What are Graham County Public Records?
According to the Arizona Public Records Law, Graham County public records are documents and materials that pertain to official activities of government officials and agencies created while carrying out work in their official capacity. Graham County public records may be tape recordings of meetings, presentations and reports, legal memoranda, policies and procedures, accident reports, training videos and materials, personnel information, case files, and databases. Any person who is wrongfully denied access to public records may bring an action against the officer or public body for any damages resulting from the denial.
Not all Graham County records are publicly available. Exempted records include:
- Student records;
- Research records;
- Records where disclosure would constitute an invasion of personal privacy and that invasion outweighs the public’s right to know;
- Adoption records;
- Disciplinary records of some professional groups;
- Some medical records;
- Some corrections department records;
- Bank records; and trade secrets.
In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Graham County Crime Statistics
The Graham County Sheriff’s Department compiles criminal statistics by collating crimes that are reported, recorded, and then prosecuted. The Arizona Department of Public Safety also serves as the coordinating agency for the Arizona Uniform Crime Reporting Program (UCR) which keeps statistics for crimes committed in the state, including those in Graham County.
In 2018, law enforcement agencies in Graham County recorded 575 index crimes. These included 1 attempted rape, 6 robberies, 41 aggravated assaults, 99 burglaries, 378 larceny thefts, 33 motor vehicle thefts, and 17 cases of arson. This report reveals a 15.7% decline in total crime rates from index crime figures reported in 2017 (682). It also disclosed that in this 1-year period, incidents of burglary (1.9%), motor vehicle theft (13%), arson (5.56%), and larceny-theft (22.8%) decreased in 2018. On the other hand, statistics show that robbery (200%) and aggravated assault (24.2%) offenses increased in the timespan.
Are Graham County Criminal Records Public?
According to Arizona State law, criminal records are public records and may be accessible to interested members of the public. There are a few exceptions, however, such as information on pending cases or evidence used in a criminal trial that has not been approved by the Judge. Criminal records refer to official information about an individual's criminal history. A criminal record may contain an individual's arrests, warrants, criminal charges filed, trial information as well as prior and current convictions for criminal acts.
The Graham County Sheriff’s Department maintains criminal records in the county and these records are available to citizens who request through a request form. This form, and further inquiries on accessing Graham County criminal records should be made to:
Graham County Sheriff
600 W. Graham Canal Road
Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: (928) 428-3141
Fax: (928) 792-5251
Graham, AZ
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is the central repository for criminal records and provides statewide criminal history records to anyone that performs a criminal record search. Graham County criminal records are available for members of the public to request. However, the Department of Public Safety retains the right to restrict access if considered necessary.
The Noncriminal Justice (NCJ) Compliance Program also conducts fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for state-authorized agencies who apply to receive official criminal history records information from the Arizona Central State Repository. Agencies submitting such an application must have an FBI-approved city, town, or county ordinance, tribal resolution, executive order, or state statute mandating the criminal history records check.
How to Obtain Graham County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Graham County Sheriff’s Department provides interested members of the public with Graham County arrest records. Persons interested in obtaining Graham County arrest records are to submit a query to the Graham County Sheriff Department’s office and must provide government-issued identification. Arrest records may be collected via mail or in-person at the office of the Sheriff Department in Graham County.
A Graham County arrest record contains identifying information of arrested persons, such as; name, sex, date of birth, name of the arresting officer location of the arrest, state or local detention facility where the arrestee was booked amongst others.
In Arizona, police reports are not the same as arrest records. Although police records comprise arrest records, they also contain records of law enforcement actions and incidents. It is also important to note that arrest records are not criminal records and do not prove the guilt or conviction of an arrested person.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Graham County
In accordance with the Arizona Public Records Law, the Arizona Department of Public Safety is the central repository for all violent sexual offender information in the State. The DPS provides access to this information for free on the Arizona Sex Offender’s Registry. The Graham County Sheriff’s Department website also provides citizens with a management and community notification tool to keep track of the location and compliance status of registered sex offenders in Graham County. To request information on Graham county sex offenders not provided in the registry, interested persons can query the Graham County Sheriff’s department.
How to Find Graham County Inmate Records
The Graham County Sheriff’s department manages the Graham County Detention Facility and provides inmate records to the public through its booking roster. This catalog includes the full names of inmates as well as offenses they are charged with. Interested persons looking to find Graham County inmate records can do so by searching the booking roster with the inmate’s last name and first initial or their inmate number. Further inquiries on Graham county inmate records should be made to the county sheriff’s office.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Graham County Detention Center?
The Graham County Detention Center provides both on-site and online visitations for persons who wish to visit an inmate. All on-site visitors should be above 18 or be accompanied by adults. Furthermore, each visitor should present a government-issued photo ID and undergo a mandatory search. Certain items are prohibited from the Graham County Detention Center, including:
- Alcohol or Lighters
- Backpacks
- Bags
- Cell Phones
- Drugs
- Knives
- Purses
- Tobacco
- Weapons
Visitors are also advised to adhere to the detention center’s dress code or risk losing their appointments. Halter tops, shorts or dresses more than 2 inches above the knee and other offensive or inappropriate clothing are not allowed Sexually provocative conduct or disruptive behavior by children or adults will not be tolerated. Furthermore, visitors must turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones. Interested persons should note that officials may cancel visits at any time if deemed necessary. The Graham County Detention Center is located at:
600 W. Graham Canal Road
Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: (928) 428-3141
Fax: (928) 792-5251
Graham, AZ
Graham County Court Records
Court records are legal records of judicial proceedings in Graham County. Graham County court records are public records under state law and are kept by the Graham County Superior Court through the Clerk of Superior Court. Aside from the Superior Court, other courts in Graham County maintain records of proceedings that occurred under their jurisdiction. Requests can also be made via mail or in-person. Graham County courts are located at the following addresses:
Graham County Superior Court
Graham County Courthouse
800 West Main Street, Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: (928) 428-3100
Fax: (928) 428-0061
Pima Justice Court - Precinct 2
136 West Center Street, P.O. Box 1159, Pima, AZ 85543
Phone: (928) 485-2771
Fax: (928) 485-9961
Safford Justice Court - Precinct 1
Graham County Courthouse
800 West Main Street, Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: (928) 428-1210
Fax: (928) 428-3523
Gila Valley Consolidated (GVC) Municipal Court
702 South 8th Avenue, Safford, AZ 85546
Phone: (928) 432-4090
Fax: (928) 348-3180
Are Graham County Court Records Public?
Graham Court Records are mostly available to the public for inspection under state law. Interested members of the public are entitled to query the court for docket information, pleadings and motions, evidence produced in court, trial transcripts, and court judgments and orders. Although most juvenile proceedings are closed records, some juvenile court processes, such as child support hearings are accessible to the public.
How to Obtain Graham County Civil Court Case Records
Civil court records in Graham County are maintained by the Graham County Superior Court and are available to members of the public. Interested members of the public can access civil court records by opening an account with the eAccess Service which is the statewide directory for civil cases. Further inquiries about Graham County civil court records in person or by mail to the Superior Court:
Graham County Superior Court
Graham County Courthouse
800 West Main Street, Safford,
AZ 85546
Phone: (928) 428-3100
Fax: (928) 428-0061
The court will respond with information on the availability of the requested records, processing expenses, an estimated arrival date, and additional clarification, including an explanation for non-disclosable data.
How to Obtain Graham County Criminal Court Records
Graham County criminal court records are under the purview of the Clerk of the Superior Court. The general public is entitled by state law to request criminal court records for inspection. Criminal court records in Graham county can be examined on the eAccess Service, which is an online directory for criminal records in the state of Arizona.
For more clarification on the process, requesters may submit a query in-person or by mail to the Clerk of the Superior Court.
The court will give a detailed reply with information on the availability of requested records, processing time and fees, as well as explanations for non-disclosable material if any.
What are Graham County Vital Records?
Graham County vital records are records of major life events, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce. The Graham County Superior Court maintains vital records in Graham County. Vital Records in Arizona are also kept and distributed statewide by the Arizona Department Of Health Services. Arizona operates as a "closed record" state, which means that vital records are not public records and individuals requesting vital records must meet certain requirements.
Where and How to Obtain Graham Divorce Records
Graham County divorce records are maintained by the Graham County Superior Court. Divorce records are available only to people considered eligible by law, including:
- The divorcees and their immediate family members.
- Legal representatives of the divorcee’s;
- Persons authorized by a judicial order
- Employees of other government agencies
To request a divorce record, eligible parties must create a request form through the TurboCoat platform provided by the family court. To use this platform, requesters must first sign up on the website. This form, alongside a valid government-issued ID, makes up the application which can then be mailed or submitted to the Graham County Superior Court.
Certified copies of Graham County divorce records cost $30.00.
Where and How to Get Public Graham County Marriage Records
Graham County marriage records are under the purview of the Graham County Superior Court. To obtain a marriage license, the requester must be at least 16 years of age and is required to provide a government-issued ID. A certified copy of a marriage license costs $30.00. Further inquiries should be sent to the Graham County Superior Court.
In the event that marriage records are not available at the county Superior court, requesters may query the Arizona Department of Health Services Vital Records Office. The requesting party must first prove eligibility by providing a government-issued ID and a birth certificate to show they are at least 16 years of age. Asides from the registrant and their family, insurance companies and legal representatives may also obtain copies of marriage records for legal purposes. To request marriage records, interested parties may contact the ADHS at:
Bureau of Vital Records
1818 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-1300
The Vital Records office also has online ordering options for interested requesters.
Where and How to Find Graham County Birth Records
The Graham Health Department’s Office of Vital Records issues birth certificates to interested and eligible persons. Citizens applying for Graham County birth certificates must prove they are related to the registrant. This is done by submitting a government-issued picture ID and documentary evidence of such a relationship alongside the Birth Certificate application form. Graham County Birth Records cost $20.00 and this can be paid in cash or through a check, money order, or by including credit card information in the application.
Graham County birth records may be obtained from the Graham County Health Department via mail or in person at:
The Health Department Annex,
826 W Main Street
Safford, AZ 85546
The Arizona Department of Health Services also handles vital records, including birth records, for the state. Arizona is a closed record state and so only those eligible according to the Arizona Administrative Code may receive a certified copy of a birth certificate. If the applicant is obtaining it for themself, they must be over 18 years of age, submit a signed application, provide valid government-issued identification or notarized signature on the application, and submit the appropriate fee(s).
The request may be made online for a certificate Fee of $20.00 per certificate and a processing charge of $12.95 per order, including shipping fees where available. Requests may also be in person or by mail. The application must include; a completed Bureau of Vital Records Request for Copy of Birth Certificate, a copy of the front and back of a valid government-issued picture identification which bears signature or has signature notarized, proof of eligibility where it is neither registrant nor parent applying, a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request and the appropriate fee, according to the fee schedule.
Interested individuals may request a birth certificate from the State Health Department’s office with a completed application at:
Department Of Health Services,
Bureau of Vital Records
1818 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 364-1300
Where and How to Find Graham County Death Records
The Graham Health Department’s Office of Vital Records maintains death records in the county and issues death certificates to interested and eligible persons. Applicants must show a link to the dead in order to get a death certificate. Along with the Death Certificate form, they must submit a government-issued photo ID and verifiable evidence of such a relationship. For instance, the Father to the deceased may produce the birth certificate of the deceased where he is listed as the father. This is not limited to family members, as legal representatives and insurance officials may also request death records for official purposes.
Graham County Death Records cost $20.00 per certificate which can be paid in cash or through a check, money order, or by including credit card information in the request. Death records can be requested by email or in-person application at the health department annex.
The Arizona Department of Health also issues death certificates to people considered eligible by the Arizona Administrative Code. The applicant must be over 18 and the application must include; a completed Bureau of Vital Records Request for Copy of Death Certificate, a copy of the front and back of a valid government-issued picture identification which bears signature or has signature notarized, proof of eligibility where it is neither registrant nor parent applying, a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request and the mandated fee.
Interested individuals may request a death certificate from the State Health Department’s office with a completed application at the bureau of vital records.
