What Are Mesa Public Records?
Mesa public records are documents that contain data or information gathered, preserved, or disseminated by departments within the city. Sometimes available at the state or county levels, these documents consist of written, taped, typewritten, photographed data. They provide information on the conduct and administrative actions taken by government departments or agencies in the city. However, some public bodies may withhold records when public disclosure negatively affects their duties or the safety of individuals. Examples of records with statutory limitations on disclosure include:
- Records on minors and juveniles
- Medical records
- Trade secrets and privilege communications
- Sensitive financial and security details
- Vital records and historical materials donated confidentially
- Other documents that may breach privacy or disrupt the best interests of the state
Mesa Crime Statistics
According to the crime data reported by the Mesa Police Department to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Mesa had a total crime index of 11,671 in 2019, categorized into violent and property crimes. The crime report revealed that there were 1,961 violent crimes further broken down into 11 murders, 286 rapes, 390 robberies, 1,266 aggravated assaults, and eight human trafficking incidents. On the other hand, there were 9,710 property crimes, consisting of 1,518 burglaries, 7,326 larcenies, 839 motor vehicle thefts, and 27 arson incidents.
In comparison, Mesa had a total crime index of 11,882 in 2108. There were 1,846 violent crimes further broken down into 17 murders, 238 rapes, 417 robberies, 1,165 aggravated assaults, and nine human trafficking incidents. On the other hand, there were 10,036 property crimes, consisting of 1,563 burglaries, 7,598 larcenies, 863 MVTs, and 12 arson incidents. Hence, the city had witnessed an approximately 2% decline in indexed crimes, a 6% rise in violent crimes, and a 3% fall in property crimes.
Are Mesa Criminal Records Public?
In compliance with the Arizona Public Records Law, Mesa criminal records fall under the category of confidential information and are therefore mainly available to the record subjects, eligible employers, and criminal justice agents such as law enforcement officers and prosecutors. Local criminal history information may be obtained at the Mesa Police Department. Individuals may obtain these records or local clearance by contacting the Records Division of the Mesa P.D. located at 130 North Robson Street or call (480) 644-2310.
Agencies authorized under ARS 41-1750(G) and Public Law 92-544 may make statewide background checks through the Applicant Team of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, while individuals can obtain records for personal review in the following steps:
- Read the instructions for record review.
- Go to a law enforcement agency for fingerprinting, using the standard fingerprint card provided by the agency or downloaded online.
- Fill the fingerprint card with the required information and indicate "Record Review" as the reason for being fingerprinted.
- Fill the Record Review Contact Information Sheet
- Attorneys should include notarized letters of consent/authorization.
- Mail fingerprint card, information sheet, and other applicable letters to:
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Criminal History Records Unit
P.O. Box 18450
Phoenix, AZ 85005-8450
Requests may take up to two weeks to be processed if there is existing criminal history information. Call (602) 223-2229 for additional information.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Mesa Police Department issues police reports and local arrest history information through its Records Division. However, access to inspect or obtain copies of these documents is not public and may be limited to parties motioned in the record and legally authorized persons. Individuals can make requests online through the MPD Record Center, via mailing request forms, or in person at:
130 North Robson
Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: (480) 644-2310
The online request portal holds non-criminal accident reports from February 24, 2009, to date that individuals can obtain for $5 by making requests with the accident date, report number, and other relevant information. For Mesa arrest records, make a Mesa Adult Arrest Record Search (MAARS) request online or via mailed requests to:
Arizona Police Department
Records Section,
P.O. Box 1466,
Mesa, AZ 85211-1466
This service costs $10 accepted as checks made payable to the Mesa Police Department, and information required for the search may include the subject’s name, birth date, or social security number. The Mesa arrest record will be provided as a notarized letter containing positive or negative matches and may include criminal charges, offense type, report number, and court details, amongst others. Individuals can also request other police reports with the same process.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Mesa
The Arizona Department of Public Safety maintains an online registry that members of the public can use to get information on sex offenders who are residing in Mesa City. Interested persons can locate convicted offenders by conducting searches by area, city, name, or internet name/email. Search results may include offenders’:
- Full name and aliases
- Mugshot
- Current and other known address
- City and zip code
- Physical description
- Description of offenses
- Risk assessment level/score
- Compliancy status
There are also additional resources on the registry that users may use to get information on non-compliant offenders, download a list of registered sex offenders, or register for community notifications when a sex offender moves into a specified area.
How to Find Mesa Inmate Records
The Maricopa County Sheriff Office maintains records of individuals incarcerated in detention facilities in Maricopa and other parts of the county. Residents can use the inmate lookup tool to find inmates by booking number or by name and date of birth. Search results will show positive matches and general information on inmate status. For additional information, record seekers can contact the Sheriff’s Office at:
550 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 876-0322
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Mesa Jail?
Individuals who wish to visit an inmate in any detention facility managed by the Maricopa County Sheriff Office will need to complete an online registration with a valid email address. Inmates can receive video visits remotely or onsite through the video stations of the jail lobby. Potential visitors with validated accounts may pre-schedule onsite video visits online. Inmates only get one free 20-minutes onsite visit per week, with other onsite visits costing $7.95 per 20-minutes and remote visits charged at 25 cents per minute. Get additional information on visitation procedures, rules, and schedules on the MCSO visitation page.
Court Records
Mesa court records are documentation of administrative actions and proceedings such as civil, criminal, or juvenile cases that take place in courts within the city’s jurisdiction. These records are available in physical or electronic format, and courts provide access to various types of court records, including transcripts, audio/videotapes, electronic files, dockets, affidavits, and so on.
Locations of Courts in Mesa
Maricopa County Superior Court - Southeast
Southeast Public Service Facility
222 East Javelina Avenue,
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - Southeast Juvenile
Juvenile Court Southeast Facility
1810 South Lewis Street,
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (602) 372-5375
East Mesa Justice Court
4811 East Julep Street,
Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 985-0188
North Mesa Justice Court
1837 South Mesa Drive,
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (480) 926-9731
West Mesa Justice Court
2050 West University Drive,
Mesa, AZ 85201
Phone: (480) 964-2958
Fax: (480) 969-1098
Mesa Municipal Court
250 East 1st Avenue, Mesa,
AZ 85210
Phone: (480) 644-2255
Fax: (480) 644-2927
Are Mesa Court Records Public?
In compliance with the Arizona Public Records Law and Arizona Court Rules, access to some Mesa court records may be restricted. The court may seal these documents or sections containing confidential information from public view or redact them from copies given to members of the public. Exempted court records in the city of Mesa include:
- Information on juvenile cases and domestic relations cases concerning minors
- Personal identifying information on a crime witness
- Sexual offense and protective order cases
- Warrant and charging documents
- Documents of personal or private nature
- Sensitive information whose disclosure might be detrimental to State interests.
Can You Look Up a Mesa Court Case Online?
Members of the public can obtain records of court cases that happened in Mesa using the case search tool or eAccess portal provided by the Arizona Judicial Branch. Although not all information is available online, interested persons may be able to obtain information on open cases by searching according to case number or name. Details that may facilitate the search include the party’s first name, last/business name, date of birth, and court name. Individuals may also find records through the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court.
Note: Municipal or justice court case records are unavailable at the eAccess portal.
How to Obtain Mesa Civil Court Case Records
Interested persons can obtain Mesa court records on civil cases online, via mail, and in person. Although not all information is available online, interested persons can get information on civil cases by using the case lookup tool to search by case number or name. Details that may facilitate the search include the party’s first name, last/business name, date of birth, and court name. Individuals may also make requests in person or mail request forms or letters to the respective courts where the civil case was filed.
Note: Individuals may also find records through the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court.
How to Obtain Mesa Criminal Court Records
Interested persons can obtain Mesa court records on criminal cases online, via mail, and in person. Although not all information is available online, interested persons can get information on criminal cases by using the case lookup tool to search by case number or name. Details that may facilitate the search include the party’s first name, last/business name, date of birth, and court name. The eAccess portal also provides subscribers with 24-hours access to open case records and court documents, excluding Municipal or Justice Court records. Users may view the first page of available documents for free but have to pay to obtain the documents.
Note: Individuals may also find records through the Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court.
What Are Mesa Vital Records?
Mesa vital records are official documents that provide information on life events that happen to individuals within the city’s jurisdiction. These events include birth, adoption, death, marriage, divorce/annulments, and so on. There are different custodians of these records available locally or at the state or county level. However, potential requesters should note that, in some cases, access to Mesa vital records may be restricted to persons who have valid claims, relationships, or interest in the document.
Where and How to Obtain Mesa Divorce Records
The Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court maintains records of divorces that took place in Mesa and other parts of the county. Members of the public may obtain copies of final divorce decrees by making mailed or in-person requests at the Correspondence Section of the Clerk of the Superior Court.
Individuals should provide fees, valid photo identification, and provide records or event descriptions such as divorcees' names, year of divorce, case number, and place of divorce to the Clerk. The record costs 50 cents per page, $30.00 to certify the document, and an additional $7.00 postage and handling fee. Pay fees in person with debit/credit card in person, or via mail with a money order made payable to the Clerk of the Court, and processing may take up to 10 business days. Mailed, in-person, email, fax, or telephone queries should be to:
Correspondence Section
Clerk of the Superior Court
201 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Fax: (602) 506-7619
Email: supportservicecorrespondence@mail.maricopa.gov
Like other court records, individuals may also obtain divorce records online using the eAccess portal.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Mesa
The Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court maintains confidential records of marriages and civil unions that took place in Mesa and other parts of the county. Either of the spouse and other authorized persons may obtain copies of marriage licenses by making online, mailed, or in-person requests at the Correspondence Section of the Clerk of the Superior Court.
Individuals interested in getting certified copies of Mesa marriage records should provide fees, valid photo identification, and information such as the full names of the couple before marriage, the year of marriage, and license number (if known) to the Clerk. The record costs $30.50 for electronically transmitted documents and if the requester provides a business-size, self-addressed stamped envelope with the request, or $37.50 to include postage and handling fees.
Pay fees in person with debit/credit card in person, or via mail with a money order made payable to the Clerk of the Court, and processing may take up to 10 business days. Mailed, in-person, email, fax, or telephone queries should be to:
Correspondence Section
Clerk of the Superior Court
201 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Fax: (602) 506-7619
Email: supportservicecorrespondence@mail.maricopa.gov
Where and How to Get Public Mesa Marriage Records
The Maricopa County Clerk of the Superior Court maintains public records of marriages and civil unions that took place in Mesa and other parts of the county. Members of the public may obtain copies of Mesa marriage certificates/licenses by making online, mailed, or in-person requests at the Correspondence Section of the Clerk of the Superior Court.
Individuals should provide fees, valid photo identification, and information such as the full names of the couple before marriage, the year of marriage, and license number (if known) to the Clerk. The record costs $30.50 for electronically transmitted documents and if the requester provides a business-size, self-addressed stamped envelope with the request, or $37.50 to include postage and handling fees.
Pay fees in person with debit/credit card in person, or via mail with a money order made payable to the Clerk of the Court, and processing may take up to 10 business days. Mailed, in-person, email, fax, or telephone queries should be to:
Correspondence Section
Clerk of the Superior Court
201 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Fax: (602) 506-7619
Email: supportservicecorrespondence@mail.maricopa.gov
Like other court records, individuals may also obtain Mesa marriage records online using the eAccess portal.
Where and How to Find Mesa Birth Records
The Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration maintains records of births that took place in Mesa and other parts of the county. Members of the public may obtain uncertified copies of Mesa birth certificates, whereas individuals with direct claims or relationships with the documents can obtain certified copies. Eligible persons include:
- The registrant
- Parents/legal guardian
- Spouse
- Adult siblings
- Adult descendants (child and grandchild)
- Grandparents
- A person designated in a power of attorney or court order
- Legal representatives
Individuals interested in obtaining Mesa birth records may mail completed application forms (Spanish), $20 money order per copy, self-addressed stamped envelope, and valid ID to:
MCOVR (Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration)
P.O. Box 2111
Phoenix, AZ 85001
Or submit in person at the East Valley location at:
331 East Coury Avenue,
Mesa, AZ 85210 (South of U.S. 60 Exit Mesa Drive)
Where and How to Find Mesa Death Records
The Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration maintains records of deaths that took place in Mesa and other parts of the county. Members of the public may obtain uncertified copies of Mesa death certificates, while individuals with direct claims or relationship with the documents can obtain certified copies. Eligible persons include:
- The funeral director
- Parents/legal guardian
- Spouse
- Adult siblings
- Adult descendants (child and grandchild)
- Grandparents
- A person designated in a power of attorney or court order
- Legal representatives
- Estate executor or beneficiary
- A person authorized by an eligible person
Interested individuals may mail completed application forms (Spanish), $20 money order per copy, self-addressed stamped envelope, and valid ID to:
MCOVR (Maricopa County Office of Vital Registration)
P.O. Box 2111
Phoenix, AZ 85001
Or submit in person at the East Valley location at:
331 East Coury Avenue,
Mesa, AZ 85210 (South of U.S. 60 Exit Mesa Drive)
