Decatur Booking Reports and Jail Records
Decatur booking reports are maintained by the Morgan County Sheriff's Office. Decatur 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.
Decatur Quick Facts
Where Decatur Booking Reports Are Kept
The Morgan County Sheriff's Office maintains all booking reports for Decatur. Like most Alabama cities, Decatur 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 | Morgan County Sheriff |
|---|---|
| Address | 119 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601 |
| Phone | (256) 351-4800 |
| Jail Phone | (256) 351-4825 |
| Online Roster | www.morgancountysheriffal.gov |
Decatur Police Department
The Decatur 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, Decatur Police transport the individual to the Morgan 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 Decatur Police. For questions about booking status, jail conditions, or release information, contact the Morgan County Sheriff. Each agency has different responsibilities and maintains different records. The city website is at www.cityofdecatural.com.
How to Search Decatur Booking Reports Online
The Morgan 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 Decatur by city police.
To search for booking reports, visit www.morgancountysheriffal.gov. 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 (256) 351-4800. Staff can search archived records that may not appear online.
Decatur 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 Decatur residents using the Morgan 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.
Decatur as The River City
Decatur is known as "The River City" for its location on the Tennessee River. Point Mallard Water Park features the first wave pool ever built in the United States. It continues operating today as a popular regional attraction. The city also claims the largest Victorian-era home district in Alabama.
The Old State Bank building, constructed in 1833, is the oldest bank building in Alabama. United Launch Alliance operates a rocket factory here that is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. The Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic draws visitors every Memorial Day weekend.
Morgan County has operated continuously since 1818. The current jail holds 994 inmates after a 2016 expansion. The sheriff's office maintains an online roster with regular updates. Decatur residents can search for booking reports through the Morgan County website free of charge.
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 Decatur 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 Morgan County Sheriff follows all state requirements when handling records requests.
Morgan County Booking Records
Decatur is located in Morgan County. All booking reports for Decatur arrests go through the county sheriff's office. For complete information about the county jail, fees, and procedures, visit the Morgan 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.