Birmingham Booking Reports and Arrest Records
Birmingham booking reports are maintained by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Birmingham Police make arrests within city limits and transport individuals to the county jail for booking. The sheriff's staff create the official booking record during intake. You can search for current inmates online through the county's jail roster.
Birmingham Quick Facts
Where Birmingham Booking Reports Are Kept
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office maintains all booking reports for Birmingham. Like most Alabama cities, Birmingham does not operate its own jail. City police arrest people within city limits. They then transport those individuals to the county facility for booking and detention.
The sheriff's office creates the official booking record during the intake process. This record includes personal information, charges, mugshot, and bond amount. The county maintains these records as required by Code of Alabama § 36-22-8. The law mandates public access to jail books during office hours.
| Sheriff's Office | Jefferson County Sheriff |
|---|---|
| Address | 2200 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35203 |
| Phone | (205) 325-5700 |
| Jail Phone | (205) 325-5670 |
| Online Roster | sheriff.jccal.org |
Birmingham Police Department
The Birmingham Police Department handles law enforcement within city limits. Officers respond to calls, investigate crimes, and make arrests. When an arrest occurs, the officer creates an arrest report documenting the incident. This is separate from the booking report created at the county jail.
After an arrest, Birmingham Police transport the individual to the Jefferson County jail. The sheriff's staff take over from there. They complete the booking process including fingerprints, photographs, and entering data into the system. The booking report becomes part of the county's records, not the city's.
For questions about the arrest itself, contact Birmingham Police. For questions about booking status, jail conditions, or release information, contact the Jefferson County Sheriff. Each agency has different responsibilities and maintains different records. The city website is at www.birminghamal.gov.
How to Search Birmingham Booking Reports Online
The Jefferson County Sheriff provides free online access to current inmate information. You can search without creating an account or paying any fees. The system shows everyone currently in custody plus recent releases. This includes people arrested in Birmingham by city police.
To search for booking reports, visit sheriff.jccal.org. Look for the inmate search or jail roster section. Enter the person's name to see if they appear. Results show booking dates, charges, and bond amounts. Most entries include mugshot photographs.
If you cannot find someone online, they may have already been released. Online rosters typically show only current inmates. For historical booking information, contact the sheriff's office directly at (205) 325-5700. Staff can search archived records that may not appear online.
Birmingham Booking Report Fees
Searching the online jail roster is free. You can check if someone is in custody without paying anything. This applies to all Birmingham residents using the Jefferson County system. Phone status checks are also free during business hours.
Fees apply when you need official copies of records. General fee guidelines include:
- Online roster search: Free
- Phone status check: Free
- Copy of booking record: $0.50 to $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5 to $25 depending on type
State-level background checks through ALEA cost $25 and require fingerprint submission. Court records through Alacourt Access cost $9.99 per name search. These alternatives show records beyond what the county jail roster provides. Visit pa.alacourt.com for court records.
Birmingham's Civil Rights Legacy
Birmingham is known as "The Magic City" for its rapid growth after the Civil War. It became the center of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. The 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in 1963 was a pivotal moment in American history. These events shaped how law enforcement operates in the community today.
The city hosts the Vulcan statue, the largest cast-iron statue in the world. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is the state's largest employer. These attractions bring visitors and activity to the metro area. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office handles the highest volume of bookings in Alabama at over 43,000 annually.
Birmingham has more green space per capita than any other US city. The diverse neighborhoods range from historic districts to modern developments. The police department works with the county sheriff to maintain public safety across this varied landscape.
Alabama Booking Report Laws
Alabama law requires booking reports to be public records. Code of Alabama § 36-22-8 mandates that sheriffs maintain a public record book for all prisoners. This includes people arrested by Birmingham Police and booked at the county jail.
Section 36-12-40 gives Alabama residents the right to inspect public records. You do not need to explain why you want the information. However, Alabama is one of only seven states that limits this right to state residents. Out-of-state requests may be denied.
Some records have privacy restrictions. Juvenile records are confidential under § 12-15-133. Records of ongoing investigations may be withheld until the case concludes. Expunged records must be removed from public access. The Jefferson County Sheriff follows all state requirements when handling records requests.
Jefferson County Booking Records
Birmingham is located in Jefferson County. All booking reports for Birmingham arrests go through the county sheriff's office. For complete information about the county jail, fees, and procedures, visit the Jefferson County page.
Other Major Alabama Cities
These are the other major cities in Alabama with populations over 50,000. Each uses its county sheriff for booking reports. Select a city to learn about jail access in that area.