What are Gulfport Public Records?
Under the Mississippi Public Records Act (MPRA), Gulfport public records are any form of information generated, used, maintained, possessed, or retained by a public body while conducting or performing government-related activities. Gulfport public records may appear in physical or digital formats such as books, letters, symbols, films, words, graphs, tapes, sound recordings, photographs, accounts, maps, cards, papers, and more.
Nonetheless, the Mississippi Public Records Act allows public bodies to redact or restrict access to some records as permitted by state laws, federal laws, or court orders. Some of the reasons a document in Gulfport may be exempt from public records search include:
- The document contains the name, telephone number, home address, or any other private information of anyone with a weapon permit.
- Information about a company's trade secrets, proprietary commercial and financial information.
- The document consists of recordings about the private lives of law enforcement officers or court personnel.
- The document contains the academic or appraisal records of an individual.
- The document contains information that may affect the ruling of an ongoing or pending case.
- The document consists of an individual's tax records or information.
- The document contains unique identifiers such as driver’s license number, social security number, and more.
- Any record covered by state or federal laws
Alongside official sources, some public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may either opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Gulfport Crime Statistics
The Uniform Crime Report (UCR) program of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) collates and publishes crime statistics reports obtained across different cities in the United States. According to data published in the 2019 crime statistics report, the city of Gulfport reported a total number of 236 violent crimes and 3,492 property crimes. A further breakdown of the violent crimes includes 12 murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases, 25 rape cases, 65 robbery cases, 134 aggravated assault cases. Meanwhile, property crimes consist of 419 burglary cases, 2,805 larceny-theft cases, 268 motor vehicle theft cases, and ten arson.
In comparison to the crimes statistics report for 2018, Gulfport recorded a total number of 387 violent crimes and 3,662 property crimes. The violent crimes report consists of four murder and nonnegligent manslaughter cases, 26 rape cases, 86 robbery cases, 271 aggravated assault cases, while the property crimes include 528 burglary cases, 2,844 larceny-theft cases, 290 motor vehicle theft cases, and 16 arsons.
Are Gulfport Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Gulfport criminal records are open to the public in compliance with the Mississippi Public Records Act. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety via the Bureau of Investigation maintains and provides statewide public access to criminal history information. Individuals interested in Gulfport criminal records must contact the Criminal Information Center to complete and submit an authorization to release background info form. To obtain criminal history information costs $32 and is payable by money order. Also, requesters must provide relevant information such as names, addresses, sex, race, and more. All criminal records requests should be addressed to:
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
Attn: CIC/Background Checks
3891 Highway 468 West
Pearl, MS 39208
How to Obtain Gulfport Police Reports and Arrest Records
Individuals interested in Gulfport police reports and arrest records can find them at the Gulfport Police Department. However, the reports are only accessible to parties whose names appear on the report. The Police Department allows individuals who file incident reports to pick up a copy at the office location. Meanwhile, defendants or suspects in a case must first contact the Prosecution Office of the Municipal court via (228) 868-5855 to obtain discovery. Incident reports cost $3 for the first 3 pages and $0.25 for each additional page.
On the other hand, accident reports are obtainable in person or online. All accidents that occurred on State Roadways are recorded by officers on State Forms. Accident reports are available online for $10.50, while in-person requests at the Records Division start at $5.50 depending on the number of vehicles involved.
Gulfport Police Department
2220 15th Street
Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 868-5959
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Gulfport
Requesters can obtain sex offender information in Gulfport through the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry website. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety manages and provides statewide coverage of registered sex offenders within its jurisdiction. Individuals interested in Gulfport sex offender information can access them using the name or geographical search. The sex offender registry provides information such as the sex offender's name, aliases, primary residence, and booking photograph.
With the name search, interested individuals who wish to access Gulfport sex offender information can fill out the sex offender’s last name and first name. However, the geographical search enables requesters to obtain sex offender information in a specific area, For instance, sex offender information in a school, work, or residential area. To use this search option, interested individuals must fill out the street name, city, zip code, and distance (calculated in miles).
How to Find Gulfport Inmate Records
The Harrison County Sheriff Department maintains and provides public access to inmate records in the county. Individuals interested in Gulfport inmate records can access them through the inmate search database. Note, the database is updated regularly. Also, the list consists of individuals currently in jail and not necessarily convicted for a crime. Requesters must provide at least two characters of an inmate's last name to perform a search.
As an alternative, the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) provides an inmate search portal where requesters can also obtain Gulfport inmate records. Interested individuals may choose to search using the name or ID number option. To use the name search, requesters must provide the last name and first name of the inmate. On the other hand, the ID number search requires an inmate's MDOC ID number to access inmate records.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Gulfport Jail?
The Harrison County Sheriff Department operates the Adult Detention Center for Gulfport and other cities in the county. Interested individuals can visit the facility as long as they are on the visitation list provided by an inmate. An inmate is allowed up to 5 visitors on their visitation list and can only change the names on the list once in three (3) months. The facility allows three (3) visitors per visit (this may include an adult and two minors. Each visit may last up to 15 minutes.
Interested individuals who wish to visit an inmate must schedule a visit in advance. Such persons are required to create an account before they can choose either an onsite or off-site video visitation option. Also, visitors must provide valid photo identification. The facility prohibits all forms of incident dressing as stated in the inmate handbook.
Harrison County Adult Detention Center
10451 Larkin Smith Dr
Gulfport, MS 39503
Phone: (228) 896-3000
What are Gulfport Vital Records?
Gulfport vital records are documents that cover all recordings of life events in the city. According to the Mississippi Public Records Act, government agencies are responsible for generating, maintaining, and issuing copies of Gulfport vital records. Examples of these vital records may include birth records, marriage records, divorce records, and death records. Individuals interested in any Gulfport vital records must contact the record custodian responsible for keeping the documents and submit a record request. Note, not all Gulfport vital records are public and available to the general public upon request.
Where and How to Obtain Gulfport Divorce Records
Gulfport divorce records are available at the Harrison County Chancery Clerk office. The Chancery Clerk is responsible for keeping and issuing copies of all divorce records in the county. Individuals interested in Gulfport divorce records must submit a record request to the office location. Also, requesters must present valid photo identification to obtain a divorce record. Interested individuals who wish to access divorce records in Gulfport can contact the following office locations:
Physical Address:
Harrison County Chancery Clerk
Judicial District 1
1801 23rd Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 865-4236
Mailing Address:
PO Drawer CC
Gulfport, MS 39502
Physical Address:
Harrison County Chancery Clerk
Judicial District 2
730 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 435-8220
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 544
Biloxi, MS 39533
Where and How to Get Public Gulfport Marriage Records
The Harrison County Circuit Clerk is the record custodian for all marriage records in Gulfport and other cities within its jurisdiction. Individuals interested in Gulfport marriage records can obtain them in person or online for $17. Although, there is an additional charge of $6 for each copy of similar records. Requesters who wish to obtain marriage records in Gulfport must provide relevant details about the document. Examples of information required may include the name of the parties involved, date of the marriage, city, and more.
For online requests, interested individuals can search the marriage license portal for the records they desire. Requesters can choose either judicial district 1 or judicial district 2 to conduct their search. Each judicial district requires users to fill out the groom and bride names. Interested persons who wish to obtain Gulfport marriage records in person can visit any of the courthouse locations:
Harrison County Judicial District 1 Courthouse
Circuit Clerk's Office - 2nd floor behind the stairs/elevator
1801 23rd Avenue
Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: (228) 865-4005, (228) 865-4369
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Harrison County Judicial District 2 Courthouse
Circuit Clerk's Office - 2nd floor
730 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Biloxi, MS 39530
Phone: (228) 435-8233, (228) 435-8276
Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Where and How to Find Gulfport Birth Records
The Mississippi State Department of Health through its Vital Records office maintains all records of birth in Gulfport and other cities in the state. Interested individuals can access or obtain copies of birth records from 1912 till the present. However, birth records in Gulfport are only available to eligible applicants or individuals with a tangible and legitimate interest. As established by state laws, eligible persons include the registrant, parents, legal guardian, children, siblings, grandparents, legal representative, law enforcement agencies, and more.
Eligible applicants can obtain Gulfport birth records in person, by mail, by phone, or online. The Vital Records office charges $17 for each birth record and $6 for every additional copy of the same document. Requesters must provide detailed information on the record they seek. Also, they are required to present valid photo identification to prove their relationship with the named person on the document. Examples of acceptable photo identifications include photo driver's license, photo state-issued ID, US passport, US Military ID, or any other government-issued identification. The Vital Records office provides an online portal for online requests, while individuals interested in phone requests can contact (601) 206-8200. However, there are additional charges for both online and phone requests.
Individuals interested in Gulfport birth records can visit the MSDH office location. The office is open to requesters from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Mississippi Department of Health
Vital Records Office
222 Marketridge Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: (601) 206-8200
Fax: (601) 206-8272
Where and How to Find Gulfport Death Records
The Vital Records office of the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) keeps and issues copies of death records that occurred within the state from November 1912 till the present. Individuals interested in Gulfport death records can obtain them in person, by mail, phone, or online for $17. Also, there is an additional charge of $6 for each copy of the same record. Note, death records in Gulfport are not public records and are only available to authorized persons or anyone with a tangible interest. Examples of individuals regarded as authorized persons include the spouse, parents, siblings, legal guardian, children, legal representative, law enforcement agencies, and more.
Interested individuals who intend to obtain Gulfport death records must provide a clear description of the documents they seek. Such persons are also required to present valid photo identification upon request. Examples of acceptable photo identification include photo driver’s license, photo state-issued ID, employment ID, US Military ID, US passport, and more. For online requests, interested persons can place their order via the online portal, while phone requests are available via (601) 206-8200. Note, aside from the death record fee, additional fees may apply.
The MSDH office location allows requesters to obtain death records in person from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individuals interested in a walk-in request can visit at:
Mississippi Department of Health
Vital Records Office
222 Marketridge Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: (601) 206-8200
Fax: (601) 206-8272
