Dothan Booking Reports and Arrest Records
Dothan booking reports are maintained by the Houston County Sheriff's Office. Dothan 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.
Dothan Quick Facts
Where Dothan Booking Reports Are Kept
The Houston County Sheriff's Office maintains all booking reports for Dothan. Like most Alabama cities, Dothan 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 | Houston County Sheriff |
|---|---|
| Address | 411 North Foster Street, Dothan, AL 36303 |
| Phone | (334) 677-4882 |
| Online Roster | houstoncosoal.gov |
Dothan Police Department
The Dothan 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, Dothan Police transport the individual to the Houston 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 Dothan Police. For questions about booking status, jail conditions, or release information, contact the Houston County Sheriff. Each agency has different responsibilities and maintains different records. The city website is at www.dothan.org.
How to Search Dothan Booking Reports Online
The Houston 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 Dothan by city police.
To search for booking reports, visit houstoncosoal.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 (334) 677-4882. Staff can search archived records that may not appear online.
Dothan 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 Dothan residents using the Houston 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.
Dothan as Peanut Capital
Dothan is the "Peanut Capital of the World." The National Peanut Festival draws over 200,000 visitors annually. This event showcases the agricultural importance of the Wiregrass region in southeast Alabama. Dothan serves as the regional hub for the tri-state area of Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Houston County is Alabama's youngest county, formed in 1903. The name comes from the biblical city mentioned in Genesis 37:17. The relatively recent formation means government systems developed with more modern approaches. The sheriff's office maintains an online inmate listing that updates regularly.
Dothan's regional importance means the county jail sees bookings from beyond the immediate area. The Wiregrass region includes parts of several counties. The Houston County Sheriff coordinates with neighboring jurisdictions to maintain public safety across this broader service area.
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 Dothan 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 Houston County Sheriff follows all state requirements when handling records requests.
Houston County Booking Records
Dothan is located in Houston County. All booking reports for Dothan arrests go through the county sheriff's office. For complete information about the county jail, fees, and procedures, visit the Houston 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.