What are Surprise City Public Records?
According to the Arizona Public Records Law, a Surprise City public record is any document maintained by a public body for a transparent record of their business functions. They include arrest records, case files, legal memoranda, and operational policies. Since these records are considered open, anybody who can show fair interest in these documents can view them and request copies. All public records are available for inspection, except where Arizona law deems them confidential or where disclosure of such information is not in the state’s best interest. Also, any record in which the public's right-to-know undermines private interest is unavailable to the public.
Surprise City Crime Statistics
The Surprise Police Department provides the city's crime statistics. In 2019, the department reported five homicides, 28 rape crimes, 46 robberies, 50 aggravated assaults, 217 burglaries, 1,730 larceny-thefts, 135 motor vehicle thefts, and 11 arson cases. Incidences of homicide, burglary, and auto theft dropped in 2019, while the other counts for the other crime categories increased.
Are Surprise City Criminal Records Public?
Surprise criminal records are not public records. In compliance with the Arizona Revised Statutes 41-1750, the Arizona Department of Public Safety restricts public access to criminal records, only releasing them to authorized individuals. However, the department provides copies to persons named on the records for verification purposes.
How to Obtain Surprise City Police Reports and Arrest Records?
The Arizona Public Records Law allows people to request copies of Surprise police reports from the Surprise City Police Department. Interested parties may contact the department's Records Unit by submitting a Request Form via email, mail, or in person. The Records Unit staff will contact the requester upon receipt. Applicable copy fees depend on the number of requested pages and could range from $0.15 to $35. Requests for images and recordings cost $20, and fingerprints cost $15. The Records Unit will only provide 12 images on CD for this amount. Additional prints will cost $1 each.
Also, individuals can obtain a Letter of Clearance for a summary of their arrest records. Under the Arizona Public Records Law (A.R.S. § 39-121), the department cannot release arrest history to third parties. An eligible requester must provide a valid photo ID and a $10 fee along with each request.
Offline requests should go to:
14250 W Statler Plaza
Suite 103
Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (623) 222-2000
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Surprise City
The Arizona Department of Public Safety provides a searchable Sex Offender Registry where people can search for registered offenders by name and geolocation. At the county level, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office provides Surprise City sex offender information. Members of the public can obtain data from an online repository and subscribe to its Community Notification System with a valid email address.
How to Find Surprise City Inmate Records
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office supervises the maintenance of Surprise City inmate records. Inmate records are open to the public, and interested parties can use the inmate search tool on the Sheriff's website to access this information. Individuals can search by Name, Date of Birth, or Booking Number.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Surprise City Jail?
The Maricopa County Sheriff grants visiting privileges to inmates and members of the public. Family, friends, and legal representatives may conduct remote or on-site video visitation. Visitors should create an account via the platform provided on the jail website and log in to schedule a visit. For remote visits, only the inmate can initiate an appointment.
Inmates can receive visitors remotely and on-site for free, once a week, and for 20 minutes. Subsequent on-site visitations in the same week will cost $7.95 for 20 minutes, while remote visits will cost 25 cents per minute.
On-site visitation occurs at any of these locations:
4th Avenue Jail
201 S. 4th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85003
3127 W. Gibson Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85009
Lower Buckeye Jail
3250 W. Lower Buckeye Road
Phoenix, AZ 85009
The visitor should verify the facility housing the inmate via the inmate search tool before visiting.
Court Records
The Court System for the U.S. State of Arizona consists of Superior Courts, Justice, Municipal, and Tax Courts. There are six court locations in the City of Surprise:
Maricopa County Superior Court - Northwest
Northwest Regional Court Center
14264 West Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (602) 372-5375
Arrowhead Justice Court
14264 West Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (602) 372-2000
Fax: (602) 372-2620
Hassayampa Justice Court
14264 West Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (602) 372-2000
Fax: (602) 372-2620
Manistee Justice Court
14264 West Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (602) 372-2000
Fax: (602) 372-2620
North Valley Justice Court
14264 West Tierra Buena Lane
Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (602) 372-2000
Fax: (602) 372-2620
Surprise City Court
16081 North Civic Center Plaza
Suite 105
Surprise, AZ 85374
Phone: (623) 222-4800
Fax: (623) 222-4801
Are Surprise City Court Records Public?
According to the Arizona Public Records Law, most surprise court records are open to the public, except for juvenile and adoption-related records. Some records are only accessible to the lawyers, plaintiffs, and defendants involved because they are considered confidential. It is also possible for a judicial or court order to partially or completely seal a court record.
Can You Look Up a Surprise City Court Case Online?
The public can obtain information about Surprise City court cases online. The Judicial Branch of Arizona, Maricopa County, maintains searchable databases for civil, criminal, family, and probate court cases. Interested individuals would need to fill in details about the record on the provided search boxes to access these documents.
How to Obtain Surprise City Civil Court Case Records
Records of Surprise City civil court case records are available on the Arizona Supreme Court's e-access tool. Interested individuals can search for documents filed since July 1, 2020, but will need to register an account with a valid email.
The e-search tool is accessible for 24 hours. A search costs $10 per document. The requesting party may opt for recurring monthly subscriptions to view or download more documents at a discount.
Alternatively, the Maricopa Judicial Branch of Arizona maintains a county repository for Surprise City civil court case records. Individuals can search for documents by providing a first and last name, business name, or case number. The search system is unavailable from 3:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
How to Obtain Surprise City Criminal Court Records
Surprise City criminal court records are available on the Maricopa Judicial Branch of Arizona search system. Interested parties may search by name, date of birth, initials, or case number.
The Arizona Supreme Court e-access tool also provides criminal court records filed since July 1, 2020. The search fee per document is $10. Individuals who conduct frequent searches can subscribe to a recurring monthly subscription plan. Search results are available for download, and requesters will receive them via email.
What are Surprise City Vital Records?
Surprise City vital records provide information about vital events such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce that happened in the city. Vital records are not public records, according to state laws. The State and Maricopa County Health Districts, as well as the Maricopa Superior Court Clerk, maintain Surprise City vital records.
Where and How to Obtain Surprise Divorce Records
People can also search for Surprise City divorce records by completing an Online Request Form or using any of these online tools:
- e-Access tool
- Maricopa County Superior Court Clerk online docket
- Access Electronic Court Records Online
- Docket web page for Case History Information
Copies of Surprise City divorce records are available at the Maricopa Clerk of Superior Court’s office for 50 cents per page and $30 per certified copy. Divorce Certificates can be requested online, via email, calling (602) 372-5375, or faxing the Clerk of the Superior Court’s Correspondence Section on (602) 506-7619. Alternatively, the requesting party may order copies by mail or visit the office in person.
The Clerk will request the following information:
- The names on the record
- The divorce case number
- The type of documents
- The number of pages required, if known
- The filing date
- Phone number and email address
If any of the required details are unknown, the Clerk will charge $30 per name and year search. Requesters can make walk-in requests at:
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
The requester can also send a signed written request by mail, along with a valid photo ID and a self-addressed and stamped envelope or a $7 shipping fee, to:
Correspondence Section
Clerk of the Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Phone: (602) 506-3360
Fax: (602) 506-7619
Surprise City divorce records are only open to the record's subject, an immediate family member, or a legal representative.
Where and How to Get Public Surprise Marriage Records
The Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court issues certified copies of Surprise City marriage licenses for $30.5 each. Requesters may place orders online, via mail, or in person at any of these 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 Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85210
Northeast Regional Court Center
18380 N. 40th Street
Suite 120
Phoenix, AZ 85032
Mailing Address:
Correspondence Section
Clerk of the Superior Court
201 W. Jefferson Street
Phoenix, AZ 85003
A written request should provide the following information:
- The names of the married couple before marriage
- The event date and location
- Marriage License Number, if available.
Mail requests should include a business-size, self-addressed, and stamped envelope, or a $7 shipping fee.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Surprise City
To obtain a confidential Surprise City marriage record sealed under law, the requesting party will need to obtain a court order from a state-licensed Judge. Parties will also get access if they present a signed and notarized statement of permission from the registrants.
Where and How to Find Surprise City Birth Records
The Arizona Department of Health Services issues copies of Surprise City birth records for births in the city. Certified copies cost $20 and are only open to the registrant and any of the parents named on the form. Interested parties can place orders by sending a certified copy of a birth certificate in English or Spanish, a copy of a photo ID, and the required fee 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
Surprise City birth certificates are also available at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. A certified copy obtained from the county department costs $20, and an uncertified copy costs $5. Interested parties should fill an English Paper Application or a Spanish Application, attach a copy of a photo ID, and submit it in person or by mail to any of these county 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
The requester can pay for copies using a MasterCard, Visa Card, Money Order, or a Cashier's Check. Cash payments are also acceptable, but only in person.
Where and How to Find Surprise City Death Records
The Arizona Department of Health Services processes requests for death certificates. A certified copy costs $20. Death records are only available to the deceased's immediate family members or legal representatives. The requesting party should submit a completed English or Spanish application, and a copy of a photo ID 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 provides certified and uncertified copies of Surprise City death records for $20 and $5, respectively. Eligible parties can tender a request by submitting a completed Paper Application in English or Spanish, and a copy of a photo ID to:
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
Payment options include Cash (for walk-in requests only), MasterCard, Visa Card, Money Order, or a Cashier's Check.
