What Are Jones County Public Records?
In accordance with the Mississippi Public Record Act, Jones County public records are all documentary materials prepared or maintained by any public body in the county for use in the conduct, transaction, or performance of a duty or business. Regardless of physical form or characteristics, these materials include papers, maps, books, photographs, films, letters, and so on. However, some records with sensitive nature are exempted from public disclosure. These include:
- Academic records
- Appraisal records
- Archaeological records
- Hospital records and information relating to the medical or business practices of a public hospital board
- Investigative reports
- Personal information of court personnel and law enforcement officers
- Personal information of victims
- Personnel files
- Private information contained in weapon permits
- Registration information of charitable organizations
- Trade secrets, proprietary commercial and financial information
- Other records deemed confidential under constitutional law, state or federal law, or court decision.
Jones County Crime Statistics
Jones County's 2016 crime data shows that a total number of 910 crimes were reported. This includes 142 violent crimes and 768 property crimes. Violent crimes reported include one murder, 50 rapes, nine robberies, and 82 aggravated assaults. Property crimes reported consisted of 363 burglaries and 405 larcenies. These numbers represent a reduction in reported crime rates over a four-year period. Between 2013 and 2016, three out of six major crimes declined. Murder, burglary, and larceny numbers decreased by 50%, 3%, and 35%, respectively. While rape, robbery, and aggravated assault rates increased by 100%, 125%, and 71%, respectively.
Are Jones County Criminal Records Public?
Yes, Jones County criminal records are available to the public. Residents may inspect or obtain copies of these documents provided they follow the custodian’s dissemination protocols. The Criminal Information Center of the State Department of Public Safety (CIC) allows members of the public to request criminal history checks. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) also gives state-licensed child care and healthcare facilities exclusive access to criminal history check services. Residents of Jones County interested in obtaining their criminal record should complete the Criminal History Record form. For a third-party recipient, specify the third party's name and address in the authorization section. The completed form, and an enclosed money order of $32, should be submitted to:
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
Attn: CIC/Background Checks
3891 Highway 468 West
Pearl, MS 39208
An estimated period of 30 days is required to process criminal history check requests. Criminal history check requests for employees can be done by MSDH-licensed healthcare and childcare facilities at the Criminal History Record Check Division of the department through the fingerprint transmission system. Requesters will need to submit a completed form, a valid photo ID (or evidence of a paid employment with the hiring facility) to the:
MSDH Licensure Office
143B LeFleur's Square
Jackson, MS 39211
An online payment option is available at the online payment portal of the criminal records unit. The onsite fingerprinting service is available between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Completed forms and supporting documents may also be mailed to the same address above.
How to Obtain Jones County Police Reports and Arrest Records?
Jones County arrest records, incident reports, and other police reports are available at the law enforcement agency that filed the report, such as the Jones County Sheriff’s Department or City Police Departments. Interested persons should note that although incident reports are public, Jones arrest records and other police reports may be strictly accessible to involved parties and authorized persons. For records maintained by the Sheriff’s Department or other city police departments, record seekers may contact any of these departments:
Jones County Sheriff’s Department
419 Yates Avenue,
Laurel, MS 39440
Phone: (601) 425-3147
Email: mbeasley@co.jones.ms.us
Laurel City Police Department
317 South Magnolia Street
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 425-4711
Email: tcox@laurelms.com
City of Ellisville Police Department
102 West Holly Street,
Ellisville, MS 39437-2636
Phone: (601) 477-9352
Fax: (601) 477-3929
Soso Police Department
1136 MS-28,
Soso, MS 39480
Phone: (601) 729-2075
Sandersville Police Department
1018 Hawkes Road,
Laurel, MS 39443
Phone: (601) 428-0992
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Jones County
The Jones County Sheriff’s Department maintains the sex offenders registry of the county. This registry is available for easy access to the public. The Sex Offender Registration Division of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety also runs a central system that provides a database of individuals convicted of sexual crimes within the state. The database is accessible through the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry website. A search may also be conducted on the website using a specific name or zip code. Search results may vary and may include a residential address, conviction date, image, aliases, or details of the offense.
How to Find Jones County Inmate Records
The Sheriff’s Department maintains a regularly updated online roster of Jones County inmates. Individuals can view the roster to know currently incarcerated inmates in the detention center and recently released persons. Users may search the roster by first or last name and sort the list according to name and date. The information available on each inmate's profile may include:
- First and last name
- Mugshot
- Booking number, date, and time
- Age, gender, and race
- Address
- Arresting agency
- Charges
- Bond amount
- Release date and time (for released inmates only)
For further information, contact the Sheriff’s Department at:
419 Yates Avenue,
Laurel, MS 39440
Phone: (601) 425-3147
Email: mbeasley@co.jones.ms.us
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Jones County Jail?
The Jones County Sheriff’s Department runs the Jones County Juvenile and Adult Detention Facility. This detention facility is located at 5178 U.S. Highway 11 North, Ellisville, Mississippi. Individuals who wish to visit inmates in the county jail should call (601) 649-7502 for information on visitation schedules and procedures.
Court Records
Jones County court records are public records that can be obtained by members of the public. These court records are in the custody of the respective courts that handled the case or with their clerks. For example, the Circuit Clerk maintains records for the Circuit Court.
Jones County has two Circuit Courts, two Chancery Courts, two County Courts, one Youth Court, one Justice Court, and four Municipal Courts. Below are the addresses and contact details of these courts:
Jones County Circuit Court - 1st District
101 Court Street, Suite B
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 477-8538
Fax: (601) 477-8539
Jones County Circuit Court - 2nd District
415 North 5th Avenue
P.O. Box 1336
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 425-2556
Fax: (601) 399-4774
Jones County Chancery Court - 1st District
101 North Court Street, Suite D
P.O. Box 248
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 477-3307
Fax: (601) 477-1240
Jones County Chancery Court - 2nd District
415 North 5th Avenue
P.O. Box 1468
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 428-0527
Fax: (601) 428-3610
Jones County County Courts
Jones County County Court - 1st District
101 Court Street, Suite B
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 477-8538
Fax: (601) 477-8539
County Court of Jones County - 2nd District
415 North 5th Avenue
P.O. Box 1336
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 425-2556
Fax: (601) 399-4774
Jones County Youth Court
Jones County Youth Court
415 North 5th Avenue
P.O. Box 1336
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 425-2556
Fax: (601) 399-4774
Jones County Justice Court
Jones County Justice Court
5180 Highway 11 North
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 428-3137
Fax: (601) 428-0526
Jones County Municipal Courts
Ellisville Municipal Court
102 West Holly Street
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 477-9252
Fax: (601) 477-3929
Laurel Municipal Court
317 South Magnolia Street
Laurel, MS 39440
Phone: (601) 428-6517
Fax: (601) 399-4460
Sandersville Municipal Court
P.O. Box 692
Sandersville, MS 39477
Phone: (601) 649-3068
Fax: (601) 649-3622
Soso Municipal Court
P.O. Box 99
Soso, MS 39480
Phone: (601) 729-2958
Fax: (601) 729-2186
Are Jones County Court Records Public?
Not all Jones County court records are open for inspection, examination, or duplication. Court records may be under statutory restrictions, or a court may seal files with sensitive or confidential information. For instance, the Mississippi Public Record Act exempts information on victims and court personnel from public disclosure, and the court may seal transcripts of closed proceedings.
How to Obtain Jones County Civil Court Case Records
The custodian of Jones court records on civil cases depends on the court where proceedings took place. Interested persons may obtain information of civil cases filed in Jones County Circuit, Youth, and County Courts from the Circuit Clerk, those filed in Chancery Courts from the Chancery Clerk, and Municipal Court cases from the respective Municipal Court.
To obtain these civil court case records, individuals may have to make requests in person or mail request letters containing case number, filing date, and party names to the custodian. For records maintained by the Circuit or Chancery Clerk, contact:
Jones County Circuit Clerk:
1st Judicial District
101 North Court Street,
Suite B
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 477-8538
Fax: (601) 477-8539
Email: circuit@co.jones.ms.us or cbrooks@co.jones.ms.us
Or
2nd Judicial District
P.O. Box 1336
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 425-2556
Fax: (601) 399-4774
Jones County Chancery Clerk’s Office:
1st Judicial District
101 North Court Street,
Suite D
P.O. Box 248
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (610) 477-3307
Fax: (601) 477-1240
OR
2nd Judicial District
415 North 5th Avenue,
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 428-3182
Fax: (601) 428-3610
How to Obtain Jones County Criminal Court Records
To obtain Jones County criminal court records, interested individuals must first determine the custodian according to the court where the case was filed. For instance, criminal cases heard in Jones County Circuit, Youth, and County Courts may be available at the Circuit Clerk Office, Chancery Courts cases at the Chancery Clerk Office. Records of criminal cases in other courts are accessible at the specific court that filed the case.
Requesters may have to make requests in person or mail request letters containing case number, filing date, and party names to the custodian. For records maintained by the Circuit Clerk, contact:
1st Judicial District
101 North Court Street,
Suite B
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 477-8538
Fax: (601) 477-8539
Email: circuit@co.jones.ms.us or cbrooks@co.jones.ms.us
Or
2nd Judicial District
P.O. Box 1336
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 425-2556
Fax: (601) 399-4774
Send requests for Chancery Clerk records to:
Jones County Chancery Clerk’s Office:
1st Judicial District
101 North Court Street,
Suite D
P.O. Box 248
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (610) 477-3307
Fax: (601) 477-1240
OR
2nd Judicial District
415 North 5th Avenue,
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 428-3182
Fax: (601) 428-3610
What Are Jones County Vital Records?
Jones County vital records are official files and documents generated over a lifetime belonging to county citizens. These records include divorce records, birth records, death records, and marriage records. Divorce records are obtainable from the Jones County Chancery Clerk Office. The Mississippi State Department of Health maintains marriage, birth, and death records at the state level, while the Chancery Clerk and Circuit Clerk Office keep county divorce and marriage records, respectively.
Where and How to Obtain Jones County Divorce Records
The Jones County Chancery Clerk files and maintains all information concerning divorces filed and granted in the County Chancery Court. Interested persons may view or obtain copies of divorce records by making requests in person or sending request letters with the case number, party names, and divorce date to:
Jones County Chancery Clerk’s Office
1st Judicial District
101 North Court Street,
Suite D
P.O. Box 248
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (610) 477-3307
Fax: (601) 477-1240
OR
2nd Judicial District
415 North 5th Avenue,
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 428-3182
Fax: (601) 428-3610
According to the Mississippi recording fee structure, the court furnishes paper copies for 50cents per page and certified copies for $1 each.
The Mississippi State Department of Health does not provide divorce records. However, individuals may conduct a five-year search through the divorce indexes from January 1926 to June 1938 and from January 1942 till the present. The search costs $17.
Where and How to Get Public Jones County Marriage Records
Jones County marriage licenses are also issued and documented by the Circuit Clerk. Individuals with direct claims or interests may obtain copies by making requests in-person or sending request letters with marriage date, name of the couple, license number, or other details to:
Jones County Circuit Clerk:
1st Judicial District
101 North Court Street,
Suite B
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 477-8538
Fax: (601) 477-8539
Email: circuit@co.jones.ms.us or cbrooks@co.jones.ms.us
Or
2nd Judicial District
P.O. Box 1336
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 425-2556
Fax: (601) 399-4774
Furthermore, Jones County marriage records are available at the Mississippi State Department of Health. However, only eligible persons like the couple mentioned in the document, parents, close relatives, legal guardians, legal representatives, and persons with a court order may obtain certified copies of Jones County marriage certificates. Plain paper copies are only available for genealogy purposes. Interested persons may request these records by mailing the completed Application for Certified Mississippi Statistical Record of Marriage form along with payment and requester’s valid ID to:
Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215
In-person services are also available at 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Marriage records cost $17 for the first certified copy and $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Mailed payments should be with personal check, cashier's check, or money order made payable to Mississippi Vital Records. Payments made in person can be with a credit card, check, cash, or money order.
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Jones County
Jones County marriage records are only available to eligible parties and persons with genealogical purposes. However, these documents are not entirely confidential unless sealed by court order in some rare cases. The married couple or persons with court orders may request these records from the Circuit Clerk by making requests in-person or sending request letters with marriage date, name of the couple, license number, or other details to:
Jones County Circuit Clerk:
1st Judicial District
101 North Court Street,
Suite B
Ellisville, MS 39437
Phone: (601) 477-8538
Fax: (601) 477-8539
Email: circuit@co.jones.ms.us or cbrooks@co.jones.ms.us
Or
2nd Judicial District
P.O. Box 1336
Laurel, MS 39441
Phone: (601) 425-2556
Fax: (601) 399-4774
The Mississippi State Department of Health may also keep these records for every county in the state. Eligible requesters should complete the Application for Certified Mississippi Statistical Record of Marriage form and mail with payment and a copy of the requester’s valid ID to:
Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215
Or submit in-person between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m at:
222 Marketridge Drive,
Ridgeland, MS 39215
The department charges $17 for the first certified copy and $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Acceptable forms of payment include cash/card (in-person only), personal check, cashier’s check, or money order made payable to Mississippi Vital Records.
Where and How to Find Jones County Birth Records
The Mississippi State Department of Health is the custodian of Jones County birth records. However, certified copies of these documents are only available to eligible requesters such as the registrant, parents, close relatives, legal guardians, legal representatives, and persons with court orders. Plain paper copies are only issued for genealogy purposes. Eligible individuals may request Jones County birth certificates by mailing a completed Application for Certified Mississippi Birth Certificate form along with payment and a copy of the requester’s valid ID to:
Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215
Persons may also submit the completed form in person between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at:
222 Marketridge Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157
The first certified copy of a birth record costs $17 and $6 for each extra copy ordered. Payments made in person can be with a credit card, check, cash, or money order made payable to Mississippi Vital Records. On the other hand, mailed payment should be with a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order.
Where and How to Find Jones County Death Records
The Mississippi State Department of Health is the primary custodian of death records for the state. Jones County death records are obtainable by filling out the Application for Certified Mississippi Death Certificate. Mail the form along with payments, and a copy of the requester's valid ID to:
Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215
Walk-in services are available at 222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland, MS between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Vital records cost $17 for the first certified copy and $6 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Acceptable payment for mailed requests includes personal checks, cashier's checks, or money orders made payable to Mississippi Vital Records. Payments made in person can be with a credit card, check, cash, or money order.
