What are Jackson County Public Records?
The Mississippi Public Records Act defines public records as documentary materials used or generated by a public agency while performing official functions. The definition covers all data regardless of physical form or characteristics and presumes that all persons have a right of access. However, the act provides that some records, including the following, should be kept private:
- Records developed between judges and their aides
- Personal identifying information
- Personnel applications and other related records used for employment
- Work products of any attorney
- Trade secrets and proprietary information
Jackson County Crime Statistics
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) publishes annual national crime statistics. According to figures published in 2017, Jackson County reported a total of 1,780 crimes, including 138 violent crimes and 1,642 property crimes. Violent crimes include 2 cases of murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, 32 rape incidents, 18 robberies, and 86 aggravated assault incidents. The property crimes reported include 427 burglary incidents, 173 motor vehicle thefts, and 10 cases of arson. Larceny-theft was the county's most committed crime, with 1,042 reported cases. A comparison with figures published in 2016 shows that the Jackson County crime rate increased by 15.58% in 2017.
Are Jackson County Criminal Records Public?
Under Mississippi law, Jackson County criminal records are not public records and are exempt from the Mississippi Public Records Act. State law provides that only the following may access criminal history information:
- The subject of the record
- A government agency requesting the information for a purpose authorized by law
- Any individual, private entity, or employer, after receiving authorization from the subject of the record
- Any entity authorized to receive criminal records under state or federal law
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) provides access to statewide criminal history information. To obtain Jackson criminal records, requesters must complete the background information authorization form. Each request costs $32, payable by a money order made out to "MS Bureau of Investigation". An eligible requestor may have the record released to a third party by providing the receiver's name and mailing address. Send the request to the:
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
Attention: CIC/Background Checks
3891 Highway 468 West
Pearl, MS 39208
How to Obtain Jackson County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Police reports and arrest records are available at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's Department maintains records of its arrests and issues copies of these records, along with other police reports. To obtain a Jackson County arrest record, contact the:
Jackson County Sheriff's Department
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone: (228) 769-3063
Fax: (228) 769-6168
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Jackson County
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department maintains a searchable online lookup registry with information on registered sex offenders in the county. Users can filter results by name or area search. The area search requires the offender's address, city, and zip code. The registry provides the offender's name, registration number, physical description, and booking photograph. Users may also register to track searched offenders, to receive email alerts when there is a change in the offender's status.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) also maintains a sex offender registry that contains statewide details of registered offenders. Users may conduct name- or geography-based searches to access an inmate's full name, aliases, physical description, and other identifying information. For more information on sex offenders, contact the DPS using the details below:
Mississippi SOR
P.O. Box 958
Jackson, MS 39205
Phone: (601) 987-1540
How to Find Jackson County Inmate Records
The Sheriff's Department maintains online records of persons jailed in the county. To find Jackson County inmate records, use the Sheriff's Department inmate lookup. The lookup function categorized inmates into most recent and least recent groups. Users may also search the registry by the inmate's name. Available details include the inmate's booking photograph, booking number, arrest date, booking date, charge information, and physical description. Interested users may also register to receive notifications when there is a change in the inmate's record or status. Notifications are receivable by email, text message, phone call, or teletypewriter (TTY).
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Jackson County Adult Detention Center?
All visits to the Jackson County Adult Detention Center are by video. Interested persons may choose either on-site or remote visitations. Each inmate is restricted to one on-site visitation each week. Each session lasts a maximum of 20 minutes. For on-site visits, the facility allows a maximum of three visitors, including children. Note that on-site visits are unavailable from Sunday till 12:30 p.m. on Monday, every week. To schedule an on-site visitation, visit the front lobby of the jail at:
Jackson County Adult Detention Center
65 Bruce Evans Drive
Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone: (228) 769-3211
Fax: (228) 769-3238
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays
Remote visits are available in paid, unlimited 20-minute sessions. Schedule a remote visit through the Adult Detention Center's third-party vendor.
Visitors must adhere to a strict dress code for on-site and remote visits. Clothes should not be revealing or display any obscenities. For on-site visits, visitors may not bring in cell phones or recording devices. Other prohibited items include money, weapons, intoxicants, ammunition, and explosives. All visits are monitored. Videos will be immediately disconnected if a violation occurs.
Court Records
Depending on case type, county residents file cases at the Jackson Circuit, Chancery, County, Youth, Justice, and Municipal Courts. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all criminal and civil cases. It mostly hears felonies and misdemeanors on appeal, and civil actions worth at least $2,500. Circuit Court cases are appealed to the Mississippi Supreme Court. Other courts are courts of limited jurisdiction that may exercise authority on varying subject matters.
Locations of Courts in Jackson County
Jackson County Circuit Court
Jackson County Courthouse
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3040
Fax: (228) 769-3180
Mailing Address
Jackson County Circuit Court
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998
Jackson County Chancery Court
Jackson County Courthouse
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3040
Fax: (228) 769-3180
Mailing Address
Jackson County Chancery Court
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998
Jackson County Court
Jackson County Courthouse
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3040
Fax: (228) 769-3180
Mailing Address
Jackson County Circuit Court
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998
Jackson County Youth Court
4903 Telephone Road
Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone: (228) 762-7370
Fax: (228) 762-7385
Alternate Phone: (228) 769-3076
Jackson County Justice Court – Main
5343 Jefferson Street
Moss Point, MS 39653
Phone: (228) 769-3080 (Criminal)
Phone: (228) 769-3086 (Civil)
Phone: (228) 769-3096 (Traffic)
Fax: (228) 769-3364
Jackson County Justice Court - West
6904 Washington Avenue
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 875-4157 (Criminal)
Phone: (228) 875-4153 (Civil)
Phone: (228) 875-4125 (Traffic)
Fax: (228) 875-0525
Gautier Municipal Court
3329 Highway 90
Gautier, MS 39553
Phone: (228) 497-8036
Fax: (228) 497-8043
Moss Point Municipal Court
4329 McInnis Avenue
Moss Point, MS 39563
Phone: (228) 474-3644
Fax: (228) 474-2666
Ocean Springs Municipal Court
3810 Bienville Boulevard
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Phone: (228) 875-5009
Fax: (228) 230-1899
Mailing Address
Ocean Springs Municipal Court
P.O. Box 1800
Ocean Springs, MS 39566
Pascagoula Municipal Court
611 Live Oak Avenue
Pascagoula, MS 39567
Phone: (228) 762-2424
Fax: (228) 938-6656
Mailing Address
P.O. Box Drawer 1385
Pascagoula, MS 39568
Are Jackson County Court Records Public?
Jackson County court records are considered public records. Residents may contact the county's courts to inspect and obtain copies of court records. Some records, however, are not considered public. For instance, records of Youth Court proceedings are generally kept private. The court may seal records when the juvenile involved turns 20. Expunged records are also not publicly available.
Can You Look up a Jackson County Court Case Online?
The State of Mississippi Judiciary maintains the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system for online access to court records. To access Jackson County court records online, use the non-attorney registration. Access costs a $10 annual fee, payable online with a credit card, debit card, or an electronic check. Registrants may also mail a physical check. However, note that users will not be able to use the system until after payment is processed.
How to Obtain Jackson County Court Case Records
The Jackson County Circuit Clerk provides access to court records. Requestors may access general court docket information, including the following:
- Names and parties involved in a case
- Indictment information
- Plea details
- Records of appeals received from lower courts
To request Jackson Court records, send a written application to the Circuit Clerk. Include the above case details and other information relevant to the case. Send the request by mail to:
Jackson County Circuit Court
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998
Requestors may also obtain Jackson court records by providing relevant details in person. Visit the clerk at:
Jackson County Circuit Court
Jackson County Courthouse
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3040
Fax: (228) 769-3180
Jackson County Vital Records
Jackson County vital records contain details of vital events that take place in the county. Vital records contain information on county marriages, divorces, births, and deaths. These records are obtainable from the Circuit Court, Chancery Clerk's Office, and the Mississippi State Department of Health.
Where and How to Obtain Jackson County Divorce Records
Jackson County divorce records are available at the Jackson County Chancery Clerk's Office. Request a Jackson divorce decree by sending a written application. Ensure that the application carries the divorced persons' names, divorce date, and other important details. Note that the Chancery Clerk's Office may charge varying copy fees to make requested records available. Send the request by mail to:
Jackson County Chancery Clerk
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998
Alternatively, provide details of the record by requesting in person. Visit the:
Jackson County Chancery Clerk
2915 Canty Street
Suite R
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4239
Phone: (228) 769-3131
Phone: (228) 769-1680
Fax: (228) 769-3397
Where and How to Get Jackson County Marriage Records
Interested persons may obtain copies of Jackson County marriage records from the Circuit Clerk's Office. However, marriage records are not public under Mississippi law. Only the following may gain access:
- One of the married parties
- A spouse, sibling, parent, grandparent, child, or grandchild
- A legal guardian or legal representative
To obtain Jackson marriage records, send a written request to the Circuit Clerk or visit in person. Provide the Circuit Clerk's Office with the names of both parties, the marriage date, and the marriage location. Send the application or visit using the following details:
Jackson County Circuit Court
Jackson County Courthouse
3104 Magnolia Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4127
Phone: (228) 769-3040
Fax: (228) 769-3180
Mailing Address
Jackson County Circuit Court
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998
Where and How to Find Jackson County Birth Records
The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains statewide birth records. Persons interested in Jackson County birth certificates may send requests by mail. Jackson County birth records are not public records. Access is restricted to the registrant of legal age, immediate family members, legal representatives, or legal guardians. Other persons may also obtain birth records if a court order grants access.
To request a record, interested persons must complete and download the birth certificate application in English or Spanish. Fill the form with the subject's full name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, race, and the parents' full names. Jackson birth certificates cost $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Fees are payable by personalized checks or money orders made out to "Mississippi Vital Records."
If eligible, enclose the form, check or money order, and a valid photo ID as described on the form. Send the request to:
Mississippi State Department of Health
Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Where and How to Find Jackson County Death Records
Members of the public can obtain copies of Jackson County death records from the Mississippi State Department of Health. Death records are closed to the public and are only requestable by the following:
- The person on the record
- A spouse, sibling, child, grandchild, parent, or grandparent
- Legal representative or legal guardian
Eligible persons may request Jackson County death certificates by completing the request form in English or Spanish. The first copy costs $17. Each additional copy of the same record costs $6 if ordered at the same time. Make payments with cashier's checks, personal checks, or money orders payable to "Mississippi Vital Records." Send the form with payment and valid photo ID to:
Mississippi State Department of Health
Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Jackson County?
In line with the Mississippi Public Records Act, Jackson County property records are generally accessible to members of the public. Residents of the county can obtain property records from the appropriate county repository.
Where and How to Find Property Records in Jackson County?
The Jackson County Chancery Clerk is the county’s custodian of land and property records. This includes documents and instruments such as amendments, decrees, deed of trust assignments, deeds, leases, liens, modifications, offshore documents, and power of attorney. Interested persons can obtain copies of these records at $2 per page and $1 for certification of each document. Requests can be made in person at the Chancery Clerk’s Office at:
Jackson County Chancery Clerk
2915 Canty Street
Suite R
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4239
Phone: (228) 769-3131
Phone: (228) 769-1680
Fax: (228) 769-3397
The Chancery Clerk’s Office also accepts mail requests. They can be sent to:
P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568-0998
Land and property records information is available on the Jackson County Land Records Portal. This portal has land records from July 2002 till date.
How to Look Up Jackson County Property Records?
The Jackson County Assessor’s Office maintains records and information about all property and persons that the law requires their assessment. Requests for these records can be made at the Tax Assessor’s Office at:
Jackson County Tax Assessor
2915 Canty Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4239
Phone: (228) 769-3070
Fax: (228) 769-3005
Location of Jackson County Property Assessors
Jackson County Tax Assessor
2915 Canty Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567-4239
Phone: (228) 769-3070
Fax: (228) 769-3005
