Texas Criminal Arrest Records – Search Arrests, Charges & Jail Data
Texas criminal arrest records are public documents that provide details about people who have been arrested by law enforcement agencies across the state.
These records are commonly searched by employers, landlords, attorneys, journalists, and everyday citizens who want to verify someone’s criminal history or look up a recent arrest.
In this guide, you’ll learn what Texas criminal arrest records include, how to search arrests, check jail rosters, review police logs, use the Texas DOC offender search, and where to find official government websites. I also answer some of the most common questions at the end.
What Are Texas Criminal Arrest Records?
A Texas criminal arrest record is created when a person is taken into custody by a law enforcement agency. It documents the arrest event but does not automatically mean the person was convicted.
These records are part of Texas public records laws, meaning most arrest information is accessible to the public unless restricted by law.
Information Included in Texas Arrest Records
A typical Texas criminal arrest record may contain:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Age, gender, and physical description
- Date and location of the arrest
- Arresting agency (city police, county sheriff, DPS, etc.)
- Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number or case number
- Jail or detention facility location
- Mugshot (availability varies by county)
- Bond or bail amount
- Court information (if available)
Some older or sealed cases may have limited information, especially if the record was expunged or sealed by a court.
How to Search Texas Criminal Arrest Records
Texas does not have one single statewide arrest database. Instead, arrest records are maintained by county sheriffs, local police departments, courts, and state agencies.
Below are the most reliable ways to search.
County Jail Roster Search (Most Common Method)
Most recent arrests in Texas appear first on county jail rosters. Each county sheriff’s office manages its own inmate and booking system.
What You Can Find in a Jail Roster
- Recent arrests and bookings
- Current inmates
- Charges and offense details
- Booking date and time
- Bond or release status
How to Search a County Jail Roster
- Identify the county where the arrest occurred
- Visit the official sheriff’s office website
- Look for sections like:
- “Jail Roster”
- “Inmate Search”
- “Who’s in Jail”
- Search by name or booking number
Large counties such as Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, and Travis update their jail rosters daily.
Police Logs and Arrest Reports
Police logs are daily or weekly summaries published by city police departments. These logs show arrests, incidents, and calls for service.
What Police Logs Include
- Arrest date and location
- Type of offense
- Arresting officer or department
- Incident number
Police logs usually do not include full criminal histories but are helpful for finding recent arrests.
You can find police logs on:
- City police department websites
- Local news websites
- Public records portals
Texas Department of Criminal Justice (DOC) Offender Search
If someone has been convicted and sentenced to prison, their information may appear in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) offender database.
What the TDCJ Offender Search Shows
- Offender name and TDCJ number
- Current incarceration status
- Facility location
- Offense and sentence length
- Parole eligibility
This database does not show recent arrests that did not lead to prison.
Official TDCJ Offender Search
https://www.tdcj.texas.gov/offender_info/
Texas DPS Criminal History Search
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides access to official criminal history records. This is often used for background checks.
Important Notes
- May require identity verification
- Some searches require a fee
- More complete than jail rosters
Official Texas DPS Website
https://securesite.dps.texas.gov/DpsWebsite/CriminalHistory/?
Court Records for Arrest-Related Cases
Arrests that result in charges will usually appear in county or district court records.
Court records may include:
- Case filings
- Charge updates
- Court dates
- Case outcomes
Most Texas counties offer online court search tools through the clerk’s office.
Are Texas Criminal Arrest Records Public?
Yes, most Texas arrest records are public. However, access may be limited if:
- The record was sealed or expunged
- The arrest involved a juvenile
- The case is part of an active investigation
Expunged records are legally removed and should not appear in public searches.
Common Reasons People Search Texas Arrest Records
- Employment background checks
- Tenant screening
- Legal research
- Personal safety concerns
- Media or journalism research
- Checking one’s own record for accuracy
Tips for Accurate Arrest Record Searches
- Always check the county where the arrest occurred
- Verify spelling of names
- Use date of birth when available
- Cross-check jail, court, and DOC databases
- Remember that an arrest is not a conviction
FAQs
Are Texas criminal arrest records free to search?
Many county jail rosters and police logs are free. Some official criminal history searches may require a small fee.
Can I find arrest records online in Texas?
Yes. Most counties and state agencies provide online search tools.
Do arrest records show convictions?
No. Arrest records only show that an arrest occurred. Convictions appear in court or DOC records.
Can I remove my Texas arrest record?
In some cases, yes. Texas allows expunction or record sealing if you meet legal requirements.
Final Words
Texas criminal arrest records are valuable public resources, but they should always be used responsibly.
Whether you’re checking a recent arrest, reviewing jail information, or searching DOC offender records, using official Texas government websites ensures accuracy and reliability.
If you’re searching for information about yourself, reviewing your record regularly can help catch errors and protect your rights.
