Hancock County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Hancock County in 2026
HancockCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records, booking logs, and associated court filings in Hancock County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find records that include charges filed at the time of arrest, booking photographs, custody status, bond information, and case numbers linked to criminal proceedings. The following categories of records may be accessible through official and third-party sources:
- Arrest and booking records
- Jail roster and inmate status
- Criminal court case filings
- State-level arrest data
- Corrections and incarceration records
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Hancock County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Hancock County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the county detention facility. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmate status or recent bookings. The roster reflects individuals currently held at the Hancock County Adult Detention Center and is updated as bookings and releases occur. Information available through the Sheriff's Office includes:
- Full name and date of birth of the arrested individual
- Charges filed at the time of booking
- Booking date and booking number
- Bond amount and custody status
- Arresting agency
Hancock County Sheriff's Office
854 Highway 90
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-4922
Hancock County, MS | Official Website
2. Local Police Departments
Several municipalities within Hancock County maintain their own police departments, each of which generates arrest records for incidents occurring within their respective jurisdictions. The Bay St. Louis Police Department and the Waveland Police Department are the primary municipal law enforcement agencies in the county. Press releases and arrest logs may be issued periodically by these departments.
Bay St. Louis Police Department
700 Court Street
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-9222
Waveland Police Department
1313 Coleman Avenue
Waveland, MS 39576
Phone: (228) 467-4811
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Hancock County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are directly linked to arrests processed through the county. Members of the public may search case records by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated court filings, charge information, and case dispositions. The Circuit Clerk handles records for circuit and county court criminal matters.
Hancock County Circuit Clerk
152 Main Street, Suite 1
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-5265
Circuit Clerk | Hancock County, MS
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide arrest data repository that aggregates records submitted by all state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies. Members of the public may access the public arrest data portal to search for arrest records across Mississippi jurisdictions. The database includes charge information, arresting agency, and arrest dates. No fee is currently assessed for searching the public-facing portal.
Additionally, the Mississippi Department of Corrections provides an inmate search tool for locating individuals currently incarcerated in state correctional facilities, searchable by name or MDOC identification number.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 854 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
- Records division is located at the main Sheriff's Office building
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (228) 467-4922
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known arrest details
- Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Police Departments:
- Bay St. Louis Police Department: 700 Court Street, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 — (228) 467-9222
- Waveland Police Department: 1313 Coleman Avenue, Waveland, MS 39576 — (228) 467-4811
- Records requests at each department require a written request form and valid identification
- Copy fees are set at the departmental level and are subject to change
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 152 Main Street, Suite 1, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
- Criminal records division handles all circuit and county court case files
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (228) 467-5265
- Case files are available for public inspection during regular business hours
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies carry an additional fee
By Mail:
Members of the public may submit written records requests by mail to the Hancock County Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk. The Hancock County Public Records Request Form is available for download and should be completed and submitted with the following information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of arrest, if known
- Booking number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Preferred format for records delivery
Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies but is typically 5–10 business days for standard requests.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (228) 467-4922
- Circuit Clerk: (228) 467-5265
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records are not released by phone; callers may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated case files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and Mississippi Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Bay St. Louis PD, Waveland PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Hancock County
Arrest records in Hancock County are public records under Mississippi law. Pursuant to § 25-61-1 et seq. of the Mississippi Public Records Act, all records created or maintained by public bodies in the performance of their official functions are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this framework because they document the exercise of governmental authority by law enforcement agencies.
The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:
- Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement
- Public safety awareness within the community
- Support for journalism and academic research
- Facilitation of background screening by employers and licensing agencies
- Use in civil and criminal legal proceedings
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and any known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer information
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond or bail amount and type
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
Certain categories of arrest-related information are restricted from public disclosure under Mississippi law and applicable federal statutes:
- Juvenile arrest records, which are restricted or sealed pursuant to § 43-21-261 of the Mississippi Youth Court Law
- Expunged arrest records, which are removed from public access following a court order
- Records sealed by court order
- Information pertaining to active criminal investigations
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
- Victim-identifying information in certain offense categories
- Information relating to participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The public's right to access arrest records is grounded in both the Mississippi Public Records Act and First Amendment principles recognizing the press and public's interest in governmental proceedings. Courts have consistently held that the transparency interest in arrest records outweighs privacy concerns for adult arrestees, while acknowledging that an arrest does not constitute proof of guilt. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through the expungement process, which allows eligible individuals to petition for removal of records from public access.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers conducting background screening, subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- Professional licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers and others who use arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, but federal contractors are subject to applicable federal guidance. The distinction between an arrest record and a conviction record is legally significant: an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish criminal liability.
What's in Hancock County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Hancock County law enforcement agencies contain several categories of information compiled at the time of booking and during the initial stages of criminal proceedings.
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public-facing records)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, or other)
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed at booking
- Mississippi statute numbers alleged to have been violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Inventory of personal property
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
- Release date and time, if applicable
- Release conditions, where publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following booking
- Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court, County Court, or Justice Court)
- Scheduled arraignment or initial appearance date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest as contained in the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques or methods
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted from public records)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed following adjudication
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources including arrest records, court records, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Hancock County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Hancock County depends on the requesting office and the format of the records requested. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, agencies are authorized to charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of producing records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25–$0.50 per page |
| Certified copies (Circuit Clerk) | $1.00 per page plus certification fee |
| Certification fee | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| Search fee | Not currently assessed for most requests |
Accepted payment methods at the Hancock County Circuit Clerk and Sheriff's Office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective office. Credit card acceptance varies by department.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, such as by nonprofit organizations or journalists, at the discretion of the custodial agency. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation with their records request.
What is available at no cost:
- In-person inspection of public records (no copy fee for viewing only)
- Online search of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's public arrest data portal
- Online inmate search through the Mississippi Department of Corrections
- Online case index search through the Circuit Clerk's office, where available
How To Delete Arrest Records in Hancock County
Mississippi law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the physical destruction or sealing of records, and non-adjudication, which may prevent a conviction from appearing on a criminal record. The distinction between these remedies is significant. Expungement under § 99-19-71 of the Mississippi Code results in the removal of qualifying arrest and conviction records from public access and directs law enforcement agencies to treat the matter as if it never occurred for most purposes.
Eligibility for Expungement in Mississippi:
- First-time offenders convicted of certain non-violent misdemeanors and felonies may petition for expungement after completing their sentence
- Individuals whose charges were dismissed, who were acquitted, or against whom no charges were filed are eligible to petition for expungement of the arrest record
- Certain felony convictions are not eligible for expungement, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes against children
- A waiting period may apply depending on the nature of the offense and the disposition of the case
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and court case file from the Hancock County Circuit Clerk
- Confirm eligibility based on the offense type and case disposition
- Complete the petition for expungement and file it with the Hancock County Circuit Court
- Pay the applicable filing fee (currently set by the court clerk)
- Serve the petition on the District Attorney's Office and any other required parties
- Attend the expungement hearing if scheduled by the court
- If granted, the court order is forwarded to all relevant agencies directing destruction or sealing of records
Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:
Hancock County Circuit Clerk
152 Main Street, Suite 1
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-5265
Circuit Clerk | Hancock County, MS
Hancock County District Attorney's Office (20th Circuit District)
125 Court Street
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-0064
Following a granted expungement, the Circuit Clerk notifies the Mississippi Criminal Information Center and other relevant agencies. Records expunged at the state level may still be retained by the FBI's National Crime Information Center with a notation, and third-party background check databases may not update immediately.
What Happens After Arrest in Hancock County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Hancock County Adult Detention Center, located at 854 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and the availability of law enforcement personnel. The arrested individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation activities require completion before departure.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention facility, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Administration of Miranda rights advisement, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Collection of fingerprints
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Inventory and storage of personal property
- Exchange of personal clothing for jail-issued clothing
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification determination
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Pursuant to Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a Justice Court Judge for an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. As noted on the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's official page, "If you are in jail, you will have an Initial Appearance usually within forty-eight (48) hours after arrest. At this Initial Appearance, the Justice Court Judge will advise you of the charges against you." The initial appearance serves to:
- Formally notify the arrested individual of the charges
- Determine bond or bail
- Advise the individual of the right to counsel
- Appoint a public defender if the individual is indigent and requests one
- Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the detention facility
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
- The bond amount is set by the Justice Court Judge at the initial appearance or according to a bond schedule
Surety Bond:
- The arrested individual or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman
- A non-refundable premium of approximately 10–15% of the total bond amount is paid to the bondsman
- The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk
No Bond:
- The individual is held without the possibility of bond
- Applicable in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants
Conditions of Release:
Individuals released on bond may be subject to conditions including:
- Regular check-in with pretrial supervision
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing for release typically takes one to eight hours
- Personal property is returned
- The individual receives written notice of all upcoming court dates
- Written conditions of release are provided
- Failure to appear at any court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Hancock County Adult Detention Center
- Housing assignment is made following classification
- Inmate orientation covers commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel and face charges that may result in incarceration are entitled to appointed counsel. Eligibility is determined based on income at the initial appearance.
Hancock County Public Defender's Office
152 Main Street
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-5265 (through Circuit Clerk)
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking private representation. Attorney visits at the detention facility are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Hancock County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to proceed with formal charges. The prosecutor may:
- File a formal criminal information (for misdemeanors and some felonies)
- Present the case to a grand jury (for felony charges)
- Request additional investigation before making a charging decision
- Decline to prosecute if the evidence is insufficient
- File different or additional charges than those listed at booking
Grand Jury (Felonies):
Felony charges in Mississippi are presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed to trial. Grand jury proceedings are not open to the public, and the defense is not present. A true bill results in a formal indictment.
Arraignment:
Following indictment or the filing of a criminal information, the defendant is arraigned before the Circuit or County Court. At arraignment:
- Formal charges are read
- The defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere
- Court dates are set for pretrial proceedings
- Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment regardless of ultimate intent
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.
Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled by the court as needed.
Plea negotiations may result in an agreement between the prosecutor and defense counsel on reduced charges or a recommended sentence. The defendant retains the right to reject any plea offer and proceed to trial.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the case. A dismissal may make the individual eligible for expungement.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing (If Convicted):
The sentencing judge may impose:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution to victims
- Community service
- Mandatory treatment programs
- A combination of the above
Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied toward any sentence of incarceration. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to initial appearance: Within 48 hours
- Initial appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks depending on grand jury schedule
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months to over a year for complex felony cases
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
- Felonies: Resolved within six months to two years depending on complexity
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 3, Section 26 of the Mississippi Constitution
Important Contacts:
Hancock County Adult Detention Center (Sheriff's Office)
854 Highway 90
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-4922
Hancock County, MS | Official Website
Hancock County Circuit Clerk
152 Main Street, Suite 1
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-5265
Circuit Clerk | Hancock County, MS
Hancock County District Attorney's Office (20th Circuit District)
125 Court Street
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Phone: (228) 467-0064
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Politely invoke the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Hancock County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Hancock County is governed by Mississippi law and the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Under Mississippi Code, public records must be retained in accordance with approved schedules, and destruction of records prior to the expiration of the applicable retention period is prohibited without authorization.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, and the Mississippi Criminal Information Center
- Maintained indefinitely in the FBI's National Crime Information Center and Interstate Identification Index
- No statutory provision for automatic destruction of felony conviction records
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of five years by local law enforcement and court records
- State repository retains records indefinitely
- Court electronic records are maintained permanently in most cases
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to five years
- Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
- State repository retains records unless updated following expungement
- Records remain accessible to the public unless expunged by court order
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Local law enforcement retains records for a minimum of three years
- Court records are retained permanently in most cases
- The individual may petition for expungement of the arrest record following acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of two to three years
- Local arrest logs are retained for a minimum of three years
- Individuals may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement of the arrest record
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Minimum three to five years
- Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; minimum five years for misdemeanors
- Booking photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated records retention period
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
- Records management system entries: Often retained permanently
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in most cases
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and destruction requirements as government agencies. These entities are governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., which requires accuracy in consumer reports but does not mandate deletion of records that remain accurate. An expungement order directed to government agencies does not automatically compel removal from private databases.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum five years; felony-related records retained permanently
- Arrest reports: Minimum five years
- Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
- Contact: (228) 467-4922
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum five years
- Traffic cases: Minimum three years
- Electronic records: Retained permanently
State Repository:
- The Mississippi Criminal Information Center, operated by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, maintains arrest records submitted by all law enforcement agencies statewide
- Retention is indefinite for most records unless updated following expungement
- The public arrest data portal reflects data submitted by reporting agencies
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center and Interstate Identification Index maintain records at the federal level
- Federal retention is permanent for most arrest records
- Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Records are retained permanently in all databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
- Expungement: Local records are destroyed or sealed; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; third-party databases may not update promptly
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after two to three years; eligible for expungement petition
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most consumer reporting agencies limit criminal history reporting to seven years for non-conviction records in standard employment background checks, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by statute. Employers subject to federal contractor requirements and certain licensing agencies may access records beyond the standard seven-year window.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may submit a written public records request to the Hancock County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 854 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, or contact the office by phone at (228) 467-4922. The Hancock County Public Records Request Form is available for download from the county's official website. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.