Mobile Booking Reports and Jail Records
Mobile booking reports are maintained by the Mobile County Sheriff's Office. Mobile 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.
Mobile Quick Facts
Where Mobile Booking Reports Are Kept
The Mobile County Sheriff's Office maintains all booking reports for Mobile. Like most Alabama cities, Mobile 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 | Mobile County Sheriff |
|---|---|
| Address | 510 South Royal Street, Mobile, AL 36603 |
| Phone | (251) 574-2423 |
| Jail Phone | (251) 574-6412 |
| Online Roster | www.mobileso.com |
Mobile Police Department
The Mobile 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, Mobile Police transport the individual to the Mobile 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 Mobile Police. For questions about booking status, jail conditions, or release information, contact the Mobile County Sheriff. Each agency has different responsibilities and maintains different records. The city website is at www.cityofmobile.org.
How to Search Mobile Booking Reports Online
The Mobile 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 Mobile by city police.
To search for booking reports, visit www.mobileso.com. 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 (251) 574-2423. Staff can search archived records that may not appear online.
Mobile 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 Mobile residents using the Mobile 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.
Mobile's Maritime Heritage
Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America. The celebration started in 1703, before New Orleans even existed. Five flags have flown over Mobile including French, British, Spanish, Confederate, and American. This diverse history shapes the city's culture today.
As Alabama's only saltwater port, Mobile handles significant maritime commerce. Austal USA builds Navy ships here. Airbus assembles aircraft at Mobile Aeroplex. These industries bring workers and activity that affect local law enforcement. The port also creates unique jurisdictional situations involving federal agencies.
Mobile County operates the second largest sheriff's office in Alabama with over 600 employees. The Metro Jail holds approximately 1,500 inmates daily. The 24-hour booking operation reflects the around-the-clock nature of a major port city. The "Who's in Jail" page updates continuously with new bookings.
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 Mobile 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 Mobile County Sheriff follows all state requirements when handling records requests.
Mobile County Booking Records
Mobile is located in Mobile County. All booking reports for Mobile arrests go through the county sheriff's office. For complete information about the county jail, fees, and procedures, visit the Mobile 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.