computerized Criminal History System (CCH) and the Criminal History Name Search website. Alternatively, requesters may request fingerprint-based records by contacting the recommended vendor and making the required payments.
Additionally, details of individuals incarcerated in state-run prisons are available online through the statewide Inmate Search tool.
In Taylor County, arrested individuals may be charged in the District Courts, County Courts, or Justice Courts, depending on the criminal allegations against them. These courts maintain official records, which include details of the case proceedings and the defendant's arrests.
Interested persons can access Taylor County criminal court records online through the county's Court Records Inquiry portal. Alternatively, requesters may contact the official clerk of the court where the case was heard.
Third-party websites like InfoTracer also provide electronic access to arrest records from various agencies in Taylor County. These platforms are often fast, reliable, and user-friendly.
Taylor County has an arrest rate of 2,110 per 100,000 residents and a crime rate of 3,462.1 per 100,000 residents. The table below shows a breakdown of the county's adult and juvenile arrest statistics.
| Arrest Type | Number of Arrests |
|---|---|
| Murder | 2 |
| Rape | 17 |
| Robbery | 14 |
| Aggravated Assault | 107 |
| Burglary | 50 |
| Larceny | 275 |
| Auto Theft | 28 |
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety
It is situated in Taylor county, Texas with a total number of 215 employees - 10 female, 78 male officers and 127 civilians. Taylor County SO ORI (Originated Agency Identifier) number is TX2210000, it belongs to the West South Central division in the South region with a region code of Region III.
| Department | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Merkel Police Department | 100 Kent St | (325)928-4766 |
| Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor County TX Juvenile Detention Center | 889 S. 25th Street | 325-691-7462 |
| Taylor County TX Restitution Center | 1133 South 27th Street | 325-691-7407 |