Tempe Recent Arrest Records
Tempe recent arrest records are held by the Tempe Police Department. This college city sits between Phoenix and Mesa and has its own police force handling local law enforcement. When Tempe officers arrest someone, the booking goes through the Maricopa County jail. You can search for inmates online using the county system. For police reports and arrest files from Tempe PD, there is an online request portal. The department uses JustFOIA to manage public records requests. This guide shows where to find Tempe arrest data and how the request process works.
Tempe Quick Facts
Tempe Police Department Arrest Records
The Tempe Police Department handles law enforcement for the city. Officers respond to calls and make arrests within city limits. Arizona State University sits in Tempe, which affects the types of calls police handle. The records division keeps files on all arrests made by Tempe officers.
Police headquarters is at 120 E. 5th Street in Tempe. The records unit phone is 480-350-8588. For non emergency police calls, dial 480-350-8311. Staff work Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Email records requests go to PD_RecordsRequests@tempe.gov. Staff monitor the inbox during business hours.
Tempe uses the Tempe JustFOIA Portal for public records requests. You can create an account and submit requests online. The system lets you upload documents, track status, and receive files electronically. Many people find this faster than mail or in person visits.
The JustFOIA portal handles Tempe police records requests. Create an account to submit and track requests for arrest reports.
Tempe Accident and Crash Reports
Tempe Police uses a separate system for crash reports. If you need a traffic accident report, go through the BuyCrash portal. This system lets you search for and purchase crash reports online. You pay a fee and download the report right away in most cases.
Accident reports that involve DUI arrests connect to the arrest record. The arrest part goes through the regular records request process. The crash report goes through BuyCrash. If you need both parts of a case file, you may need to use both systems.
For arrest only cases with no traffic component, use the JustFOIA portal. That handles criminal incidents, booking reports, and investigation files.
Maricopa County Holds Tempe Jail Bookings
Tempe does not run its own jail for long term holding. When Tempe police arrest someone, the person gets booked into the Maricopa County jail system. The county sheriff operates four major jail facilities. New bookings usually go to 4th Avenue Jail in Phoenix for processing.
You can search for Tempe arrests using the Maricopa County Inmate Information tool. This free database shows current inmates. Enter the person's last name, first name, and date of birth. Format the date as YYYYMMDD. Results show everyone currently in county custody.
The county inmate search only shows current inmates. Released people drop from the database. For historical Tempe arrests, contact the Tempe Police records unit. They keep files on past arrests made by Tempe officers even after release from jail.
Note: New arrests take a few hours to show in the county system while staff complete booking paperwork.
Arizona Public Records Law in Tempe
Tempe arrest records fall under Arizona public records law. Under A.R.S. § 39-121, public records must be open for inspection during office hours. You do not need to explain why you want records. The law covers arrest reports, incident files, and booking information.
Some details get removed before release. Under A.R.S. § 41-4172, agencies redact dates of birth, social security numbers, and home addresses. This happens on all public copies. The redaction protects personal privacy while still allowing access to basic arrest facts.
The Tempe Police Public Records Request page explains the full process. Check there for current forms, fee schedules, and instructions. The page also links to the JustFOIA portal for online submissions.
How to Get Tempe Arrest Records
Getting arrest records from Tempe requires a formal request. The police will not give out arrest details over the phone. Put your request in writing and submit through an approved channel.
The online portal is the fastest option. Go to the JustFOIA site and register. Fill out the request form with as much detail as you have. Include names, dates, case numbers, and the type of record needed. Staff get notified of new requests and respond through the system. You can check status any time by logging in.
Email works too. Send your request to PD_RecordsRequests@tempe.gov with the same details. Include contact information so staff can reach you about fees. Response time depends on workload and complexity of the request.
In person requests work if you need records quickly. Visit 120 E. 5th Street during business hours. Bring ID and be ready to fill out forms. Staff can check availability and give you a cost estimate on the spot.
Seal Tempe Arrest Records
Arizona law allows sealing of certain arrest records. Under A.R.S. § 13-911, you can seal arrests without charges, dismissed cases, and some convictions after waiting periods. This applies to Tempe arrests like anywhere else in Arizona.
Waiting periods depend on offense type. Class 2 and 3 felonies require 10 years. Class 4 through 6 felonies need 5 years. Class 1 misdemeanors have a 3 year wait. Class 2 and 3 misdemeanors need just 2 years. Once sealed, you can legally deny the arrest on applications for jobs and housing.
Sealing differs from expungement. The record stays in the system but gets hidden from most public access. Law enforcement can still see sealed records. Talk to an attorney if you want to seal an old Tempe arrest and need help with the process.
Nearby Arizona Cities
Tempe sits between several large Phoenix area cities. Each city runs its own police department with its own records system. You must contact each one separately for their arrest records.
- Phoenix - borders Tempe to the west and north
- Mesa - directly east of Tempe
- Scottsdale - north of Tempe
- Chandler - south of Tempe
- Gilbert - southeast of Tempe
All these cities use Maricopa County jail for bookings. The county inmate search covers arrests from any agency in the county. Check there first if you are unsure which city made the arrest.
Contact Tempe Police Records
For arrest record questions in Tempe, reach out to the police records unit directly. They handle all public records requests for the department and can answer questions about availability and costs.
Headquarters address is 120 E. 5th Street, Tempe, AZ 85281. Call 480-350-8588 for the records division. Non emergency police line is 480-350-8311. Email PD_RecordsRequests@tempe.gov. Hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For questions about current inmates after a Tempe arrest, contact Maricopa County Sheriff. Main number is (602) 876-1000. Jail line is (602) 876-0322. County staff help with booking and custody questions.