Covington County Arrest Records

Police records in Covington County are kept by the Sheriff's Office in Andalusia. Sheriff Blake Turman leads the department. The office handles all arrests and runs the county jail. Unlike many Alabama counties, Covington does not have an online inmate search. You must call the jail directly to ask about inmates. This guide covers how to access records, fees, and contact info for Covington County.

Covington County Sheriff's Office

The Covington County Sheriff's Office sits on Hillcrest Drive in Andalusia. Sheriff Blake Turman has led the office since 2019. His staff includes patrol deputies, investigators, and jail workers.

The department covers all of Covington County. This includes rural areas and small towns. City police in Andalusia, Opp, and Red Level handle crimes in those towns. The sheriff takes care of the rest.

Here is the contact info:

• Address: 290 Hillcrest Drive, Andalusia, AL 36420
• Phone: (334) 428-2640
• Fax: (334) 428-2702
• Jail Info: (334) 428-2641

The main office is open Monday through Friday. The jail has staff around the clock. You can call the jail number any time to check on an inmate.

Covington County is part of the 22nd Judicial Circuit. This circuit includes Butler and Conecuh counties too. Circuit Court meets in Andalusia at the courthouse.

How to Find Jail Inmates

Covington County does not have an online inmate roster. You cannot search jail records on a website. Instead, you must call the jail to ask about inmates.

Call the jail at (334) 428-2641. Tell them the name of the person you are looking for. They will check if that person is in custody. They can also tell you about bond amounts and charges.

This is different from most Alabama counties. Many sheriffs post their jail roster online. Covington chose not to do this. Some say it is for privacy. Others think it just has not been set up yet.

Thomas Hugghins runs the jail as Jail Administrator. His staff can help with questions. They handle booking, releases, and visitation too.

The jail holds up to 250 inmates. It houses both men and women. Most people there are waiting for court. Some serve short sentences for misdemeanors.

If you cannot reach the jail by phone, try the main office. They can transfer your call. In person visits work too during office hours.

Jail Visitation Rules

Covington County uses video visitation. You do not meet face to face. Instead, you talk through a screen. This is common in Alabama jails now.

To set up a visit, use the Inmate Sales Website. Create an account first. Then schedule a time slot. Most visits last 20 to 30 minutes. There may be a small fee.

In person visits are limited. They only happen in special cases. Check with the jail for the current rules. Policies can change without notice.

Here are some general visit rules:

• You must be on the inmate's approved list
• Valid ID is required
• Dress code applies, no revealing clothes
• No cell phones during visits
• Children must be supervised

Phone calls are another option. Inmates can call out using a prepaid system. You add money to their account. Then they can call you.

Mail is allowed but gets checked. Write the inmate's full name and booking number on the envelope. No packages or items inside letters.

Requesting Police Records

To get police records in Covington County, contact the sheriff's office. The records section handles these requests. Be ready to show ID and pay a fee.

Alabama law gives residents the right to see public records. Alabama Code Section 36-12-40 covers this. You must be an Alabama resident. Out of state people cannot request records under this law.

For arrest records, give the clerk the person's name. Include the date of arrest if you know it. They will search their files. If a record exists, they can make you a copy.

Incident reports are available too. These cover crimes and calls for service. Tell the clerk when the event happened. Also describe what type of incident it was.

What you need to bring:

• Alabama driver's license or state ID
• Name of the person in the record
• Date of the incident or arrest
• Case number if you have it
• Payment for copies

Mail requests work too. Write a letter with all the details. Include a money order for fees. Expect 2 to 4 weeks for a reply.

Criminal history checks go through ALEA. The sheriff cannot give you a full background. Contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for those requests.

Police Record Fees

Fees in Covington County are set by the sheriff's office. Here is what you can expect to pay for records.

Incident reports cost around $10 to $20. Arrest records are in the same range. The exact price depends on the size of the file.

Copy charges add up. Most offices charge $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Large files mean higher costs. Ask for a total before they print.

Crash reports have their own fee. If the sheriff handled the wreck, they set the price. ALEA handles highway crashes. Those cost $17 online.

Background checks through ALEA cost $25 by mail. Online is $15. You need fingerprints for a complete check. That costs extra too.

Payment methods vary. Cash works in person. Money orders are good for mail. Credit cards may work for some requests. Call ahead to check.

Court Records in Covington County

Court records are separate from police records. The Circuit Clerk keeps all case files. This includes criminal cases that go to court.

The courthouse is in downtown Andalusia. The Circuit Clerk office is inside. They have records of felonies and serious misdemeanors. Traffic cases go to District Court.

Covington County is in the 22nd Judicial Circuit. This circuit covers three counties. Judges rotate between them for trials.

Online searches are possible. Go to pa.alacourt.com for Alacourt Access. A name search costs $9.99. You get one case included. More cases cost extra money.

Paper copies from the clerk cost money too. Certified copies are $5 to $10 each. Plain copies are less. Bring cash or a money order.

The District Clerk handles lesser crimes. This includes traffic tickets and minor charges. They are in the same building as Circuit Court.

City Police Departments

Covington County has several cities with their own police. These departments handle crimes within city limits. The sheriff covers areas outside the cities.

Andalusia Police Department is the largest. They patrol the county seat. For reports about events in Andalusia, contact them. Their station is downtown.

Opp Police Department covers that city. Red Level has officers too. Each keeps their own records. You must contact the right agency for your report.

Not sure which agency has your report? Think about where the event happened. City streets mean city police. County roads mean the sheriff. Call either one and they can point you the right way.

Legal Help Options

Legal aid is available for those who qualify. Low income residents can get free help with some matters. Here are your options in Covington County.

Legal Services Alabama serves this area. They handle civil cases for people who cannot afford a lawyer. This does not include criminal defense. But they can help with record clearing.

If you face criminal charges, you may get a public defender. The judge assigns one if you cannot pay for a lawyer. Ask at your first court date.

The Alabama State Bar has a referral service. Call 800-354-6154 to find a lawyer. They can match you with attorneys in your area. Many offer free first meetings.

Expungement may be possible. If charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, you can ask to have records sealed. Alabama Code Section 41-9-625 explains how this works.

Victim Notification

If you are a crime victim, you can track the offender. VINELink lets you know when their status changes. This includes release, transfer, or escape from jail.

Sign up at vinelink.com for free. Enter the inmate name or booking number. Choose how you want alerts. Options include phone, text, or email.

The sheriff's office also has victim services. They can help with court dates and safety planning. Ask the main office to connect you with an advocate.

Domestic violence victims have extra resources. The local shelter can help with safety. They also assist with protective orders.

Nearby Counties

Covington County borders several other counties. If you cannot find someone here, check the surrounding jails. Inmates sometimes get moved for court or medical needs.

Most nearby counties have online jail rosters. Try those searches if you strike out in Covington. The person may have been arrested in another county.

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