Tuscaloosa County Arrest Records

Police records in Tuscaloosa County include arrest logs, booking data, and incident reports from the Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Tuscaloosa County is home to the University of Alabama and has a population of about 227,000 people. Sheriff Ron Abernathy runs the department and oversees the county jail. The jail can hold about 600 inmates and posts profiles online with photos and charges. This guide covers how to find arrest records, search the inmate roster, and request police reports in Tuscaloosa County.

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office provides law enforcement for areas outside city limits. They also run the county jail. Ron Abernathy is the current sheriff.

Contact the Sheriff's Office:

• Address: 714 1/2 Greensboro Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
• Phone: 205-752-0616
• Website: tcsoal.org

The main office is in downtown Tuscaloosa. Hours are Monday through Friday during normal business hours. For emergencies, call 911.

The Records Division handles requests for incident reports and arrest data. Call ahead to check on fees and what you need to bring.

Tuscaloosa County Jail

The Tuscaloosa County Jail holds inmates awaiting trial and those with short sentences. It is a medium security facility.

• Address: 1600 26th Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
• Phone: 205-349-4511

The jail has a capacity of about 600 inmates. Population varies day to day. Inmates here are either waiting for trial or serving sentences under one year.

Visitation requires scheduling in advance. You must call between 7 AM and 4 PM the day before your visit to set it up. Each inmate gets one visit per week. Two people can visit at a time.

Money for inmate accounts is handled electronically. The jail uses systems like JailATM. No cash is accepted at the facility.

How to Search Tuscaloosa County Inmates

The Sheriff provides an online inmate search. It is free to use.

Visit the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff website and look for the inmate search link. You can search by name to find current inmates.

Each inmate profile shows:

• Inmate name and photo
• Booking date
• Charges filed
• Bond amount if set

The database covers current inmates. Once someone is released, they drop off the list. For past arrests, contact the Sheriff directly.

Updates happen throughout the day. New bookings appear after processing. This usually takes a few hours.

How to Request Police Records

Getting records in Tuscaloosa County takes a request to the right agency. The process varies by record type.

For Sheriff's Office records, contact their Records Division. They handle incident reports and arrest records for cases in their jurisdiction.

Under Alabama Code Section 36-12-40, Alabama residents can inspect public records. Most police records are covered unless an exemption applies.

Alabama Code Section 36-22-8 requires sheriffs to keep a jail book. This log of inmates is a public record.

When making a request, include:

• Your name and contact info
• What records you need
• Names and dates if known
• Payment for any fees

For city police records, contact Tuscaloosa Police Department or Northport Police. They handle reports for crimes within their city limits.

Tuscaloosa County Record Fees

Fees apply for most record copies. The online inmate search is free.

Common fees:

• Incident reports: $10 to $25
• Crash reports: $15 to $25
• Copy fees: Around $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: Extra fee for certification

Cash works for in-person requests. Money orders work for mail. Some offices accept cards. Call to check first.

Background checks are done by ALEA, not the Sheriff. State fees are $25 by mail or $15 online.

Tuscaloosa County Court Records

Court records are separate from police records. After charges are filed, the case goes to court. Those records are at the Circuit Clerk's office.

Tuscaloosa County is in the 6th Judicial Circuit. This circuit also covers Fayette, Lamar, and Pickens counties. Felonies go to Circuit Court. Misdemeanors start in District Court.

The Tuscaloosa County Circuit Clerk:

• Address: 714 Greensboro Avenue, Room 104, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
• Phone: 205-349-3870

Online court searches are at Alacourt Access. The site is pa.alacourt.com. Name searches cost $9.99. Document images have added costs.

For case status and court dates, contact the clerk. They can look up pending cases.

Legal Help in Tuscaloosa County

Legal resources exist for people who need help in Tuscaloosa County.

Legal Services Alabama serves low-income residents. They handle civil matters and give referrals for criminal cases.

The Tuscaloosa County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. They can connect you with attorneys who handle criminal defense.

Public defenders are appointed for those who qualify. Ask for one at your first court appearance. The court checks your income.

The University of Alabama School of Law runs a legal clinic. They help with some civil matters. Check their website for eligibility.

Cities in Tuscaloosa County

Tuscaloosa County has several cities. Each city police department keeps its own records.

The main city is:

• Tuscaloosa - The county seat and home to the University of Alabama

Northport is another city in the county. It has its own police force. Contact them for reports from within city limits.

The Sheriff handles unincorporated areas. If an incident was outside a city, the Sheriff likely has the record.

Nearby Counties

Tuscaloosa County borders several other counties. Each has its own sheriff and police records.

Search Tuscaloosa County Records

Use the form below to find police records in Tuscaloosa County. Look up arrest records, inmates, and criminal history.