Tulsa Public Records / Tulsa County Arrest Records

Tulsa County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Tulsa County

Arrest records in Tulsa County are considered public information under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, codified in Title 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq. This statute establishes that the public has a right to access government records, including those related to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Tulsa County. The Oklahoma Open Records Act specifically states that "all records of public bodies and public officials shall be open to any person for inspection, copying, or mechanical reproduction during regular business hours."

Law enforcement agencies in Tulsa County maintain arrest records as part of their official duties. Pursuant to Title 51 O.S. § 24A.8, certain law enforcement records must be made available for public inspection, including:

Arrestee descriptions
Facts concerning arrests
Conviction information
Disposition of all warrants
Radio logs and incident reports

It is important to note the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records, by contrast, indicate that a person was found guilty of a crime through legal proceedings. Under Oklahoma law, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The Tulsa Police Department maintains specific policies regarding public access to arrest records in compliance with state law. These policies outline the procedures for requesting and obtaining arrest record information while balancing public access rights with privacy considerations.

What's in Tulsa County Arrest Records

Tulsa County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Residential address
Photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Circumstances leading to arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance violations
Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
Charge severity level

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing facility

Bond/Bail Information:

Bond amount
Bond type
Bond status (posted, denied, pending)
Release conditions

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation or parole status
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)
Property seized during arrest
Victim information (may be redacted)
Witness information (may be redacted)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Certain information may be redacted or restricted from public access in accordance with Title 51 O.S. § 24A.7, which provides exemptions for confidential information or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Tulsa County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Tulsa County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures are currently in place for accessing arrest records:

Submit a written request to the arresting agency
- Prepare a formal written request specifying the information sought
- Include the full name and date of birth of the subject
- Provide your contact information for response purposes
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via online portal where available
Visit the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Records Division

Tulsa County Sheriff's Office
303 W. 1st Street
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-5601
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Bring government-issued photo identification
- Complete the records request form available at the counter
- Pay applicable fees (currently $0.25 per page for copies)
Contact the Tulsa Police Department Records Division

Tulsa Police Department
600 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-9328
Tulsa Police Department
- Operating hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Complete the Open Records Request Form
- Provide specific information about the arrest record sought
- Pay applicable fees for document reproduction
Check the Tulsa County Court Clerk's Office

Tulsa County Court Clerk
500 S. Denver Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-5000
Tulsa County Court Clerk
- Court records may contain information about arrests
- Use public access terminals available during business hours
- Request assistance from clerk staff if needed
Submit a request to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
6600 N. Harvey Place
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 848-6724
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
- Complete the Criminal History Request Form
- Include required identification documentation
- Submit the applicable fee (currently $15 for name-based searches)

Pursuant to Title 51 O.S. § 24A.5, agencies must provide prompt, reasonable access to records during regular business hours. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for document searches and copies but cannot charge for examination of records.

How To Find Tulsa County Arrest Records Online

Tulsa County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests. The following online methods are currently available:

Tulsa County Inmate Information Center
- Visit the Tulsa County Inmate Information Center
- Enter the individual's name or booking number
- Access current inmate information, including arrest details
- View custody status and booking photographs
- Information is updated regularly throughout the day
Tulsa Police Department Online Records Portal
- Navigate to the Tulsa Police Department offender information page
- Select the appropriate search option (arrest records, warrants, etc.)
- Enter required search criteria (name, date of birth, case number)
- Review search results for relevant arrest information
- Follow instructions for requesting complete records
Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN)
- Access the OSCN website
- Select "Tulsa County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter the individual's name in the search field
- Review court case information related to arrests
- Note that this system provides court records, which may include arrest information
Oklahoma Department of Corrections Offender Lookup
- Visit the Oklahoma Offender Lookup
- Search by name or DOC number
- Access information about individuals who have been processed into the state corrections system
- View conviction and sentencing information related to arrests
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Online Records Request
- Navigate to the OSBI Criminal History Request portal
- Create an account or log in
- Complete the online request form
- Pay the required fee electronically
- Receive results via secure electronic delivery

When using online systems, users should be aware that certain information may be restricted or redacted in accordance with Oklahoma privacy laws. Additionally, the most current and complete arrest records may require formal requests through official channels as outlined in Title 51 O.S. § 24A.8.

How To Search Tulsa County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Tulsa County arrest records without incurring fees. The following methods provide free access to basic arrest information:

Tulsa County Jail Inmate Search
- The Tulsa County Inmate Information Center provides free public access
- Search by name to find current inmates and recent bookings
- View basic arrest information, charges, and custody status
- No registration or fees required for basic searches
Tulsa County Courthouse Public Access Terminals

Tulsa County Courthouse
500 S. Denver Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-5000
- Visit during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Use public access computer terminals in the Court Clerk's office
- Search court cases that may contain arrest information
- No fee for on-site viewing of electronic records
Oklahoma State Courts Network (OSCN)
- Access OSCN from any internet-connected device
- Select Tulsa County from the jurisdiction menu
- Search by name to find court cases
- View docket information that may reference arrests
- Service is provided free of charge
Tulsa Police Department Daily Booking Reports
- Visit the Tulsa Police Department website
- Navigate to the jail information section
- Access daily booking reports that list recent arrests
- Information typically includes name, charges, and booking date
Local Library Resources

Tulsa City-County Library
400 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 549-7323
- Use public computers with internet access
- Access government websites and public record databases
- Receive assistance from reference librarians familiar with public records
- No library fee for basic computer use

While basic arrest record information is available at no cost through these methods, it is important to note that comprehensive records or certified copies may still require payment of statutory fees. Additionally, pursuant to Title 51 O.S. § 24A.5(3), agencies may charge reasonable fees for document searches exceeding certain time thresholds or for reproduction of records.

The Oklahoma Open Records Act guarantees the right to inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours, though viewing may be subject to reasonable procedures established by the record custodian.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Tulsa County

In Tulsa County, individuals may pursue legal remedies to limit public access to arrest records through expungement or sealing processes. These procedures are governed by Oklahoma state law, specifically Title 22 O.S. § 18 and § 19, which establish eligibility criteria and procedures.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Understanding the Distinction

Expungement refers to the legal process of removing arrest records from public view and, in some cases, physically destroying records. When an arrest record is expunged, it is treated as if it never occurred.
Record sealing restricts public access to arrest records but maintains them for limited official purposes. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies but are not visible in standard background checks.

Eligibility for Expungement in Tulsa County

Under Title 22 O.S. § 18, individuals may qualify for expungement under several circumstances, including:

The person was acquitted of the charges
The charges were dismissed
The arrest occurred but no charges were filed
The person completed a deferred judgment or delayed sentence
The person was convicted of a misdemeanor and has not been charged with any other crime for at least 10 years
The person was under 18 at the time of the offense and has received a full pardon
The person was charged with a crime that was later determined to be committed by someone else

Steps to Expunge Arrest Records in Tulsa County

Determine eligibility
- Review the criteria in Title 22 O.S. § 18
- Obtain a copy of your arrest record and case disposition
- Consult with an attorney to confirm eligibility
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement
- Complete the petition form (available from the Court Clerk)
- Include all required information about the arrest and case
- File the petition with the Tulsa County Court Clerk
- Pay the required filing fee (currently approximately $150)
Serve notice to relevant agencies
- Provide copies of the petition to:
  - District Attorney's Office
  - Law enforcement agency that made the arrest
  - Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
  - Any other agencies with records of the arrest
Attend the expungement hearing
- Present your case before a judge
- Address any objections from the District Attorney or other agencies
- Receive the judge's decision
Distribute the expungement order
- If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order
- Send copies to all agencies with records of the arrest
- Follow up to ensure compliance with the order

Special Considerations

Certain serious offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses, may have limited or no expungement eligibility
Federal arrests and charges follow different procedures and are not subject to state expungement laws
Expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes
Some expunged records may still appear in private databases unless specifically addressed

Individuals seeking expungement are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney experienced in Oklahoma expungement law, as the process can be complex and requirements may change over time.

What Happens After Arrest in Tulsa County?

Following an arrest in Tulsa County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Oklahoma state law and local procedures. This process typically progresses through several distinct phases:

Booking and Initial Processing
- The arrestee is transported to a detention facility
- Personal information is recorded and entered into law enforcement databases
- Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) are taken
- Personal property is inventoried and secured
- Medical screening is conducted
- The arrestee is placed in appropriate holding or general population
Initial Appearance and Bail Determination
- Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays)
- Judge informs the arrestee of charges and constitutional rights
- Bail amount is set based on:
  - Nature and severity of the alleged offense
  - Criminal history
  - Flight risk assessment
  - Community ties
  - Public safety considerations
- If bail is posted, the arrestee is released pending future court appearances
Preliminary Hearing (Felony Cases)
- Typically occurs within 10 days for in-custody defendants
- Prosecution presents evidence establishing probable cause
- Judge determines if sufficient evidence exists to proceed
- Case may be dismissed if probable cause is not established
Arraignment
- Formal reading of charges
- Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Court schedules future proceedings
- For misdemeanors, may occur at the initial appearance
- For felonies, occurs after preliminary hearing or grand jury indictment
Pre-Trial Proceedings
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Filing and hearing of motions (e.g., suppression of evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Pre-trial conferences to address administrative matters
Trial
- Jury selection (unless jury trial is waived)
- Opening statements
- Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
- Closing arguments
- Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)
Sentencing (If Convicted)
- Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
- Victim impact statements may be presented
- Judge imposes sentence based on:
  - Oklahoma sentencing guidelines
  - Statutory requirements
  - Aggravating or mitigating factors
  - Recommendations from prosecution and defense
Post-Conviction Proceedings
- Right to appeal within prescribed timeframes
- Possible post-conviction relief petitions
- Probation supervision if applicable
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison if ordered

Throughout this process, records are generated and maintained by various agencies, including the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, Tulsa Police Department, Tulsa County District Attorney's Office, and the Tulsa County Court Clerk. These records become part of the official arrest record and court file, subject to the access provisions of the Oklahoma Open Records Act.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Tulsa County?

Arrest records in Tulsa County are maintained according to retention schedules established by Oklahoma state law and agency policies. The Oklahoma Archives and Records Commission establishes minimum retention periods for government records, including those related to law enforcement activities.

Statutory Retention Requirements

Under Title 67 O.S. § 209, which governs records management for state and local government agencies, law enforcement records must be retained according to approved schedules. For arrest records in Tulsa County, the following retention periods generally apply:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information: Minimum 5 years from date of arrest
Fingerprint Cards and Identification Records: Permanent retention
Investigation Reports Related to Arrests: 5-10 years depending on case type
Misdemeanor Case Files: 5 years after case closure
Felony Case Files: 20 years to permanent retention, depending on offense severity
Homicide and Major Felony Cases: Permanent retention
Juvenile Arrest Records: Special provisions apply under Title 10A O.S. § 2-6-108

Agency-Specific Retention Practices

Different agencies within Tulsa County may maintain arrest records for varying periods:

Tulsa Police Department
- Maintains arrest records according to departmental policy
- Digital records management systems have extended retention capabilities
- Major case files are retained permanently
- Records may be archived rather than destroyed after initial retention period
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records maintained for minimum of 7 years
- Inmate files retained for 10 years after release
- Digital jail management system records may be maintained longer than paper records
Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
- Criminal history records maintained permanently
- Fingerprint records retained indefinitely
- Arrest information incorporated into statewide database
Tulsa County Court Clerk
- Court case records related to arrests maintained according to case type
- Felony case records typically retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case records retained for 10 years after final disposition
- Digital court records increasingly maintained indefinitely

Factors Affecting Retention

Several factors may influence how long arrest records are maintained:

Case Status: Open or unsolved cases may be retained longer than closed cases
Offense Severity: Records for serious felonies are kept longer than minor offenses
Statutory Requirements: Specific crimes may have mandated retention periods
Storage Medium: Digital records may be retained longer than paper records
Legal Holds: Records subject to ongoing litigation must be preserved

The retention of arrest records serves important public interests, including law enforcement needs, criminal justice administration, and public safety. These records provide historical documentation of law enforcement activities and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system.

How to Find Mugshots in Tulsa County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. These images typically show the front and side profile of an arrested individual and serve as visual identification records within the criminal justice system. In Tulsa County, mugshots are created as part of the standard booking procedure at detention facilities.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Tulsa County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

Tulsa County Sheriff's Office
303 W. 1st Street
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-5601
Tulsa County Sheriff's Office

Tulsa Police Department
600 Civic Center
Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 596-9328
Tulsa Police Department

These photographs are stored in agency databases and may be linked to arrest records, booking information, and criminal history files.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Tulsa County may utilize several methods:

Submit a formal records request
- File a written request citing the Oklahoma Open Records Act
- Provide specific information about the individual (full name, date of birth, date of arrest)
- Submit the request to the agency that made the arrest
- Pay any applicable fees for record reproduction
Visit the Tulsa County Inmate Information Center
- Access the Tulsa County Inmate Information Center
- Search for current inmates by name
- View booking photographs if available
- Note that this resource typically only shows current inmates
Contact the Records Division of the arresting agency
- Visit in person during regular business hours
- Complete required request forms
- Provide identification and specify the mugshot being requested
- Allow processing time as specified by the agency

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

Some mugshots from Tulsa County may be available through online sources:

The Tulsa County Inmate Information Center provides booking photos of current inmates
The Tulsa Police Department website may include certain mugshots for public safety purposes
Third-party websites may aggregate and publish mugshots, though these sources may not be current or accurate

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, individuals should:

Submit a written request to the appropriate agency
Include specific identifying information about the subject
Explain the purpose of the request
Pay any required fees (typically $0.25-$1.00 per page)
Allow 5-10 business days for processing

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Tulsa County may be limited under certain circumstances:

Juvenile mugshots are generally confidential under Title 10A O.S. § 2-6-102
Mugshots related to expunged arrests may not be available to the public
Certain sensitive investigations may have restricted booking photographs
Victim protection laws may limit access in specific cases
Recent changes to Oklahoma law have placed additional restrictions on commercial use of mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots should be aware that while these images are generally considered public records under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, their availability may be subject to agency policies and applicable exemptions under state law.

Lookup Arrest Records in Tulsa County

Inmate Information - Tulsa County Public Website

Get Open Records/Video | Tulsa Police Department

Offender Information | Tulsa Police Department

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI)

Offender Lookup

Other Categories in Oklahoma

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records