Cherokee County Police Records Search
Police records in Cherokee County are kept by Sheriff Jeff Shaver's office in Centre. The county covers the eastern border of Alabama next to Georgia. It is a smaller county with a jail capacity of just 72 beds. The sheriff posts an online roster where you can search current inmates for free. Each listing has photos and charge details. Cherokee County also houses inmates for the U.S. Marshal Service, so you may see federal detainees on the roster too. This page explains how to access arrest records, request incident reports, and find jail information.
Cherokee County Quick Facts
Cherokee County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Jeff Shaver runs the department. Harley Lamey serves as Chief of Corrections. The office handles law enforcement for the entire county outside city police zones.
The jail is small at 72 beds. It holds county inmates and federal detainees. The facility is at the same address as the sheriff's main office.
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 110 Cedar Bluff Road, Centre, AL 35960
- Phone: (256) 927-3365
Detention Center:
- Phone: (256) 927-6435
Call the detention number for jail questions. They can check if someone is in custody. They give out bond amounts and visit times.
For records requests, call the main sheriff line. Staff will direct you to the right person. Bring ID if you visit in person.
Cherokee County Inmate Roster
Search inmates online for free. The roster is at cherokeecountyalsheriff.com/roster.php. You can see everyone in the jail right now.
The site updates often. Each listing shows a photo with the inmate's details. You can see charges and bond amounts too.
What you see on each inmate profile:
- Full name and mugshot
- Booking date and time
- Charges filed
- Bond amount
- Housing location
The roster is free to use. No login needed. Just go to the page and search.
Cherokee County holds federal inmates for the U.S. Marshal Service. You may see these on the roster. They are marked separately from county holds.
For past bookings not on the roster, call the jail. Staff can search their records system. Older records may have a copy fee.
Video Visitation
Cherokee County uses video visits only. There are no in-person visits at the jail. All visits happen through the inmatesales.com platform.
To set up a video visit:
- Go to inmatesales.com
- Create an account
- Find Cherokee County, Alabama
- Search for your inmate
- Schedule and pay for a visit
Video visits cost money. Check the site for current rates. You need a device with a camera and internet.
This setup lets you visit from home. You do not have to drive to the jail. It works on computers and phones.
Types of Cherokee County Records
The sheriff's office keeps various records. Here is what you might need.
Booking records are made at arrest. They have the person's name, charges, and mugshot. These are public for adults. View them on the roster or request copies.
Incident reports describe crimes and calls. An officer writes up facts, witness info, and what action was taken. Get copies from the sheriff's records section.
Crash reports for county roads are kept by the sheriff. Highway crashes go to ALEA state troopers. ALEA reports cost $17 online.
Warrants are issued by courts. Active warrants may not be public. After arrest, the complaint becomes a record you can access.
Background checks run through ALEA at the state level. Cost is $25 by mail or $15 online. The sheriff does not do statewide checks.
Some data is not public. Juvenile names stay sealed. Home addresses get redacted. Social Security numbers are not released.
How to Get Cherokee County Records
You can request records in person, by mail, or by phone for basic info.
In person: Go to 110 Cedar Bluff Road in Centre. Bring your Alabama ID. Tell staff what you need. Pay any fees on the spot.
By mail: Write a letter to the sheriff's office. Say exactly what record you want. Include dates and names. Attach a copy of your Alabama driver's license. Mail to: Cherokee County Sheriff's Office, 110 Cedar Bluff Road, Centre, AL 35960.
By phone: Call (256) 927-3365 for general info. Staff can confirm if a record exists. For copies, you need to visit or send a letter.
Include in your request:
- Your name and phone number
- Copy of your Alabama ID
- What records you need
- Date range or case number
- Payment for fees
Only Alabama residents can request records. This is state law under Section 36-12-40. Bring proof of where you live.
Cherokee County Record Fees
Here is what to expect for costs.
The online roster is free. Search as much as you want. No charge.
Copies of reports have fees. Most offices charge $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. Ask the office for exact prices.
State background checks cost $25 by mail or $15 online. This goes through ALEA, not the county.
ALEA crash reports cost $17 online. Local crash reports from the sheriff may vary.
Pay by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards may not be accepted. Call ahead to ask.
Fees change over time. Confirm current costs before you mail payment.
Alabama Public Records Law
The Open Records Act controls access to police records. Here is how it works.
Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to inspect public records. This covers arrest logs, booking data, and incident reports.
The law has a residency limit. Only people who live in Alabama can request records. You must show ID like a driver's license or voter card.
Section 36-12-41 says agencies must provide copies for a fair fee. They cannot refuse without good reason.
Exempt from public access:
- Arrestee home addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Juvenile case files
- Active investigation data
- Security procedures
Alabama law does not set a deadline for agencies to respond. Some requests take weeks. There is no penalty for delays. This is a gap in the law.
If denied, sue in circuit court. No state appeal board exists. You have two years to file suit.
Cherokee County Court Records
Court records are not police records. The Circuit Clerk keeps them. Go to the Cherokee County Courthouse in Centre.
Cherokee County is in the 9th Judicial Circuit. It shares this circuit with DeKalb County. Circuit Court handles felonies. District Court does misdemeanors and traffic.
Search court records at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99 and gets you one case. Extra cases and documents cost more.
For certified copies, visit the clerk. Bring ID. Certified copies have legal weight but cost more than plain copies.
Statewide Search Tools
Some searches go beyond Cherokee County. Use these state tools.
ALEA runs the state criminal history database. Call 1-866-740-4762. They are at 301 S. Ripley Street in Montgomery.
The Alabama DOC search finds state prison inmates. It does not show county jail inmates. Use it for people in state lockup.
The Sex Offender Registry is free. Search by name or zip code. See photos and offense details.
VINELink at vinelink.com sends inmate status alerts. Register for free. Good for victims of crime.
Nearby Counties
Cherokee County borders these areas. Click for police records info.
Search Cherokee County Now
Use the tool below to find arrest records, inmate rosters, and criminal history in Cherokee County.