Forrest County Public Records / Forrest County Arrest Records

Forrest County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Forrest County

Arrest records in Forrest County, Mississippi are considered public records under the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1). This statute establishes that records created, used, received, or maintained by public bodies in the conduct of public business are public property and shall be accessible to the public, with certain exceptions.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains that arrest records are generally available to the public, though certain restrictions may apply. It is important to distinguish between arrest records and conviction records:

Arrest records document that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement
Conviction records indicate that a person was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings

Under Mississippi law, even if an arrest does not lead to conviction, the arrest record typically remains public unless specifically sealed or expunged through court order. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety Criminal Information Center serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state.

Forrest County Sheriff's Office
400 Forrest Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-7800
Forrest County Sheriff's Office

What's in Forrest County Arrest Records

Forrest County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
Home address
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Whether force was used during arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute/ordinance numbers violated
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
Property inventory (items in possession at arrest)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, property)
Whether bond was posted
Bond conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained
Release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Risk assessment scores
Medical screening information
Emergency contact information

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency's protocols and the circumstances of the arrest, pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 45-27-9.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Forrest County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Forrest County may utilize several methods to access this information. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining arrest record information:

Visit the Forrest County Sheriff's Office in person:
- Complete a public records request form at the records division
- Provide specific information about the record being requested (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Submit a written request by mail:
- Address formal written requests to the Records Division
- Include requestor's contact information
- Specify the exact records being sought
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees
Contact the Forrest County Circuit Clerk:
- The Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests
- Request records of court proceedings following arrests
Request records from the Forrest County Justice Court:
- For misdemeanor arrests and initial appearances

Forrest County Circuit Clerk
630 North Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6110
Forrest County Circuit Clerk

Forrest County Justice Court
700 Main Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-6090
Forrest County Justice Court

Pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act, agencies must respond to records requests within 7 working days. Fees may be charged for search, retrieval, and duplication of records as permitted under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7.

How To Find Forrest County Arrest Records Online

Forrest County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. The following online methods are available to the public:

Forrest County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster:
- Navigate to the Forrest County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Roster" or "Current Inmates" section
- Search by name to find current detention status
- Information typically includes booking date, charges, and bond information
Mississippi Department of Corrections Offender Search:
- Access the MDOC Inmate Search portal
- Enter the individual's name or MDOC number
- View custody status for individuals sentenced to state custody
Mississippi Court Electronic Records System:
- Access the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system
- Create a user account if required
- Search by name or case number
- Review case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings
Third-Party Aggregator Websites:
- Several commercial websites compile public record information
- These sites may charge fees for comprehensive reports
- Information accuracy may vary and should be verified through official sources

When using online resources, users should note that the most current and complete information is typically available directly from the Forrest County Sheriff's Office or court system. Online records may have limitations in terms of how frequently they are updated and the depth of information provided.

Mississippi Department of Corrections
723 N. President Street
Jackson, MS 39202
(601) 359-5600
Mississippi Department of Corrections

How To Search Forrest County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Forrest County arrest records without payment through several no-cost methods established under Mississippi public records law. The following free options are available:

In-Person Inspection at the Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Forrest County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours
- Request to inspect specific arrest records
- Take notes on record contents
- While inspection is free, copying fees may apply if printed copies are requested
Forrest County Sheriff's Office Website:
- Access the current inmate roster online at no charge
- View basic arrest information for recently booked individuals
- Information typically includes name, charges, and booking date
Forrest County Public Library Resources:
- Use public computers to access online court records
- Library staff may provide assistance with navigating public records databases
Mississippi Judiciary Case Search:
- Access the free public portal for court records
- Search by name to locate cases related to arrests
- View basic case information including charges and court dates
Local Newspaper Archives:
- Review arrest reports published in local newspapers
- Many libraries maintain newspaper archives that can be accessed for free

When utilizing free search methods, requestors should be prepared to provide specific identifying information about the subject of the search to ensure accurate results. While basic record inspection is free under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-7, agencies may charge reasonable fees for search, retrieval, and duplication services.

Forrest County Public Library
329 Hardy Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 582-4461
Forrest County Public Library

How To Delete Arrest Records in Forrest County

Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Forrest County must understand the legal distinction between expungement (complete removal) and sealing (restricting public access). Mississippi law provides specific pathways for record removal under limited circumstances.

Expungement Process:

Determine Eligibility:
- First-time offenders for certain misdemeanors and non-violent felonies
- Cases resulting in dismissal, acquittal, or nolle prosequi
- Cases where the individual was not formally charged within 12 months
- Certain youth court cases
File a Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain and complete the petition form from the Forrest County Circuit Clerk
- Include certified copies of the disposition of the case
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $150)
- Submit the petition to the court where the case was handled
Attend Expungement Hearing:
- If scheduled by the court, appear at the hearing
- Present evidence supporting the expungement request
- Respond to any objections from the District Attorney
Distribute Court Order:
- If granted, ensure the expungement order is sent to all relevant agencies
- Follow up to confirm records have been expunged

Mississippi law governing expungement is found in Miss. Code Ann. § 99-19-71 for misdemeanors and Miss. Code Ann. § 99-15-26 for certain felonies.

Record Sealing:

In some cases where expungement is not available, records may be sealed through:

Court orders restricting public access
Participation in pretrial diversion programs
Successful completion of drug court or other specialty court programs

Legal representation is strongly advised for navigating the expungement or sealing process, as requirements are specific and procedurally complex.

Forrest County District Attorney's Office
630 North Main Street, Suite 100
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 545-1600
Forrest County District Attorney

What Happens After Arrest in Forrest County?

Following an arrest in Forrest County, individuals enter a standardized criminal justice process governed by Mississippi law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through the following stages:

Booking and Processing:
- Transportation to Forrest County Jail
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Personal information collection
- Medical screening
- Property inventory
- Initial criminal history check
Initial Appearance:
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs defendant of charges
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination
- Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants
Preliminary Hearing:
- For felony cases only
- Determination if probable cause exists
- Usually within 14 days of initial appearance
- Case may be bound over to grand jury or dismissed
Grand Jury Proceedings (Felonies):
- Review of evidence by citizen grand jury
- Determination if sufficient evidence exists for indictment
- Proceedings are confidential
Arraignment:
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial date may be set
Pretrial Proceedings:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing of motions (suppression, dismissal, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Pretrial conferences
Trial:
- Jury selection
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
Sentencing (if convicted):
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements
- Judge imposes sentence according to Mississippi sentencing guidelines
Post-Conviction:
- Right to appeal within 30 days
- Possible probation or incarceration
- Payment of fines, restitution, and court costs

Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. The timeline may vary based on case complexity, court caseload, and other factors.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Forrest County?

Arrest records in Forrest County are maintained according to Mississippi's records retention requirements, which establish specific timeframes for preserving law enforcement documentation. The retention of these records is governed by Miss. Code Ann. § 25-59-17, which authorizes the Department of Archives and History to establish records management programs for public agencies.

Standard Retention Periods:

Active Criminal Case Files: Maintained indefinitely while cases remain open
Closed Misdemeanor Cases: Typically retained for 5-7 years after case closure
Closed Felony Cases: Generally retained for 25 years to permanent retention
Homicide and Sexual Assault Cases: Permanently retained
Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to different retention schedules, often sealed at age 20
Booking Records and Photographs: Typically retained for 75 years
Fingerprint Cards: Permanently maintained in state and federal databases

Different agencies within Forrest County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports, booking information, and investigative files
The Circuit Clerk preserves court records related to criminal proceedings
The District Attorney's Office retains prosecution files
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository of criminal history information

Records retention serves several critical purposes in the criminal justice system:

Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
Maintains documentation for potential appeals and post-conviction proceedings
Provides statistical data for law enforcement analysis
Ensures accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Supports background checks for employment, licensing, and other purposes

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History provides guidance to local agencies on records retention through its Local Government Records Office, which publishes retention schedules for various types of public records.

How to Find Mugshots in Forrest County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system and typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) photograph
Profile (side-view) photograph
Identification information (booking number, date)
Height measurement markers in background

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Forrest County, mugshots are officially maintained by:

Forrest County Sheriff's Office as part of booking records
Forrest County Detention Center for current inmates
Mississippi Department of Corrections for state prisoners
Digital records management systems used by law enforcement

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Forrest County may utilize these methods:

Submit a public records request to the Forrest County Sheriff's Office
Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person
Check the current inmate roster on the Sheriff's Office website
Contact the Forrest County Circuit Clerk for court records that may include mugshots

Can They Be Found Online

Limited mugshot information may be available through:

Forrest County Sheriff's Office website (current inmates only)
Mississippi Department of Corrections offender search (state prisoners)
Third-party websites that aggregate public records (accuracy varies)

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To request official copies of mugshots:

Complete a public records request form specifying the mugshot sought
Provide identifying information (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
Submit request to the Forrest County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Pay applicable fees for search and reproduction

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be limited under certain circumstances:

Juvenile records are generally confidential
Expunged or sealed records are not publicly available
Active investigations may restrict access to certain booking photos
Privacy considerations may apply in special cases
Commercial use restrictions may exist under Mississippi law

Forrest County Detention Center
400 Forrest Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
(601) 544-5090
Forrest County Detention Center