Mobile Police Records Lookup

Police records in Mobile are maintained by the Mobile Police Department Records Unit. The city is a major port and has over 200,000 people. That means a lot of police activity. The department handles everything from theft reports to major crime investigations. Getting records from Mobile PD requires knowing the process. You can request some reports online. Others need an in-person visit or mail request. This guide covers how to get incident reports, crash reports, and background checks from Mobile law enforcement. We also explain the fees and timeline you should expect.

Which County Handles Mobile Cases

Mobile sits in Mobile County. The county court system handles criminal cases from the city. Major crimes go to Circuit Court. Lesser offenses go to District Court.

The Mobile County Sheriff runs the jail. People arrested by Mobile PD get booked at the Mobile County Metro Jail. That facility is at 450 St. Emanuel Street.

City police investigate crimes within Mobile city limits. The county handles courts and incarceration. It is a common setup across Alabama. The two systems work together but maintain separate records.

For court documents like case files and dispositions, contact the Mobile County Circuit Clerk. For police reports, incident reports, and arrest records, contact Mobile PD directly.

The distinction matters. Police records show the initial arrest and investigation. Court records show what happened after charges were filed.

Mobile Police Department Contact Info

The Mobile Police Department operates out of its headquarters on Government Boulevard. The Records Unit handles report requests.

Police Headquarters Address:
2460 Government Blvd
Mobile, AL 36606

Main Phone: 251-208-1991

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

For public records requests:

Public Records Coordinator: 251-208-6298

The Records Unit is inside headquarters. Walk-in requests are accepted during business hours. Call ahead if you have questions about what you need.

How to Request Mobile Police Records

Mobile offers a few ways to get police records. The method depends on what type of record you need.

Online Requests

Mobile has an online form for incident reports. This works for burglaries and thefts only. Go to the Mobile PD website to find the incident report request form. Fill it out and submit. This is the fastest option for those crime types.

Mobile also uses JustFOIA for open records requests. Visit mobileal.justfoia.com/publicportal to submit a formal request. This portal tracks your submission and sends updates.

In Person

Go to Police Headquarters at 2460 Government Blvd. Visit the Records Unit on site. Bring ID and payment. You can request most report types in person.

By Mail

Write a letter describing the records you need. Include your contact information and payment. Mail it to the Police Headquarters address. Allow extra time for mail processing.

What You Need to Provide

To request records from Mobile PD, you will need:

• MPD case number (if you have it)
• Date of the incident
• Location of the incident
• Valid reason for the request
• Payment for applicable fees

For background checks, you also need a valid state or federal photo ID. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives residents the right to access public records, but you must prove Alabama residency.

Mobile Police Record Fees

Mobile charges reasonable fees for records.

Reports: $10 each

Payment Methods:

• Cashier's check
• Money order
• Cash (in person only)
• Credit card (in person)

For mail requests, use a cashier's check or money order. Personal checks may not be accepted. Make payments out to the Mobile Police Department.

If you need certified copies for legal purposes, additional fees may apply. Ask about certification when you submit your request.

Multiple reports mean multiple fees. Each report costs $10. Plan accordingly for large requests.

How to Get Mobile Crash Reports

Traffic accidents in Mobile generate crash reports. These documents help with insurance claims and legal matters.

Mobile PD handles crashes on city streets. The fee is $10 for a crash report. You can request in person, by mail, or through the records unit.

To get a crash report, provide:

• Date of the accident
• Location where it happened
• Names of drivers if you know them
• Case number if assigned

Reports take a few days after the accident to become available. Officers need time to complete their paperwork. Call the Records Unit at 251-208-1991 to check if your report is ready.

For accidents on state highways near Mobile, ALEA troopers may have responded. Those reports go through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. You can order ALEA reports online for $17.

What Records Mobile Releases

Mobile PD releases several types of police records to the public.

• Incident reports
• Offense reports
• Crash reports
• Arrest records
• Call logs

Not everything is public. Active investigations stay confidential. Juvenile records are protected. Personal info like Social Security numbers and home addresses get blacked out.

Some reports have restricted access. Only certain parties can obtain them. Victims can get their own reports. Insurance companies can get crash reports for claims they handle. Attorneys can get records related to their cases.

If you are denied, ask for the reason in writing. You can appeal within the department or take it to court.

Mobile Jail and Inmate Search

People arrested by Mobile police go to the Mobile County Metro Jail.

Metro Jail Address:
450 St. Emanuel Street
Mobile, AL 36602

The Mobile County Sheriff runs the jail. You can search for inmates on the Sheriff's website. The roster shows:

• Inmate name and photo
• Booking date
• Charges
• Bond amount

The roster updates regularly. It shows current inmates only. For releases and past bookings, contact the jail directly.

Bond is set by a judge, not the jail. If you have questions about bond amounts or court dates, contact the Mobile County District Attorney or the Circuit Clerk.

Background Checks in Mobile

Mobile PD does not run comprehensive background checks for the public. Statewide checks go through ALEA.

ALEA Criminal Justice Information Services
301 S. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 1-866-740-4762

Online background checks cost $15 through the ALEA portal. Mail requests cost $25 and require a money order plus identification.

For the most complete results, fingerprint-based checks are best. You get printed at a local law enforcement office. The prints go to ALEA for processing. This catches more records than name-only searches.

Mobile County Sheriff also offers local background check services. Contact them at 251-574-8633 for information about county-level checks.

Alabama Public Records Law

Your right to access police records comes from Alabama law. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 states that every citizen has the right to inspect and copy public writings.

Police records fall under this law with some exceptions. Active investigations can be withheld. Security information is exempt. Personal identifying details get redacted.

Since October 2024, only Alabama residents can request public records. You must show proof of residency with a valid Alabama ID.

Alabama law does not set response deadlines. Agencies can take as long as they need. Mobile tries to be responsive, but complex requests take time.

If denied, you can sue in circuit court within two years. There is no state appeals board for records disputes.

Nearby Cities with Police Records

Looking for records from police departments near Mobile? Check these cities:

Each city has its own police department. If your incident happened outside Mobile city limits, contact that jurisdiction. County sheriff records are handled separately at the Mobile County Sheriff's Office.

Search Mobile Records Now

Use the search below to find police records, arrest information, and criminal history in Mobile.