Rankin County Public Records / Rankin County Arrest Records

Rankin County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Rankin County

Arrest records in Rankin County are considered public information under the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983, codified in Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq. This statute establishes that records created, maintained, or received by public bodies are generally accessible to the public, with certain exceptions.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant:

Arrest records document the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of a crime
Conviction records indicate that a person has been found guilty of a criminal offense through legal proceedings

In accordance with Mississippi Code § 45-27-11, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state's criminal history information and regulates access to such records. While arrest records are public, certain limitations exist regarding their dissemination, particularly for arrests that did not result in convictions.

The Rankin County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county and makes them available in accordance with state law. However, certain information within these records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as permitted by statutory exemptions.

Rankin County Sheriff's Office
221 N Timber St, Brandon, MS 39042
(601) 825-1480
Rankin County Sheriff's Office

What's in Rankin County Arrest Records

Arrest records maintained by Rankin County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with Mississippi Code § 45-27-7, which establishes requirements for criminal justice information systems. Standard components include:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

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

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute citations for alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony)
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Judge who signed the warrant

Booking Information:

Booking number
Date and time of booking
Facility where individual was processed

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, property)
Whether bond was posted
Release date if applicable

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case number

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where individual is being held
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Risk assessment information
Medical alerts or special handling requirements
Property inventory from booking process

The comprehensiveness of information may vary based on the specific circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Rankin County in 2026

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

In-Person Requests at the Sheriff's Office
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours
- Complete a public records request form
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Rankin County Sheriff's Office Records Division
221 N Timber St, Brandon, MS 39042
(601) 825-1480
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rankin County Sheriff's Office
Written Requests by Mail
- Submit a formal written request on the standard Mississippi Public Records Request Form
- Include specific details about the requested records
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (contact the office for current fee schedule)
- Mail to the Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address listed above
Circuit Court Clerk's Office
- For arrest records that have proceeded to court action
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Request case files related to specific arrests
- Pay applicable fees for document retrieval and copying
Rankin County Circuit Clerk's Office
301 E Government St, Brandon, MS 39042
(601) 825-1467
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Rankin County Circuit Clerk
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
- For comprehensive criminal history information
- Submit fingerprints and required forms
- Pay established fees for record search
Mississippi Department of Public Safety
1900 E. Woodrow Wilson Avenue, Jackson, MS 39216
(601) 987-1212
Mississippi Department of Public Safety

Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-7, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document retrieval, review, and duplication. Requestors should be prepared to pay these fees, which typically range from $10-25 for basic record searches.

How To Find Rankin County Arrest Records Online

Rankin County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official government portals. The following online methods are currently available to the public:

Rankin County Sheriff's Office Inmate Roster
- Navigate to the Rankin County Sheriff's Office website
- Locate the "Inmate Roster" or "Current Inmates" section
- Search by name or booking date
- View basic information about currently detained individuals
- Note that this resource only shows current inmates, not historical arrest records
Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Access the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search portal
- Enter the individual's name or MDOC identification number
- Review custody information for individuals currently in state custody
- This resource provides information on sentenced individuals, not necessarily recent arrests
Mississippi Criminal Information Center
- Visit the Criminal Information Center website
- Follow instructions for requesting criminal history information
- Complete required forms and submit payment electronically
- Note that full criminal history reports require fingerprint submission and identity verification
Rankin County Justice Court Records
- Access the Rankin County Justice Court website
- Navigate to the case search function
- Enter defendant name or case number
- Review case information related to arrests and charges
Third-Party Aggregator Websites
- Several commercial websites compile public record information
- These sites may charge subscription fees for access
- Information may not be current or complete
- Official government sources are recommended for accuracy

When conducting online searches, users should be aware that pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-12, certain personal identifying information may be redacted from publicly accessible records. Additionally, records related to ongoing investigations or juvenile matters may not be available through online portals.

How To Search Rankin County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public may access Rankin County arrest records without incurring fees through several established channels. The following methods are currently available for free record searches:

Rankin County Sheriff's Office Website
- Visit the Rankin County Sheriff's Office official website
- Navigate to the "Inmate Roster" or "Recent Arrests" section
- Search for individuals by name
- View basic arrest information and current custody status
- This resource is limited to recent and current detainees
Public Access Terminals at Government Offices
- Visit the Rankin County Sheriff's Office lobby during regular business hours
- Use the public access computer terminals
- Search for basic arrest information without charge
- Print fees may apply if hard copies are requested
Rankin County Sheriff's Office
221 N Timber St, Brandon, MS 39042
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mississippi Department of Corrections Inmate Search
- Access the MDOC online inmate search tool
- Enter the individual's name or MDOC number
- View current custody status and location
- This resource is limited to individuals currently in state custody
Mississippi Sex Offender Registry
- Visit the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name or location
- Access information about registered sex offenders including arrest history
- This resource is limited to individuals required to register as sex offenders
Court Docket Review
- Visit the Rankin County Circuit Court or Justice Court
- Review public docket sheets posted in the courthouse
- Attend public court proceedings
- Access basic case information without charge
Rankin County Circuit Court
301 E Government St, Brandon, MS 39042
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

In accordance with Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, while inspection of public records is generally free of charge, agencies may impose reasonable fees for document reproduction, certification, or extensive staff time required for record retrieval. Users seeking copies of documents should anticipate potential charges for these services.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Rankin County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Rankin County follows Mississippi state law, which provides specific mechanisms for record expungement or sealing under certain circumstances. These processes are governed by Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 and related statutes.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement refers to the legal process of removing an arrest or conviction from public records, effectively treating the event as if it never occurred
Sealing restricts public access to records while maintaining them for limited official purposes such as law enforcement and court use

Eligibility Criteria for Expungement in Rankin County

Arrest records may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

Arrests Without Conviction
- Cases resulting in dismissal
- Cases where no charges were filed within 12 months of arrest
- Cases resulting in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
- Cases where the grand jury failed to indict ("no-billed")
First-Time Offender Convictions
- Certain misdemeanor convictions (after a waiting period)
- Specific felony convictions enumerated in Mississippi Code § 99-19-71(2)
- Successful completion of drug court, veterans treatment court, or similar diversion programs
Juvenile Records
- Most juvenile records are automatically sealed upon reaching adulthood
- Specific procedures exist for juvenile record expungement

Expungement Procedure

Petition Preparation
- Obtain certified copies of all court documents related to the case
- Complete the Petition for Expungement form
- Prepare an Order of Expungement for the judge's signature
- Gather supporting documentation (disposition records, character references)
Filing the Petition
- File the petition with the Rankin County Circuit Clerk's Office
- Pay the required filing fee (approximately $150)
- Serve copies on the District Attorney's Office and arresting agency
Rankin County Circuit Clerk
301 E Government St, Brandon, MS 39042
(601) 825-1467
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Court Hearing
- Attend the scheduled hearing
- Present evidence supporting the expungement request
- Respond to any objections from the prosecutor
Implementation of Expungement Order
- If granted, obtain certified copies of the signed expungement order
- Distribute copies to all agencies holding records (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Mississippi Department of Public Safety, FBI)
- Follow up to ensure compliance with the order

Individuals seeking expungement are strongly advised to consult with legal counsel, as the process involves complex legal requirements and procedural rules. The Rankin County Bar Association or Mississippi Legal Services may provide referrals to attorneys experienced in expungement matters.

What Happens After Arrest in Rankin County?

Following an arrest in Rankin County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Mississippi state law and local court procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Detention
- Arrestee is transported to the Rankin County Jail
- Booking procedures include fingerprinting, photographing, personal property inventory, and medical screening
- Basic identifying information and arrest details are entered into law enforcement databases
- Initial detention period begins
Rankin County Detention Center
221 N Timber St, Brandon, MS 39042
(601) 825-1480
Initial Appearance
- Must occur within 48 hours of arrest per Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure
- Judge informs arrestee of charges and constitutional rights
- Determination of probable cause for warrantless arrests
- Bail consideration and potential release conditions established
- Appointment of counsel for indigent defendants
Bail Determination
- Judge sets bail amount based on:
  - Nature and severity of charges
  - Criminal history
  - Flight risk assessment
  - Community ties
  - Public safety considerations
- Release options may include:
  - Cash bail
  - Property bond
  - Surety bond through licensed bondsman
  - Release on own recognizance (ROR)
  - Conditional release with monitoring
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
- Held within 14 days for defendants in custody
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Defense may cross-examine witnesses and challenge evidence
- Judge determines if case proceeds to grand jury
Grand Jury Proceedings (Felony Cases)
- Rankin County grand jury reviews evidence in closed session
- Determines whether sufficient evidence exists to issue indictment
- No defense presentation at this stage
- If indicted, case proceeds to Circuit Court
- If "no-billed" (not indicted), charges may be dismissed
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges in court of jurisdiction
- Defendant enters plea (guilty, not guilty, nolo contendere)
- Trial schedule established
- Discovery process initiated
Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions (suppression, dismissal, etc.)
- Plea negotiations
- Case management conferences
Trial
- Misdemeanors tried in Justice Court or Municipal Court
- Felonies tried in Circuit Court
- Jury selection (voir dire)
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict
Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements considered
- Judge imposes sentence according to Mississippi sentencing guidelines
- Potential sentences include:
  - Incarceration in county jail or state prison
  - Probation
  - Fines and restitution
  - Community service
  - Treatment programs
Post-Conviction Proceedings
- Right to appeal within 30 days of judgment
- Potential post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation or parole supervision if applicable

Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, right against self-incrimination, right to confront witnesses, and right to due process as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and Mississippi law.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Rankin County?

Arrest records in Rankin County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Mississippi state law and administrative regulations. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History oversees records retention policies for government agencies throughout the state, including law enforcement entities.

Under current law, the primary retention requirements for arrest records are as follows:

Active Law Enforcement Records
- Arrest reports and booking information: Minimum 10 years from date of arrest
- Fingerprint cards and photographs: Permanent retention
- Incident reports related to arrests: Minimum 10 years
- Warrant documentation: 10 years after service or expiration
Criminal History Information
- Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 45-27-9, the Mississippi Criminal Information Center maintains criminal history records indefinitely unless expunged by court order
- Local agencies typically maintain duplicate records in accordance with state retention schedules
Court Records Related to Arrests
- Circuit Court felony case files: Permanent retention
- Justice Court misdemeanor case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Municipal Court case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Docket books and indices: Permanent retention
Juvenile Arrest Records
- Subject to special confidentiality provisions
- Generally maintained until individual reaches age 21
- May be sealed or destroyed upon court order
Expunged Records
- When a court orders expungement pursuant to Mississippi Code § 99-19-71, physical records are typically sealed or destroyed
- Electronic records are removed from public access systems
- Limited confidential index of expunged records may be maintained for law enforcement purposes

Different agencies within Rankin County may have varying retention practices within these guidelines. The Rankin County Sheriff's Office, municipal police departments, and court systems each maintain their own records according to their specific retention schedules approved by the Department of Archives and History.

The extended retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:

Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Documentation for background checks and security clearances
Statistical analysis of crime patterns and law enforcement activities
Historical documentation of law enforcement activities

Individuals seeking information about specific record retention policies may contact the records custodian at the relevant agency.

How to Find Mugshots in Rankin County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include front-facing and profile views. In Rankin County, mugshots are created as part of standard booking procedures at the county detention facility.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshot records in Rankin County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

Rankin County Sheriff's Office - As the operator of the county detention center, the Sheriff's Office creates and maintains the primary repository of booking photographs
Municipal Police Departments - Local police departments within Rankin County may maintain copies of mugshots for arrests they initiate
Mississippi Department of Corrections - Maintains mugshots of individuals sentenced to state custody

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking access to mugshot records in Rankin County may utilize several methods:

In-Person Requests
- Visit the Rankin County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete a public records request form specifically requesting booking photographs
- Provide identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate arrest date)
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction
Rankin County Sheriff's Office
221 N Timber St, Brandon, MS 39042
(601) 825-1480
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests
- Submit a formal written request citing the Mississippi Public Records Act
- Include specific details about the requested mugshot
- Mail request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

The Rankin County Sheriff's Office currently maintains an online inmate roster that may include booking photographs of currently detained individuals. This information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website. However, historical mugshots may not be available through this portal.

Several third-party websites aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records. These commercial sites are not officially affiliated with Rankin County government agencies, and the information they provide may be incomplete or outdated.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshot records, individuals should:

Submit requests directly to the Rankin County Sheriff's Office
Provide specific identifying information about the subject
Be prepared to pay established fees for record retrieval and copying
Allow sufficient processing time (typically 7-14 business days)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshot records may be limited under certain circumstances:

Juvenile arrest records (including photographs) are generally confidential
Records that have been expunged by court order are not publicly accessible
Ongoing investigations may result in temporary restrictions on record access
Privacy protections may apply to certain categories of arrests

Pursuant to Mississippi Code § 25-61-12, agencies may redact certain personal identifying information from records before public disclosure. Additionally, commercial use of mugshots for websites requiring payment for removal may be subject to legal restrictions.

Lookup Arrest Records in Rankin County

Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search

Criminal history information through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center

MDOC inmate lookup database

Mississippi Sex Offender Registry search