Blount County Police Records
Police records for Blount County are maintained by the Sheriff's Office in Oneonta, Alabama. The county sits in north central Alabama and covers a mostly rural area with a mix of small towns. You can search arrest records and current jail inmates through the sheriff's online roster. The department keeps booking logs, mugshots, and bond information. Most records are free to view on the web. For copies of incident reports or other documents, you may need to contact the office directly.
Blount County Quick Facts
Blount County Sheriff's Office
The sheriff runs law enforcement for Blount County. This office handles arrests, jail operations, and civil process. The current jail is small with a capacity of 101 beds. Staff process inmates, set bonds, and manage daily operations.
The sheriff's office is at 225 Industrial Park Road in Oneonta. That is the main location for records requests and general inquiries. Hours are standard business hours on weekdays.
Contact details:
- Address: 225 Industrial Park Road, Oneonta, AL 35121
- Phone: (205) 625-4133
- Non-Emergency: 205-625-4127
For urgent matters, call the main line. The dispatch center is open around the clock. They can check if someone is in custody or provide bond amounts by phone.
You can also reach out by mail. Send your request to the address above. Include your name, phone number, and what records you need. A copy of your ID may be required under Alabama law since only residents can request public records.
How to Search Blount County Inmates
The sheriff's website has a free online roster. You can find it at blountalsheriff.org/roster.php. This page lists everyone in custody right now. It also shows inmates released in the past 48 hours.
The roster updates often. It shows the inmate's name, photo, booking date, charges, and bond. You do not need to create an account. Just go to the site and search.
Here is how to use it:
- Go to the sheriff's roster page
- Click on current inmates or recent releases
- Browse the list or use the search box
- Click a name to see full booking info
If you need to know about someone who was booked before the 48-hour window, call the jail. Staff can look up past records. They may charge a fee for printed copies.
The jail is small. It holds about 101 inmates at a time. This means booking records cycle quickly. Check the site as soon as you can after an arrest.
Types of Blount County Police Records
Several types of records exist. Each comes from a different source in the county.
Arrest records are made when someone is booked into jail. They include name, date of birth, charges, and a photo. The sheriff keeps these. They are public for adults under Alabama law.
Incident reports detail crimes or calls for service. An officer writes up the facts of what happened. These come from the sheriff or from city police in places like Oneonta or Blountsville.
Crash reports for accidents on county roads are filed with the sheriff. For state highways, ALEA handles the report. You can order crash reports online through ALEA for $17.
Warrants are issued by judges. The sheriff serves them. Active warrants may not be public until served. Once executed, the arrest record is public.
Background checks through ALEA cost $25 by mail or $15 online. These show a person's statewide criminal history. You need their written consent to run a check on someone else.
Not all records are free. Some have copy fees. The sheriff may charge per page. Alabama Code Section 36-12-41 allows reasonable fees for copies of public records.
How to Request Blount County Police Records
Getting records in person is often fastest. Go to the sheriff's office at 225 Industrial Park Road. Bring your ID. Tell staff what you need. They can often pull it on the spot.
By mail, write a letter stating what records you want. Be specific. Include dates, names, and case numbers if you have them. Send it with a copy of your Alabama driver's license or voter registration. Alabama law under Section 36-12-40 limits requests to state residents.
By phone, call the main line at (205) 625-4133. Staff can tell you if a record exists. They can confirm if someone is in jail. For copies, they will likely ask you to come in or send a written request.
What to include in your request:
- Your full name and address
- Your phone number or email
- Copy of your Alabama ID
- Description of the record you need
- Date range or case number if known
- Payment for any fees
Response times vary. Alabama law does not set a deadline for agencies to reply. Most requests take a few days to a week. Complex requests take longer.
Blount County Police Record Fees
Fees for records depend on the type. Here is what to expect in Blount County.
The online inmate roster is free. You pay nothing to search it. This is the best way to check jail status at no cost.
Copies of documents have fees. The sheriff may charge $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. Call ahead to ask what a specific record costs.
For statewide background checks, ALEA charges $25 by mail or $15 online. This is separate from the sheriff's office.
Crash reports through ALEA cost $17 online or $15 by mail. Local crash reports from the sheriff may have different fees.
Payment methods vary. The sheriff's office may take cash, money orders, or checks. Credit cards might not be accepted for in-person requests. Ask when you call or visit.
Note: Fees can change. Always confirm current costs before sending payment.
Alabama Laws on Police Records
Alabama has laws that control access to police records. The main law is the Open Records Act.
Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 gives residents the right to inspect public records. This includes arrest records, incident reports, and booking logs. The law says "every resident has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public record."
There is a catch. Only Alabama residents can make requests. You must show proof like a driver's license or voter registration card.
Section 36-12-41 says agencies must provide copies for a reasonable fee. They cannot refuse if the record is public.
Some things are not public. Home addresses of arrestees are withheld. So are Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers. Juvenile records stay sealed. Active investigation files may be held back too.
Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires sheriffs to keep a jail book listing all inmates. This book must be open for inspection during business hours. That is why online rosters exist.
If denied a record, you can sue in circuit court. There is no state appeal board. You have two years to file after a denial.
Blount County Court Records
Court records are separate from police records. The Circuit Clerk keeps them. They cover criminal cases after charges are filed.
Blount County is in the 34th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Court handles felonies. District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic, and small claims.
You can search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. This is Alacourt Access. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case. More cases cost extra.
The Circuit Clerk's office is at the Blount County Courthouse in Oneonta. Stop by to request copies. Certified copies cost more than regular copies. Bring your ID.
Criminal case files show charges, pleas, and outcomes. They include court dates and judge's orders. These are public for most adult cases.
Victim Notification in Blount County
If you need updates on an inmate, use VINELink. This is a free service. You can register at vinelink.com.
VINELink sends alerts when an inmate's status changes. You get notice if they are released, transferred, or escape. Alerts come by phone, email, or text.
This service is helpful for victims of crime. It lets you know when someone gets out without having to keep checking the roster yourself.
Nearby Counties
Blount County borders several other counties. If you need records from nearby areas, here are links.
Search Blount County Records Now
Use the tool below to search arrest records, inmate information, and criminal history in Blount County.