Franklin County Arrest Records

Police records for Franklin County are managed by the sheriff's office in Russellville. The county is in northwest Alabama near the Tennessee state line. Sheriff Shannon Oliver runs the department. The jail opened in March 2008 and can hold 220 inmates. You can search the online roster for free to see who is in custody. The site shows current inmates and those released within 48 hours. For older records, incident reports, or copies of documents, contact the sheriff directly. This guide walks you through how to find what you need.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Shannon Oliver heads the department. The main office handles all law enforcement for the county outside city limits. They run the jail and serve civil process too.

The detention center opened in 2008. It is a newer facility with 220 beds. Theresa Qualls serves as jail administrator.

Sheriff's Office Contact:

• Address: 748 Walnut Gate Road, Russellville, AL 35654
• Phone: 256-332-8820

Detention Center:

• Phone: 256-332-8425

Call the detention center for inmate questions. They can tell you if someone is in custody. They can give bond amounts and visiting hours.

For records requests, contact the main office number. Staff can help you find incident reports and arrest records. Have your ID ready since Alabama limits requests to residents.

Franklin County Online Inmate Search

The sheriff posts a free roster online. Go to franklinsheriff.org/roster.php to search inmates. This shows everyone currently in the jail.

The roster also lists people released in the past 48 hours. This helps if you missed someone who just got out.

Each inmate listing includes:

• Full name and booking photo
• Date they were booked in
• All charges filed
• Bond amount set by the court
• Current housing unit

The roster updates throughout the day. Check back if you do not see who you need. New bookings get added as they happen. Releases get moved to the 48-hour list.

No login is needed. Just go to the page and browse or search by name. It is completely free.

For records older than 48 hours, call the detention center at 256-332-8425. Staff can look up past bookings in their system.

Jail Visitation Rules

Franklin County offers two free 30-minute visits per week. This is more than many jails allow. Extra visits cost $7.50 each.

Call the jail to schedule a visit. They will tell you the days and times based on the inmate's housing unit. Bring your ID.

Rules for visiting:

• Must be on the approved visitor list
• No cell phones in the facility
• Proper dress required
• No drugs or weapons
• Children must be with an adult

Video visits may be an option too. Ask the jail about their current video visitation program.

Types of Police Records Available

Franklin County keeps several types of law enforcement records. Here is what you can request.

Arrest records are created at booking. They show name, charges, date of birth, and mugshot. These are public records for adults. You can see them on the online roster or get copies from the sheriff.

Incident reports detail crimes and calls. An officer writes up what happened. These include witness names, evidence found, and action taken. Request copies from the records office.

Crash reports for county roads are filed with the sheriff. State highway crashes go through ALEA. Order ALEA reports online for $17 at their portal.

Warrants come from the courts. Active warrants may not be public. After the arrest, the complaint becomes a public record.

Background checks are run through ALEA statewide. The cost is $25 by mail or $15 online. You need written consent to check someone else's record.

Not everything is public. Juvenile records stay sealed. Home addresses get redacted. Social Security and driver's license numbers are not released.

How to Request Franklin County Records

You can get records in person, by mail, or start with a phone call.

In person: Visit 748 Walnut Gate Road in Russellville. Bring your Alabama driver's license or voter registration. Ask for what you need. Staff can often pull records right then. Pay any fees on site.

By mail: Send a written request to the sheriff's office. Be specific about what you want. Include dates and names if you know them. Attach a copy of your ID. Address it to: Franklin County Sheriff's Office, 748 Walnut Gate Road, Russellville, AL 35654.

By phone: Call 256-332-8820 for general info. Staff can confirm if a record exists. For copies, they will likely direct you to visit or send a written request.

What to include in your request:

• Your full name and contact info
• Copy of your Alabama ID
• Clear description of records needed
• Date range or case number
• Payment for any fees

Alabama law at Section 36-12-40 says only residents can request public records. Prove residency with your ID.

Franklin County Record Fees

Here is what you can expect to pay for records.

The online roster is free. Search as often as you want at no cost.

Paper copies have a fee. Most offices charge $0.50 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost more. Call ahead for exact amounts.

Background checks through ALEA cost $25 by mail or $15 online. This is a state fee, not a county charge.

Crash reports from ALEA are $17 online. Local crash reports from the sheriff may have a different fee.

Payment is usually by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards may not be accepted. Ask when you call or visit.

Fees can change. Always confirm current costs before you send payment in the mail.

Alabama Records Law

Your right to police records comes from state law. The Alabama Open Records Act sets the rules.

Section 36-12-40 gives residents the right to inspect public records. Police records fall under this law. You can view and copy them with some limits.

The catch is the residency rule. Only people who live in Alabama can request records. Out-of-state requests get denied. Bring proof like a driver's license.

Section 36-12-41 says agencies must provide copies for a fair fee. They cannot refuse if the record is public.

Some records are exempt:

• Home addresses of arrestees
• Social Security numbers
• Driver's license numbers
• Juvenile case files
• Active investigation notes
• Security procedures

Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires the sheriff to keep a jail book. This log must be open for inspection. That is the legal basis for online inmate rosters.

If your request is denied, you can sue in circuit court. There is no state appeals process. You have two years to file.

Franklin County Court Records

Court records are separate from police records. The Circuit Clerk maintains them. They are kept at the Franklin County Courthouse in Russellville.

Franklin County is in the 34th Judicial Circuit. It shares this circuit with Blount and Winston Counties. Circuit Court handles felony cases. District Court covers misdemeanors and traffic.

Search court records online at pa.alacourt.com. A name search costs $9.99 and includes one case. Extra cases and document images have fees too.

For certified copies, visit the clerk in person. Bring ID. Certified copies cost more than plain copies but carry legal weight.

Statewide Search Options

Some searches go beyond the county. Use these state resources for broader lookups.

ALEA handles criminal history at the state level. Reach them at 1-866-740-4762. Their office is at 301 S. Ripley Street in Montgomery.

The Alabama DOC inmate search covers state prison inmates. It does not show county jail inmates. Use it for people serving felony sentences.

The Sex Offender Registry is free. Search by name or address. It shows photos and offense info.

VINELink at vinelink.com sends alerts when inmates are released or moved. Free to register. Good for crime victims.

Nearby Counties

Franklin County borders several other counties. Here are links to police records in those areas.

Search Franklin County Records

Use the tool below to search arrest records, inmate rosters, and criminal history in Franklin County, Alabama.