Montgomery Police Records
Police records in Montgomery are available through the Montgomery Police Department Records Bureau. As the state capital, Montgomery handles a significant volume of law enforcement activity. The city has about 196,000 residents. That means plenty of incident reports, crash reports, and arrest records get generated each year. The good news is Montgomery offers several ways to request records. You can go in person, send an email, submit by mail, or use their online form. This page explains the process step by step, including fees, contact information, and what to expect when you file your request.
Montgomery Quick Facts
Which County Handles Montgomery Cases
Montgomery sits in Montgomery County. As the state capital, the city has unique access to state resources. But for local criminal matters, the county court system handles cases.
Montgomery County Circuit Court hears felony cases. District Court handles misdemeanors. The Circuit Clerk keeps records of all criminal proceedings once charges are filed.
The Montgomery County Sheriff runs the jail. People arrested by Montgomery PD go to the Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility. The sheriff maintains the inmate roster and handles bookings.
Police records and court records are different things. Montgomery PD keeps the initial reports. The county keeps the court file. You may need both for a complete picture of a case.
ALEA headquarters is also in Montgomery. That makes it convenient if you need state-level records too. Their office is at 301 S. Ripley Street.
Montgomery Police Department Contact Info
The Montgomery Police Department has a dedicated Records Bureau that handles report requests.
Records Bureau Address:
320 N. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Email: policerecords@montgomeryal.gov
For general public records requests (not just police):
Public Records Email: recordsrequest@montgomeryal.gov
Mail Address:
P.O. Box 1111
Montgomery, AL 36101-1111
Montgomery is one of few Alabama cities that accepts email requests for police records. This can speed things up compared to mail or in-person visits.
How to Request Montgomery Police Records
Montgomery offers multiple ways to request police records. Pick what works best for you.
In Person
Visit the Records Bureau at 320 N. Ripley Street. Bring your ID. Tell them what report you need. Pay the fee if applicable. Some reports can be provided same day. Others take longer.
By Email
Send your request to policerecords@montgomeryal.gov. Include your name, contact info, and a description of the records you want. Be specific about dates, names, and case numbers if you have them.
By Mail
Write a letter describing your request. Include payment (check or money order) and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to P.O. Box 1111, Montgomery, AL 36101-1111.
Online Form
Montgomery has an online public records request form at cityofmontgomery.seamlessdocs.com. This works for general city records. For specific police reports, the email option is often faster.
Traffic Accident Reports
Montgomery crash reports are available through LexisNexis. You can order them online if you prefer. The fee is typically around $10. This option is popular for insurance claims.
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives every citizen the right to inspect and copy public writings. This is the legal basis for your request. Remember that only Alabama residents can exercise this right as of October 2024.
Montgomery Police Record Fees
Montgomery charges for certain record types.
Crash Reports: $10 per copy
Other incident reports may have fees as well. The cost depends on the type of record and how many pages it contains. Copy fees are standard across Alabama.
For mail requests, include payment with your letter. Make checks payable to the City of Montgomery. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return.
In person, you can pay at the Records Bureau. They accept standard payment methods.
If you are requesting many records, the costs add up. Ask for an estimate before they pull everything. That way you know what to expect.
What Records Montgomery Releases
Montgomery PD releases various types of police records to the public.
- Incident reports
- Offense reports
- Crash and accident reports
- Arrest records
- Call for service logs
Some information gets redacted. Social Security numbers are removed. Home addresses of victims stay confidential. Details about minors are protected.
Active investigations may be withheld entirely. The department can decline if releasing records would harm the case. Once a case closes, more information becomes available.
Juvenile records are not public in Alabama. If the suspect or victim is a minor, those records stay sealed.
How to Get Montgomery Crash Reports
Car accidents generate crash reports. You need these for insurance claims and legal matters.
Montgomery PD handles crashes on city streets. The fee is $10. You can request in person, by email, by mail, or through LexisNexis.
LexisNexis is popular because it is fast. Go to their site, search for your crash by date and location, and pay online. The report downloads immediately.
For crashes on highways near Montgomery, ALEA troopers may have responded. Those reports go through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Order ALEA reports at their portal for $17.
To request from Montgomery PD directly, provide:
- Date of the accident
- Location where it happened
- Names of drivers involved
- Case number if known
Reports take a few days after the accident to be available. Officers need time to complete their paperwork.
Montgomery Jail and Inmate Search
People arrested by Montgomery police go to the Montgomery County jail.
Mac Sim Butler Detention Facility
250 S. McDonough Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
The Montgomery County Sheriff runs this facility. You can search for inmates on the Sheriff's website. The roster shows current inmates with their photos, charges, and bond amounts.
The roster updates frequently. It shows who is currently in custody. For past bookings and releases, contact the jail directly.
Bond amounts are set by a judge. The jail holds people but does not set bonds. For questions about bail or court dates, contact the District Attorney or Circuit Clerk.
VINELink offers notifications when an inmate's status changes. Register at vinelink.com to get alerts by phone, email, or text.
Background Checks in Montgomery
Montgomery PD does not run public background checks. Those go through ALEA.
Conveniently, ALEA is headquartered in Montgomery:
ALEA Criminal Justice Information Services
301 S. Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 1-866-740-4762
Online background checks cost $15. Mail requests cost $25 and need a money order. Fingerprint-based checks are the most complete but take longer.
You can visit ALEA in person since it is local. Bring your ID and payment. They can help you with the application.
Montgomery County Sheriff also offers background checks. Contact them for local options.
Alabama Public Records Law
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 establishes your right to access public records. It says every citizen may inspect and copy public writings.
This law covers police records with certain exceptions. Active investigations can be withheld. Security plans are exempt. Personal identifying information gets redacted.
Only Alabama residents can request records now. This changed in October 2024. You must show proof with a valid Alabama ID.
The law does not set response deadlines. Montgomery tries to respond promptly but complex requests take time. You can follow up if your request seems delayed.
If denied, you can sue in circuit court. There is no state agency handling appeals. You have two years to file after a denial.
Nearby Cities with Police Records
Looking for police records from areas around Montgomery? Try these cities:
Each city has its own police department with separate records systems. If your incident happened outside Montgomery, contact that jurisdiction directly.
Search Montgomery Records Now
Use the search below to find police records, arrest information, and criminal history in Montgomery.