MONROE COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Monroe County Public Records?

Monroe County public records are all materials in recording or writing that are received, maintained, and utilized by a public agency in relation to a public activity or business. Public records are accessible in formats, such as books, charters, maps, photographs, symbols, architecture plans, audio files, emails, memoranda, notes, drafts, audiotapes, or video files. The Mississippi Public Records Act enables requesters to access public records unless legally exempt from public disclosure. For example, state law might restrict access to public documents if it violates an individual or entity's right to privacy or confidentiality. The following documents are exempt under the Mississippi Open Records Law:

• Personal data containing information, such as social security numbers, credit or debit card account numbers, and driver's licenses;
• Information revealing the identity of a law enforcement employee;
• Complaints of misconduct filed against an employee of the Florida Department of Management Services;
• Security protocol and strategies utilized in a government-owned building or structure;
• Trade secrets and negotiations involving public agencies;
• Security protocol and strategy for government-owned buildings;
• Attorney-client communication;
• Information on crime witnesses, complainants, or victims;
• Audit working papers;
• Location of archeological sites and endangered species;
• Drafts and preliminary notes of policy-making documents;
• Information on pending litigation;
• Information on an ongoing investigation;
• Personal identifying information, such as social security number and driver's license;
• Data about competition or bidding;
• Location of archeological sites and information on endangered species;
• Confidential vital records, such as death and birth records;
• Information about student records.

Public county records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple county 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

Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.

Monroe County Crime Statistics

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office records all arrest and crime events within the county. Furthermore, it creates annual crime statistics reports for all documented arrest events in the county. Interested public members can find Monroe County's crime statistics by contacting the Sheriff's Office at:

700 North Meridian Street
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Phone: (662) 369-2468

Furthermore, record seekers may utilize the FBI's Uniform Crime Report to get statistics on crimes reported in the county's cities.

Are Monroe County Criminal Records Public?

Monroe County criminal records are generally accessible to the public. However, under the Public Records Act, public agencies may redact or restrict certain criminal information if legally exempt from disclosure. For example, juvenile criminal records are mostly exempt from public access. Only the juvenile offender, parent, guardian, or authorized entities can access juvenile criminal information. Furthermore, information on crime victims and witnesses is redacted and withheld from the public. Expunged or sealed criminal records are also exempt under the Open Records Law.

The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of non-confidential criminal records to interested applicants. As the record custodian, the Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains a repository of all criminal records generated within the state. Interested public members can access the documents by visiting the Clerk of the Circuit Court at:

Monroe County Courthouse
301 South Chestnut Street
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Phone: (662) 369-2468

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, via the Criminal Information Center (CIC), enables record subjects to obtain a copy of their criminal record. Record seekers may request a fingerprint or name-based criminal records check from the CIC. To conduct a name-based criminal records check, interested persons must follow these steps:

1. Print and fill out a criminal record request form. Record subjects must fill out their names, date of birth, location, social security number, and contact details;
2. Sign the completed request form;
3. Include a certified check or money order payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety;
4. Send these documents to:

MS Bureau of Investigation
Attn: CIC/Background Checks
3891, Highway 468
West Pearl, MS 39208.

The cost per criminal record request is $32, and it is payable by money order to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations. Alternatively, the CIC also conducts fingerprint-based records search for record seekers. Requesters must attach a fingerprint card to the request form to obtain a fingerprint-based criminal record search.

How to Obtain Monroe County Arrest Records and Police Reports

Monroe County arrest records and police reports are under the purview of the County Sheriff's Office and other local enforcement agencies. Record seekers can find arrest records and police reports by visiting the Sheriff's Office at:

700 North Meridian Street
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Phone: (662) 369-2468

Requesters must request arrest records in-person at the Sheriff's Office within 8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m on weekdays. In addition, the Sheriff's Office provides an online list of all arrests carried out within the county.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Monroe County

The Mississippi Sex Offender Registry website maintains information on all sex offenders residing in Monroe County. Interested persons can obtain Monroe County sex offenders information via these search options:

• Name search
• Search by location.

In addition, public members can sign up for the community notification system. This notification system notifies public members when sex offenders move into their community.

Alternatively, the Mississippi State Highway Patrol maintains an online searchable database of all registered sex offenders. Public members may search for sex offenders on the platform via name or location. To conduct a name-based search for sex offenders, requesters must be input:

• The offender's complete name;
• Date of birth
• Tier level;
• Offender's status;
• Address type and location.

The platform also allows requesters to view or download the complete list of all registered sex offenders in Monroe County. There is also a complete list of absconded sex offenders online. The absconded list features a sex offender's name, offense, photograph, date of conviction, tier level, victim's age, and other personally identifying data.

How to Find Monroe County Inmate Records

Record seekers can find Monroe County inmate records at the Mississippi Department of Corrections' online searchable portal. To access inmate records on the platform, requesters may conduct searches using the inmate's name or ID number.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Monroe County Jail?

Professional and non-professional visitors may visit inmates at the Monroe County Detention Facility. The Facility is located at:

Monroe County Detention Facility
North Meridian Street
P.O. Box 683
Aberdeen, MS 39730

Visitors must schedule a visit and arrive at the facility before the appointed time. During visitation, visitors must adhere to the guidelines and rules of the facility.

Monroe County Court Records

Public members can request to view or get copies of Monroe County court records from custodian agencies. Note that not all court records are accessible to the public. The state's Public Records Act prevents the disclosure of confidential court records such as child adoption, juvenile, and other sensitive court cases. Non-confidential court records, such as civil, family, traffic, or criminal court cases, are accessible to interested applicants. The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining and providing access to court records generated within the county.

Location of All Courts in Monroe County

Monroe County is home to a Circuit Court, Chancery Court, two Youth Courts, Justice Court, and four Municipal Courts. The courts' location and contact details are listed below.

Monroe County Circuit Court
Monroe County Courthouse
301 South Chestnut Street
P.O. Box 843
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Phone: (662) 369-8695
Fax: (662) 369-3684

Monroe County Chancery Court
Monroe County Chancery Building
201 West Commerce Street
P.O. Box 578
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Phone: (662) 369-8143
Fax: (662) 369-7928

Monroe County Youth Court
Monroe County Youth Court
Monroe County Government Complex
1619 Highland Drive
P.O. Box 57
Amory, MS 38821
Phone: (662) 256-3041
Fax: (662) 256-1488

Monroe County Youth Court
Monroe County Chancery Building
201 West Commerce Street
P.O. Box 578
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Phone: (662) 369-8143
Fax: (662) 369-7928

Monroe County Justice Court
Monroe County Government Complex
1619 Highland Drive
P.O. Box 518
Amory, MS 38821
Phone: (662) 256-8493
Fax: (662) 256-7876

Aberdeen Municipal Court
125 West Commerce Street
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Phone: (662) 369-4164
Fax: (662) 369-0940

Amory Municipal Court
Amory City Hall
109 South Front Street
P.O. Box 457
Amory, MS 38821
Phone: (662) 256-5635
Fax: (662) 256-6320

Hatley Municipal Court
60279 Hatley Road
Amory, MS 38821
Phone: (662) 256-7245
Fax: (662) 256-7255

Smithville Municipal Court
6439 Highway 25
Smithville, MS 38870
Phone: (662) 651-4411
Fax: (662) 651-5226

Are Monroe County Court Records Public?

Monroe County court records are public records unless exempt by state law. The Mississippi Open Records Law allows record custodians to redact or withhold copies of confidential court documents.

In some cases, record custodians can restrict access to certain records after a certain period. For instance, bankruptcy records are not disclosed to the public after a set timeframe. Furthermore, court documents of pardoned offenders are often limited to authorized agencies. That said, record seekers can access non-confidential court documents from the Monroe County Clerk of Circuit Court.

Can You Look Up a Monroe County Court Record Online?

The Mississippi Judiciary maintains an online database for all documented court records. Thus, interested persons can obtain online copies of court documents by inputting the record subject's name, date of the conviction or judgment, case number, and other necessary data into the online platform.

How to Obtain Monroe County Civil Court Case Records

The Clerk of the Monroe County 1st Circuit District Court is the legally designated custodian for all civil court case records. As the custodian of Monroe County civil court case records, the Clerk is responsible for issuing non-confidential court documents to interested public members. Public members can access civil court records by visiting the Clerk of the 1st Circuit District Court at:

200 West Jefferson Street
2nd Floor
Room 247
PO Drawer 1100
Tupelo, MS 38802
Phone: (662) 432-2360
Fax: (662) 680-6075

The Mississippi Electronic Court is an alternative resource for viewing Monroe County civil court cases online. Record seekers may type in the court case details and other required data to obtain civil court records online.

How to Obtain Monroe County Criminal Court Case Records

Monroe County criminal court case records are obtainable via the Clerk of the 1st Circuit District Court. As the custodian of Monroe County criminal court case records, the Clerk is responsible for issuing non-confidential court documents to interested public members. Public members can access criminal court records by visiting the Clerk of the 1st Circuit District Court at:

200 West Jefferson Street
2nd Floor
Room 247
PO Drawer 1100
Tupelo, MS 38802
Phone: (662) 432-2360
Fax: (662) 680-6075

Likewise, Monroe County criminal records are available online via the Mississippi Electronic Court. Record seekers may type in the court case details and other required data to obtain criminal court records online.

What are Monroe County Vital Records?

Monroe County vital encompasses all documentation of life events within the county. They provide information on life events, such as birth, death, divorce, and marriage events. Furthermore, government agencies, operating at the state and local level, are responsible for maintaining vital records. Record custodians are responsible for maintaining channels through which requesters can obtain Monroe County vital records. Thus, all requests for Monroe County vital records must be directed to the record custodian.

Record custodians determine whether to release an informational or certified copy of the requested documents to interested applicants. The custodian agency will often issue confidential or certified copies of vital records to persons with a legitimate interest in the document. Record seekers must provide a valid photo ID or a notarized request form to access public records. The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is the state-level custodian of all vital records. Furthermore, the Monroe County Chancery Clerk maintains records of divorce events within the county.

Where and How to Obtain Monroe County Divorce Records

The Monroe County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the custodian of all divorce records created within the county. Furthermore, the Clerk of the Circuit issues copies of divorce documents via offline channels. Requesters may visit the Clerk of the Circuit Court in-person to obtain divorce documents. Requesters must make a request within official business hours on weekdays at:

Monroe County Courthouse
301 South Chestnut Street
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Phone: (662) 646-0895

It costs $17 to access divorce documents from January 1, 1926 to June 30, 1938, and from January 1, 1942 to the present. Note that the Clerk of the Circuit Court might require a proof of identification before issuing certified copies of divorce documents to requesters.

Likewise, the Monroe County Chancery Clerk is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of Monroe County divorce records to interested persons. Record seekers can obtain copies of divorce records by contacting the Monroe County Chancery Clerk at:

Monroe County Courthouse
201 West Commerce Street
Aberdeen, MS 39730

Where and How to Get Monroe County Marriage Records

The Mississippi State Department of Health is responsible for documenting all birth events in Monroe County. In addition to this, the MSDH issues copies of marriage records to interested applicants. Requesters may obtain marriage records from the MSDH via mail or in-person request options.

To receive a copy of marriage documents via mail orders, record seekers must:

1. Print out and complete the marriage record application form;
2. Attach the required fee as a money order or check payable to the Mississippi State Department of Health. It costs $17 to get a certified copy of the marriage record and $6 for additional copies of the document;
3. Sign the application form;
4. Send the completed application form and the required search fee in a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700

On the other hand, requesters can receive Monroe County marriage records in person. To use this option, requesters must visit the Vital Records Office at:

Mississippi Vital Records Office - Ridgeland Office
222 Marketridge Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157

Where and How to Find Monroe County Birth Records

Record seekers can find Monroe County birth records at the MSDH Vital Records Office. Birth certificates documented after November 1, 1912, are available at the MSDH Vital Records Office. Therefore, interested public members must direct all requests for birth certificates to the MSDH via mail or in-person requests. Most importantly, the MSDH will only release copies of birth certificates to persons or entities with a legitimate claim to the document. For example, the following persons can request and obtain birth records:

• The record bearer;
• A parent or step-parent named on the birth certificate;
• Record bearer's spouse, sibling, step-sibling, child, grandparent or great-grandparent, grandchild or great-grandchild;
• Power of Attorney;
• A legal representative of the record subject.

To get a certified copy of the Monroe County birth certificate via mail orders, requesters must follow these steps:

1. Print out and complete the birth record application form in English or Spanish. Sign the completed request form;
2. Attach the required fee as a money order or check payable to the Mississippi State Department of Health. It costs $17 to get a certified copy of the birth record and $6 for additional documents;
3. Include a valid photo ID, such as driver's license, employment ID, state-issued ID, or permanent/temporary resident card;
4. Send the completed application form, the required search fee in a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700

On the other hand, requesters can receive Monroe County birth records in person. The MSDH attends to in-person requests within business hours on weekdays. To use this option, requesters must visit the Vital Records Office at:

Mississippi Vital Records Office - Ridgeland Office
222 Marketridge Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157

Where and How to Find Monroe County Death Records

County residents and non-residents can find, view, and obtain copies of Monroe County death records at the MSDH Vital Records Office. As the statewide custodian of death records, the MSDH provides death records via mail-in orders or in-person requests. Most importantly, it enables requesters with a legitimate claim to request and access public documents. Eligible applicants include:

• Spouse;
• Parent or step-parent of the deceased (a step-parent must provide a marriage certificate as proof of relationship with the deceased;
• Sibling or step-sibling;
• Ex-spouse (must provide documents to prove direct interest in the death record);
• Grandparent or great-grandparent, grandchild or great-grandchild;
• Representative of the deceased's estate;
• Public Agency that has assumed the administration of the deceased's estate;
• A legal representative of the deceased's estate.
• Persons with a financial interest in the deceased's estate.

For mailed requests, record seekers must send a completed death certificate application form and a money order or check in a self-addressed envelope to:

Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700

On the other hand, requesters can receive Monroe County death certificates in-person at the MSDH Vital Records Office. The MSDH attends to in-person requests within business hours on weekdays. To use this option, requesters must visit the Vital Records Office at:

Mississippi Vital Records Office - Ridgeland Office
222 Marketridge Drive
Ridgeland, MS 39157