Tarboro Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Tarboro, North Carolina?
Arrest records are public documents in Tarboro, North Carolina, pursuant to the North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1). This statute establishes that records created or received by public agencies in North Carolina, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, constitute public records accessible to citizens. The North Carolina General Assembly has determined that these records shall be available for inspection by any person, with limited exceptions as provided by law.
The public nature of arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including maintaining transparency in law enforcement operations, facilitating public oversight of governmental activities, and ensuring accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public seeking information about arrests in Tarboro may access these records through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies and court systems.
It should be noted that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted or restricted in accordance with state privacy laws, juvenile protection statutes, or ongoing investigation exemptions as outlined in N.C.G.S. § 132-1.4.
How to Look Up Tarboro Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Tarboro, North Carolina. Individuals seeking such information should be aware of the following authorized methods:
In-Person Requests at the Tarboro Police Department: Citizens may submit formal requests for arrest records at the Tarboro Police Department located at 200 E. St. James Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. The Records Division operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A valid government-issued identification must be presented when requesting records, and applicable fees may apply in accordance with N.C.G.S. § 132-6.2.
Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office: The Records Division of the Edgecombe County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest reports and other law enforcement documents. Their office is located at 3005 Anaconda Road, Tarboro, NC 27886. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone inquiries may be directed to (252) 641-7911.
Edgecombe County Courthouse: The Clerk of Superior Court maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings. The courthouse is located at 301 St. Andrew Street, Tarboro, NC 27886. Operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The main telephone number is (252) 824-3200.
North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts: The state's Judicial Branch provides an online portal through which certain court records, including those related to arrests, may be accessed. This system operates 24 hours per day, subject to scheduled maintenance periods.
Criminal Background Check Services: The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation provides criminal history record checks for authorized purposes as specified in N.C.G.S. § 114-19.1. Requests may be submitted to the SBI Criminal Information and Identification Section, 3320 Garner Road, Raleigh, NC 27610.
Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 132-6(a), public agencies must provide access to records "at reasonable times and under reasonable supervision." Requestors should anticipate processing times that vary based on the volume of requests and complexity of the search required.
Contents of a Tarboro Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Tarboro, North Carolina typically contain standardized information as required by state recordkeeping protocols. These documents generally include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred, including GPS coordinates when available.
Case Identification: Unique booking number, case number, and other administrative identifiers used for tracking purposes within the criminal justice system.
Arresting Agency Information: Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), department identification, and supervising authority.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including North Carolina General Statute citations, offense classification (misdemeanor or felony), and offense date.
Booking Information: Photographs ("mugshots") taken during processing, fingerprint records, and personal property inventory.
Custody Status: Information regarding pretrial detention, bail or bond amounts established, and release conditions if applicable.
Court Processing: Initial appearance date, assigned courtroom, and preliminary hearing schedule.
The content of arrest records is governed by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Information Network standards and the North Carolina Records Retention Schedule for Local Government Agencies (§ 121-5). Law enforcement agencies are required to maintain these records in accordance with established protocols to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Tarboro
The expungement process in Tarboro follows North Carolina state law regarding the removal of arrest records from public access. Pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-145 through § 15A-152, certain individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances. The legal framework for expungement includes:
Eligibility Criteria: Expungement may be available to individuals whose charges were dismissed, who were found not guilty, who completed deferred prosecution or conditional discharge programs, or who meet specific criteria regarding first-time nonviolent offenses after prescribed waiting periods.
Petition Process: Eligible individuals must file a petition for expungement with the Clerk of Superior Court in Edgecombe County. Standard forms (AOC-CR-280) must be completed with all required information and submitted with the appropriate filing fee as established by N.C.G.S. § 7A-308(a)(12).
Verification Requirements: The petition must be verified by two affidavits from persons not related to the petitioner, attesting to the petitioner's good character.
Judicial Review: Upon receipt of a completed petition, the court will request a comprehensive criminal background check from the State Bureau of Investigation. The district attorney's office receives notification and may present evidence opposing the petition.
Hearing and Determination: The presiding judge will schedule a hearing to review the petition and supporting documentation. If the petition is granted, an order of expungement will be issued directing all agencies to expunge records related to the arrest.
Effect of Expungement: Upon issuance of an expungement order, all records of the arrest, including electronic records, must be removed from public access. The individual may legally deny the occurrence of the arrest in most circumstances, with limited exceptions for certain licensing boards and law enforcement agencies as specified in N.C.G.S. § 15A-151.
The Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a confidential file of expungement orders that is not available for public inspection. Law enforcement agencies and courts are prohibited from disclosing the existence of expunged records except as authorized by statute.
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