Bolivar County Public Records / Bolivar County Arrest Records

Bolivar County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Bolivar County in 2026

BolivarRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Bolivar County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and arresting agency details. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the date of the arrest.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following sections outline all available methods for locating arrest records in Bolivar County.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Bolivar County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Bolivar County Sheriff's Office website. Available information includes the arrestee's name, charges, booking date, and custody status. The jail roster is updated on a regular basis as new bookings are processed and releases occur.

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Bolivar County operate independent police departments, including the Cleveland Police Department and the Rosedale Police Department. These agencies maintain their own arrest logs and may publish press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public seeking arrest records from a specific city jurisdiction should direct requests to the relevant municipal police department's records division.

Cleveland Police Department
PO Box 1817, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-1700

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings maintained by the Bolivar County Circuit Clerk. Members of the public may search for court cases by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal proceedings. The Mississippi Courts case search portal provides access to case information at the state level.

Bolivar County Circuit Clerk
PO Box 789, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-2071
Mississippi Courts

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains a statewide arrest data repository. The Arrest Data portal is used by all state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to report records of arrest. Members of the public may search this database for arrest information submitted by agencies across Mississippi. No fee is currently charged for basic searches through the public portal.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:
Bolivar County Sheriff's Office
PO Box 1863, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-5378
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Bolivar County Sheriff

Individuals visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the full legal name of the subject, the approximate date of arrest, and any known booking number. Fees for copies of records apply as described in the fees section below.

Clerk of Court:
Bolivar County Circuit Clerk
PO Box 789, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-2071
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

By Mail:

Written requests submitted by mail to the Bolivar County Sheriff's Office should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time for mailed requests is subject to current workload and may take several business days.

By Phone:

The Bolivar County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (662) 843-5378 during regular business hours. Phone inquiries provide limited information; requestors may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for complete records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings, and discovery processes in criminal cases provide access to arrest documentation through the court system.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)

Are Arrest Records Public in Bolivar County

Arrest records in Bolivar County are public records under Mississippi law. The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at § 25-61-1 et seq. of the Mississippi Code, establishes that all public records are available for inspection and copying by any person unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records fall within the category of public records because they document actions taken by government law enforcement agencies, and their disclosure serves the interests of government transparency, public safety, community awareness, journalism and research, background screening, and legal proceedings.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photo
Bond/bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed)
Expunged arrest records (removed from public access)
Sealed records (court-ordered confidentiality)
Active investigation information
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Mississippi Constitution and the Public Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. Courts have recognized that the First Amendment supports press and public access to arrest information as a matter of democratic accountability. Due process considerations require that the public record reflect the actual status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (with restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (with restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Researchers

Restrictions on Use:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Employers and landlords using arrest records obtained through consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law, but federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not establish guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions carries legal risk under applicable anti-discrimination frameworks.

What's in Bolivar County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation if applicable
Gang-related designation if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by court
Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
Bail bondsman information if applicable
Release date and time if released
Release conditions if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment if available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives than arrest records
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Bolivar County?

Under the Mississippi Public Records Act at § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of searching, reviewing, and duplicating public records. The following fee structure reflects current standard charges applicable to arrest records requests in Bolivar County.

Record Type	Fee
Inspection of records (in person)	No charge
Paper copies	$0.25 per page (standard)
Certified copies	$1.00 per page or per document
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies by agency
Search fee	No statutory search fee; actual cost may apply

Accepted payment methods at the Bolivar County Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk's office include cash, money order, and personal check made payable to the respective agency. Electronic payment options vary by office.

Fee Waivers:

Mississippi law permits agencies to waive fees when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest, such as for news media requests or nonprofit research purposes. Requestors seeking a fee waiver should submit a written explanation of the public interest basis for the request along with their records request.

Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Copies of booking photographs and basic arrest log entries available through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety arrest data portal are accessible at no cost online.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Bolivar County

Mississippi law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing. Expungement refers to the legal erasure or destruction of arrest and court records, while sealing restricts public access to records that continue to exist in law enforcement databases. Under § 99-19-71 of the Mississippi Code, individuals who meet eligibility criteria may petition the court for expungement of qualifying arrest and conviction records.

Eligibility for Expungement in Mississippi:

First-time offenders convicted of certain misdemeanors and nonviolent felonies
Individuals whose charges were dismissed or who were acquitted
Individuals who completed a pretrial diversion or drug court program
Individuals who received a nolle prosequi (prosecutor declined to prosecute)
Certain traffic offenses

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case from the Bolivar County Circuit Clerk.
Confirm eligibility under Mississippi Code § 99-19-71 or the applicable statute for the specific offense.
File a Petition for Expungement in the Bolivar County Circuit Court, paying the applicable filing fee.
Serve the petition on the district attorney's office and any relevant law enforcement agencies.
Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will grant or deny the petition based on statutory criteria.
If granted, the court order is forwarded to the Mississippi Criminal Information Center and relevant agencies for record removal or sealing.

Bolivar County Circuit Court
PO Box 789, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-2071
Mississippi Courts

Mississippi Attorney General's Office
550 High Street, Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 359-3680
Mississippi Attorney General

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Mississippi attorney, as eligibility requirements and procedures vary based on the nature of the offense and the outcome of the case.

What Happens After Arrest in Bolivar County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Bolivar County Detention Center for booking. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Bolivar County Detention Center
PO Box 1863, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-5378
Bolivar County Sheriff

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the detention facility, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and includes the following steps:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and brief mental health screening conducted
Housing classification assigned

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate without unnecessary delay, and within 48 hours of arrest in most circumstances. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines bond or bail, advises the individual of the right to counsel, and appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.

Bond/Bail Process:

Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate.

Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set at ten percent of the bond amount in Mississippi.

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment.

No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.

Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives personal property, a court date, and written conditions of release. If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned housing, provided an inmate orientation, and informed of commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender's Office:
Bolivar County Public Defender
Contact through Bolivar County Circuit Court
PO Box 789, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-2071

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings, and attorney-client consultations at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

The Bolivar County District Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to issue an indictment.

Bolivar County District Attorney's Office
PO Box 1062, Cleveland, MS 38732
Phone: (662) 843-5700

Arraignment follows the filing of charges, at which the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a plea agreement, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination thereof.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks depending on charge type
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months
Felonies: May take six months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Mississippi Constitution and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative
Do not resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately
Do not discuss the case with anyone except an attorney
Contact family or friends for bail assistance
Attend all court dates
Follow all bond conditions

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Bolivar County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Bolivar County is governed by Mississippi law and the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Under Mississippi Code, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules, which vary based on the type of record and the disposition of the associated case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Felony Convictions: Arrest and conviction records associated with felony offenses are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk, the Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

Misdemeanor Convictions: Records of misdemeanor convictions are retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and court offices. The state criminal history repository maintains these records as part of the individual's criminal history.

Dismissed Charges: Arrest records associated with dismissed charges may remain in local law enforcement databases and court records unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement. These records are not automatically removed upon dismissal.

Acquittals: Court records of acquittals are often retained permanently. Local law enforcement booking records may be retained for a period of years. These records may be eligible for expungement under Mississippi law.

Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are subject to shorter retention periods and may be eligible for expungement or administrative removal.

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Digital records maintained in records management systems and court electronic filing systems are retained for extended periods, often permanently. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the applicable retention schedule. Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may retain records indefinitely regardless of case outcome.

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Mississippi local government records retention schedule. Investigative files are retained based on the nature and disposition of the case.

Clerk of Court: Felony case files are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period established by the retention schedule. Electronic court records are retained permanently in most instances.

State Repository: The Mississippi Criminal Information Center maintains arrest records submitted by all law enforcement agencies statewide. Retention policy follows state law and is coordinated with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and for firearms purchase background checks.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

A conviction results in permanent retention across all relevant databases. A dismissal may leave records in place unless expungement is obtained. A successful expungement results in the physical destruction or sealing of local records and an update to the state repository, though the FBI database may retain a notation. Records for arrests where no charges were filed are subject to the shortest retention periods and may be purged automatically after a set number of years or upon petition.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose additional state-level restrictions on the reporting period for conviction records. Third-party background check companies and commercial mugshot websites may retain and display arrest records beyond the periods maintained by official agencies and are not required to update records following expungement unless they receive notice.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Bolivar County Sheriff's Records Division at (662) 843-5378 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request submitted under § 25-61-1 of the Mississippi Public Records Act may be required to obtain written confirmation of record status. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.

Lookup Arrest Records in Bolivar County

Mississippi arrest data — Mississippi Department of Public Safety
Bolivar County Sheriff's Office — Bolivar County, Mississippi