Tarrant County Arrest Records
Tarrant County, Texas
Public data context for this county — not live jail headcounts or individual case files.
FBI Crime Data Explorer (UCR/NIBRS) via api.data.gov / api.usa.gov · 2025 · source
This product uses the FBI Crime Data Explorer API via api.data.gov but is not endorsed or certified by the FBI, the Department of Justice, or GSA.
Figures are historical agency-reported crime statistics, not live jail headcounts or individual arrest records.
An arrest record in Tarrant County, Texas documents that a person was taken into custody and booked by a law enforcement agency — it is not proof of guilt. This page explains what these records contain, where the information is published, how to request a copy, and how Texas handles expunction and nondisclosure.
What an Arrest Record Is in Tarrant County
An arrest record is a document created when a law enforcement agency takes a person into custody. In Tarrant County, all people booked into county custody are centrally received at the Tarrant County Corrections Center, 100 N. Lamar St., Fort Worth, TX 76196, operated by the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office – Detention Bureau. The Detention Bureau books in approximately 35,000 inmates a year.
A typical arrest or booking record identifies the person, the arresting agency, the date of booking, and the charges filed at that time. Charges listed on a booking report are allegations only. An arrest is not a conviction, and a person listed as arrested is presumed innocent unless and until a court finds otherwise.
Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records
It is important to separate the two. An arrest record reflects the moment a person was detained and booked. A conviction record reflects the outcome of a criminal case after it moves through the courts. Many arrests never result in a conviction — cases can be dismissed, declined, or resolved without a finding of guilt.
Because of this difference, the Sheriff's booking information and the court's case information are held by different offices. To learn how a case was resolved, you generally need court records, which in Tarrant County are handled by the District Clerk and County Clerk (covered on our sibling Court Records page). This page focuses on the arrest and booking side.
Where Arrest Information Is Published
Several official sources may show arrest-related information in Tarrant County:
- Sheriff's inmate search — the official Tarrant County Inmate Search shows people currently in county custody. Use it to confirm current detention rather than as a permanent arrest history.
- Sheriff's Office Records division — handles formal public records requests and criminal history information.
- District Clerk criminal case search — provides court case and criminal background check information for filed cases.
For questions about the Detention Bureau, the general County Telephone Operator is 817-884-1111 and the Corrections Center main line is 817-884-3000. Always confirm details directly with the agency, because online records may lag behind current activity.
How to Request a Copy of an Arrest Record
To obtain arrest or booking-related records from the county, use the official channels rather than third-party sites:
- Public Records Requests: The Sheriff's Office Records section (Operations Bureau – Communications and Technology) processes public records requests.
- Criminal History Information: The same Records section provides guidance on criminal history information requests.
- Letter of Incarceration: If you need proof that a specific person was or is in custody, the Sheriff's Office offers a Letter of Incarceration process.
- District Clerk Criminal Background Checks: For court-side criminal case information, the District Clerk offers criminal background checks.
Fees, accepted identification, and processing times are set by each office. This information may not be listed here, so confirm current requirements, costs, and how long a request takes directly with the Records division or the District Clerk before you submit.
Note that the Sheriff's Office does not release criminal warrant information to the general public; warrant details are provided only to licensed bondsmen, attorneys, and law enforcement agencies. Warrant questions are covered on our sibling Warrant Search page. Traffic-warrant questions go to the agency that issued the citation, or the Justice of the Peace shown on the citation.
How Long Arrest Records Stay Public
In Texas, criminal records — including arrest records — generally remain part of the public record unless a court orders them removed or sealed. There is no automatic expiration for most adult arrest information. Because retention and release rules vary by record type and agency, confirm the specific policy with the office that holds the record.
The county-level statistics reported by the primary agency are historical, agency-reported figures and do not reflect who is currently in custody. For 2025, the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office reported 1,123 arrests with an arrest rate of 12.5 per 100,000, compared with a statewide arrest rate of 155.2 per 100,000. These numbers are for context only.
Expunction and Nondisclosure in Texas (Plain English)
Texas law provides two main ways to limit public access to a criminal record. An expunction can erase records of certain arrests — for example, when charges were dismissed or a person was acquitted. An order of nondisclosure can seal certain records from most public view while still allowing access by some government agencies. Eligibility depends on the offense, the outcome of the case, and waiting periods set by statute.
In Tarrant County, information about post-conviction relief, expunction, and nondisclosure is provided by the Criminal District Attorney's Post-Conviction section. Because eligibility rules are specific and time-sensitive, confirm your options with that office or a licensed attorney before filing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an arrest record mean the person is guilty?
No. An arrest record only shows that someone was taken into custody and booked. Charges are allegations, and a person is presumed innocent unless a court finds otherwise.
How do I confirm someone is currently in the Tarrant County Jail?
Use the official Tarrant County Inmate Search, or call the Corrections Center at 817-884-3000 or the County Telephone Operator at 817-884-1111. Our sibling Inmate Search and Jail Roster pages cover this in detail.
Can I get arrest records for employment or tenant screening here?
This page is informational only. Records obtained through these channels are not intended to be used for employment, tenant, credit, or insurance decisions.
How much does a records copy cost and how long does it take?
Fees and processing times are set by the Sheriff's Records division and the District Clerk and are not listed here. Contact those offices directly to confirm current amounts and turnaround.
Official & Public Resources
Sheriff's Office Records – Public Records Requests
How to request incident, arrest and booking records from the Sheriff's Office under the Texas Public Information Act.
Sheriff's Office Records – Criminal History Information
What criminal history the Sheriff's Office can and cannot release, and where to go instead.
District Clerk – Criminal Background Checks
Felony case history checks through the Tarrant County District Clerk.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/district-clerk/services/criminal-background-checks.html
Criminal District Attorney – Post-Conviction (Expunction & Nondisclosure)
County guidance on expunctions and orders of nondisclosure for Tarrant County arrests.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/criminal-district-attorney/criminal-division/post-conviction.html
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office
Official Sheriff's Office site: detention bureau, records, warrants and inmate services.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/sheriff.html
Tarrant County Inmate Search (official)
Search current Tarrant County Jail inmates by last name, first name or CID.
https://inmatesearch.tarrantcounty.com/
