Garland Arrest Records

In Garland, a person is considered arrested when they are placed under restraint or taken into custody by an officer executing an arrest warrant, or by an officer or individual making an arrest without a warrant, as outlined in the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 15.22. The Garland Police Department (GPD) serves as the primary agency responsible for arrests in the area, but other agencies like the Dallas County Sheriff's Department can still apprehend suspected offenders. Peace officers usually make arrests under the following circumstances:

• Probable Cause Arrests: When officers rely on evidence indicating a crime has been committed.
• Warrant Arrests: When a judge issues warrants for specific offenses or court violations.
• On-View Arrests: Officers witness a crime, such as a traffic violation or public disturbance, prompting an immediate arrest.

After an arrest, suspects are typically booked at the Garland Detention Center, one of the busiest facilities in Dallas County, surpassed only by the Dallas County Jail. The center accommodates 137 adult prisoners and features a separate processing area for juveniles. It holds pre-trial detainees and individuals serving misdemeanor sentences from the Garland Municipal Court. Juveniles are usually released to a guardian within six hours or transferred to the Dallas County Juvenile Department.

During the booking process, officers collect fingerprints, photographs, and details of the charges. They transmit this information to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for inclusion in the Computerized Criminal History (CCH) system. Additionally, officials incorporate information from an arrest record into local Dallas County databases, including the Dallas County arrest records, jail rosters, and prosecution dockets.

Are Garland Arrests Public Record?

Yes. Arrest records in Garland are generally accessible to the public, as provided by the Texas Public Information Act (PIA), codified in Texas Government Code, Chapter 552. The PIA allows individuals to access government records, such as arrest logs, without needing to explain their purpose. However, certain exceptions limit record availability, including:

• Information that would disrupt ongoing criminal investigations or prosecutions
• Personal details like home addresses, social security numbers, or family information
• Data that endangers the safety of victims or witnesses
• Records sealed or expunged by court order
• Juvenile identifiers, which remain confidential

If a record contains public and exempt information, agencies may supply a redacted copy. For sensitive materials, subjects or their authorized representatives may need to submit a signed written request, as specified in Section 552.229.

Garland Crime Rate

According to the GPD's 2024 annual report, the city reported a crime rate of 5,566 per 1,000 residents, representing an 18.04% reduction compared to the average crime rate of 2019–2020 (6,791.2 per 1,000 residents). The report also highlights a reduction in specific crime categories, as shown below:

• Violent Crime Offenses: 600 incidents, a 14.3% decrease from the five-year average of approximately 700.2.
• Property Crime Offenses: 4,966 incidents, an 18.5% drop from the five-year average of 6,091.
• Total Offenses: 5,566 incidents, a 2.71% reduction from the five-year average of 6,791.2.

Find Garland Arrest Records

Individuals seeking Garland arrest records can access them through multiple resources:

• GPD: The Records Division of the GPD manages arrest logs and police reports. They may be contacted at:

200 North Fifth Street
P.O. Box 469002
Garland, TX 75046
Phone: (972) 205-2000

• Dallas County Sheriff Department: This office may be reached on the phone at (214) 653-3419 or visited at the Frank Crowley Courts Building, 133 North Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75207.
• Dallas County Courts Portal: Court documents related to arrests are accessible on the local courts' case search portal. Online searches by name, booking number, or date range are available.
• DPS: The DPS provides statewide criminal history records, including those from Garland (see "Criminal Background Check in Texas" below).

Free Arrest Record Search in Garland

Several free resources assist with arrest record searches in Garland:

• Dallas County Online Jail Search: This tool lists current inmates, including recent arrestees, and allows searches by inmate name, booking number, or case number.
• GPD Records Division: The GPD may provide arrest logs upon request, though online access is limited.
• Third-Party Databases: Certain third-party sites offer free basic searches, but detailed reports may involve fees.

Criminal Background Check in Texas

The DPS oversees statewide criminal background checks through its Crime Records Division. They provide two options for the checks:

• Name-Based Checks: Individuals may use the DPS Criminal History Name Search tool to access their criminal records by entering their names and dates of birth. Results remain accessible for seven days and are downloadable for 30 days at $1 per search.
• Fingerprint-Based Checks: Conducted through the Fingerprint Applicant Services of Texas (FAST) program, individuals can schedule appointments with the state-approved vendor, present identification, and submit fingerprints for state and federal searches. The total fee is $25, including a $10 fingerprinting fee and $15 DPS fee.

Applicants must complete the "Background Check Authorization" (form CR-63) to authorize access and dissemination. Employers and landlords obtain criminal history reports with the individual's written consent, as required by the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) and Texas law, for hiring or rental purposes. Individuals can also perform self-checks using name- or fingerprint-based methods, needing only initial authorization to review their records.

Garland Inmate Search

For individuals serving sentences in Texas state prisons, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) provides an Inmate Information Search tool. Users can search by name, TDCJ number, or state identification number. This tool includes inmates transferred from local facilities, such as the Garland Detention Center or Dallas County Jail, after sentencing.

Garland Police Record Lookup

To request incident reports, arrest affidavits, or computer-aided dispatch (CAD) logs, individuals can use the GPD's Records Division FOIA portal or mail their request to:

1891 Forest Lane
P.O. Box 469002
Garland, TX 75046

Under the Texas Public Information Act, the GPD typically responds within 10 business days. Fees may apply, such as 10 cents per page for copies or additional charges for extensive labor. Records may exclude details of ongoing investigations, victim information, and other sensitive data.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Garland?

Arrests in Texas, including those carried out in Garland, remain on an individual's record indefinitely unless expunged or sealed. These records are stored in the DPS CCH system and local databases and may be accessible via background checks.

How Can I Get My Record Expunged for Free in Garland?

Eligibility for expunction in Texas, under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55, includes:

• Arrests without charges after the statute of limitations expires
• Dismissed charges
• Acquittals
• Convictions pardoned or overturned due to actual innocence
• Certain Class C misdemeanors with deferred adjudication

To apply for expungement, affected individuals should file a petition in the court where the arrest occurred. Typically, filing fees apply unless waived via a fee-waiver affidavit for low-income individuals. The expungement process may take several months, with agencies required to comply within one year of an expungement order.

Garland Warrant Search

Arrest warrants are issued for suspected crimes, while bench warrants address court-related issues like failure to appear. To check for warrants, interested individuals may use the following options:

• City of Garland Open Warrants: Viewing the city's Open Warrants list, which is usually updated twice a month.
• Dallas County Wanted Search: Viewing countywide warrants on the Dallas County website.
• In-Person Inquiries: Visiting the Brad Neighbor Municipal Court at 1791 West Avenue B, Garland, or the Dallas County Sheriff's Office at 133 North Riverfront Boulevard, Dallas. Visitors should bring photo IDs, but an arrest will be executed if a warrant is active.
• Sheriff Hotline: Calling the Sheriff on (214) 653-3530 for warrant information.

Do Garland Warrants Expire?

No. Texas law does not make any provision for the expiration of warrants. For this reason, felony and misdemeanor warrants in Garland, including arrest and bench warrants, do not expire and remain active until served, recalled by a judge, or nullified (e.g., due to the defendant's death).