What are Phoenix Public Records?
According to Arizona Public Records Law, Phoenix public records include documents pertaining to the city created and maintained by local and state government agencies. They include arrest records, police reports, court records, property records, and vital records. While most records are open to the public, state laws place restrictions on some records or sections of these records. Any record deemed confidential is only open to select individuals who meet the requirements as prescribed by the law.
Phoenix Crime Statistics
The Phoenix Police Department publishes an annual Uniform Crime Reporting. According to the 2019 data provided, the State Police recorded a total of 67,758 crimes, representing a 2% decline from the previous year. The city recorded its lowest total crime count since 2015. Of the total, 11,811 were violent crimes while 55,974 were property crimes. Both violent and property crime counts decreased from the recorded data in 2018, as Phoenix recorded its lowest violent crime count since 2016 and property crime count since 2015.
As of 2019, the city's violent crime rate was 733.4 crimes per 100,000 population, its lowest since 2016. In the same span, Phoenix recorded a property crime rate of 3475.9 per 100,000 population, its lowest since 2015. Also, the city's violent and property crime rates declined from the previous year. According to the publication, Phoenix recorded a total crime rate of 4209.3 crimes per 100,000 population, the city's lowest since 2015.
The breakdown of each crime category shows that there were 139 homicides, 1,139 rape crimes, 3,197 robberies, 7,336 aggravated assaults, 9,471 burglaries, 39,427 larceny-thefts, 7,076 motor vehicle thefts, and 201 arsons in 2019. There were more reports of aggravated assaults and motor vehicle thefts in 2019 than in the previous year. All other crime categories saw a drop in occurrence.
Are Phoenix Criminal Records Public?
Phoenix criminal records are not public records. According to Arizona Revised Statutes 41-1750, the Criminal History Records Section of the Arizona Department of Public Safety can only provide copies of criminal records to authorized individuals. People can request copies of their Phoenix criminal record for the sole purpose of verifying the accuracy and completeness of the record. The record's subject will need to forward a completed Record Review Packet to:
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Criminal History Records Unit
P.O. Box 18450
Phoenix, AZ 85005-8450
The division will respond by mailing a copy of any existing criminal record information. Processing time is within 15 days after submitting a completed Record Review Packet. Pursuant to ARS 41-1750(G), some agencies may request to receive criminal record information. The Applicant Team of the ADPS is responsible for conducting fingerprint-based state and federal criminal history background checks for such authorized agencies. Any agency requesting a criminal record must provide an approved local or state statute that permits access to the criminal record in view. It is also possible to contact the Applicant Team on (602) 223-2223 for more information.
Private companies cannot request to inspect a Phoenix criminal record from the ADPS. This is because, according to ARS 41-1750(G), the department does not have the statutory authority to process fingerprints and grant access to Arizona state criminal histories for employment purposes. However, the law provides statutory authority that permits non-profit organizations to inspect criminal records.
Sometimes, an employer or agency may request a Fingerprint Clearance Card before hiring. In such instances, the individual should call the Applicant Clearance Card Team on (602) 223-2279. According to Arizona laws, the Central State Repository cannot conduct a criminal history record check or provide a clearance letter for immigration purposes such as obtaining a visa or applying for foreign adoption. The party in question can contact the Criminal History Records Section on (602) 223-2222 to obtain a notarized statement on this note.
Individuals can also obtain a national check or clearance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation by contacting the office at:
Special Correspondence Unit
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306
(304) 625-5590
How to Obtain Phoenix Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Phoenix Police Department maintains police reports and arrest records for crimes that occur within the city. In Arizona, police reports are not open to members of the public, according to ARS 39-121. Individuals can only conduct a search or obtain copies of their arrest records by contacting the Public Records and Service Unit of the PPD.
Interested parties may request records online, via phone, or in person. The customer service line to call for phone requests is (602) 262-1885. To search or obtain records in person, the enquirer will need to obtain a Letter of Clearance at:
1717 E. Grant Street
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034.
Phone: (602) 534-1127
Many employers or agencies may require a fingerprint card provided by the Phoenix Police Department. The Public Records Detail will require a valid government ID before fingerprinting and may provide blank fingerprint cards in the case where a card from the agency is unavailable. A fingerprint card costs $6.
Individuals may obtain a Letter of Clearance. This letter will only provide local search of arrest or criminal records maintained by the Phoenix Police Department. To obtain a letter of clearance by mail, the requester will need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID and a set of fingerprints obtained from the City Police. Identification Cards not issued by the United States government or its affiliates should be presented in original formats. Photocopies of foreign IDs will not be accepted. The requesting party should also include a self-addressed stamped envelope with a check made payable to the City of Phoenix. The Police Department charges $28 for a Letter of Clearance containing an arrest record or $8.50 for a letter without an arrest record.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Phoenix
To access Phoenix sex offender information, people should use the online offender search tool provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Sex offender information is open information in Arizona pursuant to A.R.S. 13-3827. Members of the public can search for offenders by name and geolocation.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office also maintains sex offender information for all offenders within the county's jurisdiction. Members of the public can access the Sheriff Alert website for information on all registered offenders in the county. The public can also register for updates using the Community Notification System provided by the Sheriff.
How to Find Phoenix Inmate Records
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office maintains Phoenix inmate records. Record seekers can search inmate data on the Jail Information section of the County Sheriff's website. Inmate information is open to the members of the public. The web platform provides Name, Date of Birth, and Booking Number search options. Search results will display the inmate's jail profile containing general information and details about the conviction. The record seeker may also contact the Sheriff's Office via phone or in person at:
550 West Jackson
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 876-1000
How Do I Visit an inmate in Phoenix Jail?
The Maricopa County Jail houses Phoenix inmates. The County Sheriff offers remote and on-site video visitation options to intending visitors. Interested parties will need to create an account on the website before they can schedule visits. A remote visit costs 25 cents per minute. Only an inmate can initiate a remote video visitation, as members of the public will not be able to pre-schedule a visit from outside the facility. On-site visitations cost $7.95 per 20 minutes. However, inmates get a free 20-minute onsite or remote visit per week, and at no cost. On-site visitation occurs at:
4th Avenue Jail
201 S. 4th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Lower Buckeye Jail
3250 W. Lower Buckeye Road
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Court Records
There are 19 court locations in the City of Phoenix. The Court System for the U.S. State of Arizona consists of Superior Courts, Justice Courts, Municipal Courts, and a Tax Court. There are 9 Superior Court, 9 Justice Court, and one Municipal Court location in Phoenix.
Maricopa County Superior Court - Central Court Complex
Central Court Building
201 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - Central Court Complex
West Court Building
111 South 3rd Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - Central Court Complex
East Court Building
101 West Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - Customer Service Center
Clerk of Superior Court Customer Service Center
601 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - Downtown
Downtown Justice Center
620 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - Durango Juvenile
Juvenile Court Center Durango Facility
3131 West Durango Street
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - Northeast
Northeast Regional Court Center
18380 North 40th Street
Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - Old Courthouse
125 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Maricopa County Superior Court - South Court Tower
South Court Tower
175 West Madison Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court
620 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-6300
Fax: (602) 372-6412
Desert Ridge Justice Court
18380 North 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 372-7100
Fax: (602) 372-7912
Downtown Justice Court
620 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-6300
Fax: (602) 372-6406
Dreamy Draw Justice Court
18380 North 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 372-7000
Fax: (602) 372-7911
Encanto Justice Court
620 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-6300
Fax: (602) 372-6414
McDowell Mountain Justice Court
18380 North 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 372-7000
Fax: (602) 372-7910
Moon Valley Justice Court
18380 North 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Phone: (602) 372-7000
Fax: (602) 372-7910
South Mountain Justice Court
620 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-6300
Fax: (602) 372-6410
West McDowell Justice Court
620 West Jackson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 372-6300
Fax: (602) 372-6408
Phoenix Municipal Court
300 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 262-6421
Fax: (602) 534-3628
Are Phoenix Court Records Public?
Pursuant to the Arizona Public Records Law, Phoenix court records are public records. This means that members of the public can search for court cases and request copies of court records. However, there are a few exemptions as an Arizona Court may seal a record or sections of it on the basis of confidentiality. According to state law, it is a fundamental right for any Arizonan to have access to court records. The law seeks to promote transparency and accountability with regard to government dealings.
How to Obtain Phoenix Civil Court Case Records
Members of the public can access Phoenix civil court case records using the e-access tool provided by the Arizona Supreme Court. The online database contains Civil Case records documented on or after July 1, 2020. Anyone in need of these documents will need to register an account on the website.
The Supreme Court charges $10 per document. Record seekers can also purchase recurring monthly subscriptions to access a defined number of documents. The e-access tool is for 24 hours, every day of the week. The public may also search civil court cases on the website of the Maricopa Judicial Branch of Arizona. The record-seeker may conduct a search by first and last name, business name, and/or case number. The register is usually inaccessible between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. from Tuesdays till Saturdays.
How to Obtain Phoenix Criminal Court Records
The e-access tool is useful for searching criminal court records filed since July 1, 2020. Registration is compulsory, and users may opt to pay a per document fee of $10 or choose a recurring monthly subscription plan to access a selected amount of documents. Documents are downloadable and will be sent to the registered e-access account. The provided documents expire after 24 hours. Alternatively, anyone can search for criminal court records via the official website of the Maricopa Judicial Branch of Arizona. Search options include names, date of birth, initials, and case numbers. The search system will not be available from 3:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
What are Phoenix Vital Records?
A Phoenix vital record is a documentation of vital events that occurred in the city. They include Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Records, and Divorce Records. Select state and county offices maintain vital records in Arizona. Arizona laws restrict most vital records to only select individuals. As a result, Phoenix's vital records are generally not public records, unless otherwise stated. Eligible parties include the record's subject and/or legal representatives. Immediate family members may also lay claim to a vital record but will need to provide proof of relationship.
Where and How to Obtain Phoenix Divorce Records
The Maricopa Clerk of Superior Court maintains Phoenix divorce records. Requesters may obtain copies of a Phoenix Divorce Certificate online, via mail, in person, e-mail, or by calling (602) 372-5375 or faxing the Correspondence Section, Clerk of the Superior Court at (602) 506-7619. The Clerk charges $0.50 per page and an additional $30 for certification.
The interested party will need to provide the following information about the record:
- The case number;
- The names of the parties at the time the case was filed;
- The specific documents you want to receive;
- The filing date or year filed;
- The number of pages of the document to be copied, if known;
- Your day-time phone number and/or e-mail address so we may contact you with any questions
The Clerk processes walk-in requests at any of these office locations:
Customer Service Center
601 W. Jackson
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Northwest Regional Court Center
14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
Southeast Court Complex
222 E. Javelina Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Northeast Regional Court Center
18380 N. 40th St., Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Requests sent via mail should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or an additional $7 for shipping. Mail orders may take between 7 and 10 business days to process. The requester should mail the written request to:
Correspondence Section
Clerk of the Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-3360
Fax: (602) 506-7619
Interested parties may search or obtain copies online by using the
- e-Access tool
- Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk online docket
- Access Electronic Court Records Online
- Docket web page for Case History Information
Enquirers can also search for Divorce Records by submitting an Online Request Form.
Anyone purchasing a divorce record should provide either a picture ID, driver's license, passport or birth certificate, or a Social Security Card. Eligible parties include the registrant, an immediate family member, or a legal attorney.
Where and How to Get Public Phoenix Marriage Records
The Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court maintains marriage records. Interested parties may obtain a certified or uncertified copy of a marriage license, online via mail or in person. For applications via mail, the requester should write to the Office at:
Correspondence Section
Clerk of the Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Processing time may take between 7 to 10 working days. The requester may also obtain records by completing an Online Request Form or by visiting any of the following locations:
Customer Service Center
601 W. Jackson
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Northwest Regional Court Center
14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
Southeast Court Complex
222 E. Javelina Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Northeast Regional Court Center
18380 N. 40th St., Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Written requests for mail-in and in-person orders should include the full legal names of the married couple before marriage, the date and location of the event, and a $30.50 money order payable to the Clerk of Courts (if requesting for a certified copy). The requester may also include the Marriage License Number if known.
Mail orders should come along with a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope. The requester may opt to pay $7 for shipping as opposed to providing a stamped envelope.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Phoenix
Although state laws presume Phoenix marriage records as public records, a married couple may request that an Arizona Court seal a record or portions of it on the grounds of confidentiality. As such, these records become sealed records and will be unavailable to third parties.
In such instances, third parties will need to either challenge the restriction placed on the record by providing a legitimate claim from an Arizona-licensed Judge. As an alternative, they may obtain a notarized statement of permission from any of the record's subjects.
Where and How to Find Phoenix Birth Records
The Arizona Department of Health Services processes orders for Phoenix birth certificates. Copies are purchasable for $20 each. The State Department does not provide same-day services. Eligible applicants include the registrant and the parent named on the record. Any other person applying for a Birth Certificate will need to provide proof of eligibility. The requester will need to complete an Application for Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate or Application for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate in Spanish, attach a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID, provide the required fee, and submit all documents to:
1818 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone 1: (602) 364-1300
Phone 2: (888) 816-5907
Mailing Address:
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 6018
Phoenix, AZ 85005
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health also provides copies of birth certificates. Eligibles may obtain a certified copy for $20 while uncertified copies cost $5 each. The County Health Department provides a Paper Application or a Paper Application in Spanish form, and the requester will need to complete the form, attach a photocopy of a photo ID, and submit it via mail or in person to any of these offices:
Central Valley
3221 N 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 506-6805
East Valley
331 E Coury Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (602) 506-6805
North Valley
2423 W Dunlap Avenue, Suite 110
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: (602) 506-6805
West Valley
1850 N 95th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85037
Phone: (602) 506-6805
These offices are open between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Acceptable payment options include MasterCard and Visa, Money Order, a Cashier's Check, while Cash payment options can only be received in person.
Where and How to Find Phoenix Death Records
Before requesting a Phoenix death certificate, the requester should confirm if they meet the eligibility requirements as provided by Arizona laws. Eligible parties may then obtain a certified Phoenix death certificate for $20 and/or an uncertified document for $5 by requesting copies from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. The applicant will need to download and complete a Paper Application or a Paper Application in Spanish and attach a photocopy of a photo ID to the document. Requests are submitted via mail or in person to any of these office locations:
Central Valley
3221 N 16th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Phone: (602) 506-6805
East Valley
331 E Coury Ave.
Mesa, AZ 85210
Phone: (602) 506-6805
North Valley
2423 W Dunlap Avenue, Suite 110
Phoenix, AZ 85021
Phone: (602) 506-6805
West Valley
1850 N 95th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85037
Phone: (602) 506-6805
Office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The requester can make payments via MasterCard and Visa, Money Order, a Cashier's Check. The County Office only accepts cash payments in person.
The Arizona Department of Health Services also issues copies of Phoenix death records and charges $20 for each copy requested. Applicants who meet the necessary criteria should download, complete, and submit a signed copy of an Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate or Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate in Spanish. The requester should attach a photocopy of a valid photo ID to the document and forward all fees and paperwork to:
1818 W. Adams
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone 1: (602) 364-1300
Phone 2: (888) 816-5907
Mailing Address:
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 6018
Phoenix, AZ 85005
