What Are Tucson Public Records?
Tucson public records are transparent files or documents of any format that are generated, retained, and issued by departments in the city. These files contain information on government conduct and business, which may be written, photographed, typed, taped, or stored electronically. Individuals should note that not all government records are publicly accessible. Some sections or entire documents may be redacted or restricted from public view, such as:
- Adoption, juvenile, and certain domestic relation case files
- Trade secrets and privilege communications
- Certain vital records
- Historical records and materials donated in confidentiality
- Medical records and other information declared confidential by statute.
Tucson Crime Statistics
According to the most recent UCR statistics provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, the Tucson Police Department had a crime index total of 21,863 in 2019. The report revealed that out of the total figure, 3,776 were violent crimes, and 18,087 were property crimes. The crime-by-crime breakdown showed that there were 40 murders, 144 arsons, 527 rapes, and 1,106 robberies. The more popular crimes consisted of aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny-theft with 2,103, 2,250, 2,497, and 13,196 recorded incidents, respectively.
In contrast, the 2018 crime data revealed that the Tucson Police Department had a crime index total of 30,739 in that year, which consisted of 3,958 violent crimes and 26,781 property crimes. The crime-by-crime breakdown showed that there were 47 murders, 158 arsons, 504 rapes, and 1,224 robberies. The more popular crimes consisted of aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, burglary, and larceny-theft with 2,183, 2,568, 3,257, and 20,798 recorded incidents, respectively. An analysis of both statistics reveals that there was an approximate 29% fall in the total crime index, a 5% decrease in property crimes, and a 32% decrease in property crimes.
Are Tucson Criminal Records Public?
As per state laws, Tucson criminal records are not public information. These records are mainly accessible to the record subject, authorized attorneys, and agencies permitted to access records under ARS 41-1750(G) and Public Law 92-544. Individuals interested in viewing their local criminal history information may contact the Records Section of the Tucson Police Department at:
Tucson Police Records Section
270 South Stone Avenue,
Tucson, AZ 85701-1917
Phone: (520) 791-4462
Email: tpdpublicrecords@tucsonaz.gov
Requesters often have to provide record descriptions, valid identification, and fees for obtaining paper or digital copies of records before getting Tucson criminal records. However, note that the scope of results is limited to incidents that happened within the city's jurisdiction. For statewide criminal history, eligible agencies and individuals should conduct fingerprint checks through the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Employers should call the Applicant Team at (602) 223-2223, while individuals should follow the instructions in the record review packet, which includes:
- Download, print, and fill the fingerprint form or use that provided by a law enforcement agency
- Get fingerprinted at a law enforcement agency for a full set of fingerprints
- Fill the Record Review Contact Information Sheet
- For request made by a legal representative/attorney, provide a notarized authorization letter
- Mail forms to:
Arizona Department of Public Safety
Criminal History Records Unit
P.O. Box 18450
Phoenix, AZ 85005-8450
The unit may take up to two weeks to process requests. For additional information, call (602) 223-2229.
How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records
Persons interested in obtaining Tucson arrest records, incident reports, collision reports, and other reports can do so at the Records Section of the Tucson Police Department. Individuals can make requests for police reports via email, mail, or in person at:
Tucson Police Records Section
270 South Stone Avenue,
Tucson, AZ 85701-1917
Phone: (520) 791-4462
Email: tpdpublicrecords@tucsonaz.gov
However, individuals should note that Tucson police reports are not public information but are mainly available to record subjects, their legal representatives, or other authorized parties. For an arrest history letter, make a mailed or in-person request by providing a valid photo ID or birth certificate and personal details like full name and date of birth. Requests via mail should contain a notarized signature and express if the letter should be notarized. Three copies of arrest history or clearance letter cost $5, and processing may take up to ten days.
Individuals who wish to purchase collision reports or other public records may do so online or by sending completed request forms (Spanish) to the TPD Records Section. When the order is complete, the requester will receive an invoice, and the process is completed by making payments with a personal check, credit card, or money order made payable to the City of Tucson. Paper copies cost $5 per report and 25 cents per page after the 15th page, while audio/video recordings and other digital copies cost $25.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Tucson
Interested persons can obtain information on sex offenders in Tucson by using the online sex offender registry maintained by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Individuals can use the various search tool criteria to locate offenders by name, address, city, compliance status, or internet names/email addresses.
Search results include a listing of matching results with each offender’s available details like mugshots, full names, addresses, city, and zip code. Clicking on the ‘view details’ option will provide more information such as aliases, risk assessment level/status, physical description, and offense description.
Additionally, individuals may also register for community notification when convicted sex offenders move into a neighborhood or download a list of registered sex offenders with Level 2 and 3 risk assessment scores for $25.
How to Find Tucson Inmate Records
The Pima County Sheriff Department oversees the operations and recordings of detention facilities in Tucson and other areas of the county. Individuals may find inmates by using the online roster to find inmates by last name or make online jail record requests with the inmate's full name or further details like booking number, birth date, and housing location. Persons may also submit requests in person or by mail to:
Pima County Adult Detention Complex
Attn: Jail Record Requests
1270 West Silverlake Road
Tucson, AZ 85713
Phone: (520) 351-8228 (Message Line)
Requesters should note that sections of inmate records that may jeopardize the investigation, prosecution, or inmate safety are confidential.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Tucson Jail?
Inmates in the Pima County Jail/Adult Detention Complex can receive remote or onsite video visits at 1270 West Silverlake Road, Tucson. Interested persons should register and schedule visits online using the approved third-party visitation site or in person at the kiosk located at the front entrance of the jail lobby. Registration will require potential visitors to provide personal and inmate information, while visits should be scheduled from one day to seven days in advance.
Inmates can receive one free 30-minutes onsite visit per week, with each additional 30-minute visit costing $9 per inmate, per day. On the other hand, remote/online visits cost $7.50 for a 25-minute visit and $16.50 for 55 minutes. Appointments are from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on weekends, excluding during break from 11:00 a.m. to noon. Up to four people, including minors, can visit an inmate at a time.
All visitors must be at the Main Jail Front Desk at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time and have valid picture IDs and minors but come with at least one adult. Find more information on special visit requirements, dress code, contrabands, and restrictions on the inmate visitation page of the Sheriff’s website.
Court Records
As part of the Arizona Judicial Branch, courts in the city of Tucson provide public access to a variety of court-generated records, including dockets, transcripts, case files, judgment rolls, and so on. These documents provide information on civil, criminal, and other proceedings that were heard in the court.
Locations of Courts in Tucson
Pima County Superior Court
110 West Congress Street,
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 724-3200
Fax: (520) 724-3531
Pima County Consolidated Justice Court
240 North Stone Avenue,
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 724-3171
Tucson City Court
103 East Alameda Street,
P.O. Box 27210,
Tucson, AZ 85726
Phone: (520) 791-4216
U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Tucson
38 South Scott Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
Are Tucson Court Records Public?
While Tucson court records are considered public information, some documents or information are confidential or sealed from public access under the Arizona Public Records Law and Arizona Court Rules. These records may contain information on:
- Adoption, juvenile, and certain domestic relation case files
- A crime witness' personal details
- Documents on protective order cases
- Sexual offense cases
- Records concerning privacy interests
- Records withheld for the “best interests of the State” to prevent private or public harm
- Warrant and charging documents
Can You Look Up a Tucson Court Case Online?
Yes, members of the public may access Tucson court case information online by using the Tucson court defendant search tool to find records based on docket number, citation number, party names, or policy report number. Individuals may also use the case lookup tool provided by the Arizona Judicial Branch to find documents by case number or name.
Interested persons may also subscribe at the online portal to get available Tucson records on criminal and civil cases filed at the Supreme Court since July 2010 and Pima Superior Court criminal cases filed since July 2015. However, not all case records are available online. Individuals who cannot find information on these sites may send online request forms to the Tucson City Court or make requests via mail or in-person.
Note: Records of cases from Municipal or Justice Courts in Tucson are unavailable on the online portal.
How to Obtain Tucson Civil Court Case Records
Members of the public may access Tucson civil case records online, via mail, or in person. Persons may use the Tucson court defendant search tool to find records based on party names, docket/citation number, policy report number. The case lookup tool of the Arizona Judicial Branch is also available for record search using case number or name. Interested persons may also register at the online portal to get available information on civil cases filed at the Supreme Court since July 2010.
However, not all case records are available online. Individuals who cannot find information on these sites may send online request forms to the Tucson City Court or make requests via mail or in-person at the court where proceedings took place.
How to Obtain Tucson Criminal Court Records
Members of the public may access Tucson criminal case records online, via mail, or in person. Persons may use the Tucson court defendant search tool to find records based on party names, docket/citation number, policy report number. The case lookup tool of the Arizona Judicial Branch is also available for record search using case number or name. Interested persons may also register at the online portal to get available information on criminal cases filed at the Supreme Court since July 2010 and Pima Superior Court criminal cases filed since July 2015.
However, not all case records are available online. Individuals who cannot find information on these sites may send online request forms to the Tucson City Court or make requests via mail or in-person at the court where proceedings took place.
What Are Tucson Vital Records?
Tucson vital records are official documents like birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and death certificates that provide information on life events that occurred under the city’s jurisdiction. Interested persons can obtain certified or abstract copies of most of these records by making requests to the custodians and providing the necessary information, fees, and identification.
Where and How to Obtain Tucson Divorce Records
Tucson divorce records are available at the Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court. Individuals may obtain certified or uncertified copies of these records in person at the Legal Records Department or by mailing completed request forms to:
Clerk of Superior Court
Attn: Legal Records
Room 241
110 West Congress Street,
Tucson, AZ 85701
Information required for the search includes case numbers, divorcees' names, and the date when the case was open. Applicants will also have to provide personal details in the form as well as pay fees to obtain the record. For additional information, contact the Legal Records Department at (520) 724-3240 or coc_legalrecordsweb@coc.pima.gov.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Tucson
Confidential Tucson marriage records are available at the Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court. Individuals may obtain copies of these records in person through the Legal Records Department or by mailing completed request forms to:
Clerk of Superior Court
Attn: Legal Records
Room 241
110 West Congress Street,
Tucson, AZ 85701
Information required for the search includes the names of the couple before marriage and date of marriage. Applicants will also have to provide personal details in the form as well as pay fees to obtain the record. For additional information, contact the Legal Records Department at (520) 724-3240 or coc_legalrecordsweb@coc.pima.gov.
Where and How to Get Public Tucson Marriage Records
Tucson marriage records are publicly accessible at the Pima County Clerk of the Superior Court. Individuals may obtain certified or uncertified copies of marriage licenses in person through the Legal Records Department or by mailing completed request forms to:
Clerk of Superior Court
Attn: Legal Records
Room 241
110 West Congress Street,
Tucson, AZ 85701
Information required to search for Tucson marriage certificate includes the names of the couple before marriage and the date of marriage. Applicants will also have to provide personal details in the form as well as pay fees to obtain the record. For additional information, contact the Legal Records Department at (520) 724-3240 or coc_legalrecordsweb@coc.pima.gov.
Where and How to Find Tucson Birth Records
Tucson birth records are available at the Pima County Office of Vital Records. Members of the public may obtain uncertified copies of these records, while certified copies are accessible to persons with a legitimate interest, claim, and relationship to the document. Individuals may obtain certified or uncertified copies of these records by completed request forms, photocopy of valid IDs, fees, and self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Pima County Vital Records
3950 South Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85714
Information required for the search includes the name on the Tucson birth certificate, parents’ names, sex, county of birth, and date of birth. Applicants will also have to provide personal details in the form as well as pay $20 per requested copy. For additional information, call the office at (520) 724-7932.
Where and How to Find Tucson Death Records
Tucson death records are available at the Pima County Office of Vital Records. Members of the public may obtain uncertified copies of these records, while certified copies are accessible to persons with a legitimate interest, claim, and relationship to the document. Individuals may obtain certified or uncertified copies of these records by completed request forms, photocopy of valid IDs, fees, and self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Pima County Vital Records
3950 South Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85714
Information required for the search includes the name on the Tucson death certificate, sex, place of death, and date of death. Applicants will also have to provide personal details in the form as well as pay $20 per requested copy. For additional information, call the office at (520) 724-7932.
