Pike County Public Records / Pike County Arrest Records

Pike County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Pike County in 2026

PikeCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Pike County, Mississippi. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and inmate rosters. Information presented reflects what has been made available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a case.

Arrest records in Pike County may be searched through official resources including the Sheriff's Office, the Circuit Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and local agencies. The sections below outline each available method in detail.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Pike County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county detention facility. Members of the public may access current inmate information and recent arrest data through the Sheriff's Office directly. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects individuals currently in custody. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.

Pike County Sheriff's Office
200 East Bay Street
Magnolia, MS 39652
Phone: (601) 783-2581
Pike County, Mississippi

2. Local Police Departments

The City of McComb operates its own police department, which maintains arrest logs and issues press releases containing arrest information for incidents occurring within city limits. The McComb Police Department publishes a most wanted list and arrest-related public safety notices on its official website. Members of the public seeking arrest information for incidents within McComb should contact the department directly.

McComb Police Department
115 Third Street
McComb, MS 39648
Phone: (601) 684-4460
McComb Police Department Most Wanted

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Pike County Circuit Clerk maintains criminal court case records that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search case records by the defendant's name to locate court proceedings associated with a specific arrest. Court case files contain charge information, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing records where applicable.

Pike County Circuit Clerk
200 East Bay Street
Magnolia, MS 39652
Phone: (601) 783-3362

The Mississippi Administrative Office of Courts also provides access to court case information through the Mississippi Electronic Courts system, which allows name-based searches of circuit and county court dockets statewide.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state criminal history repository through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center. This database contains arrest and conviction records submitted by law enforcement agencies across the state. A formal criminal history request requires submission of a completed request form along with applicable fees. The standard fee for a name-based criminal history search is $25.00, payable to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Fingerprint-based searches, which provide a more comprehensive and accurate result, are also available at a higher fee.

The Mississippi Department of Corrections maintains a separate inmate search tool for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state facilities. Members of the public may search by name or inmate ID number through the Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 200 East Bay Street, Magnolia, MS 39652
Records division is located within the main Sheriff's Office building
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (601) 783-2581
What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply

Police Departments:

McComb Police Department, 115 Third Street, McComb, MS 39648, (601) 684-4460
Records requests are submitted in writing or in person at the records division
Fees: $0.25 per page for copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 200 East Bay Street, Magnolia, MS 39652
Criminal records division is located within the Pike County Courthouse
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (601) 783-3362
Members of the public may inspect open case files at the clerk's office
Copy fees: $0.50 per page; certified copies are $1.50 per page

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Pike County Sheriff's Office at 200 East Bay Street, Magnolia, MS 39652. Each written request should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name, mailing address, and contact telephone number
Payment for applicable copy fees (check or money order payable to Pike County Sheriff's Office)

Processing time for mailed requests is approximately five to ten business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

The Pike County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (601) 783-2581 during regular business hours. Telephone inquiries are limited to general information about custody status. Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Detailed record information is not released by telephone and requestors may be directed to submit a written request or visit in person.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative materials through formal discovery procedures in pending criminal cases. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and protective orders.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, McComb Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Pike County

Arrest records in Pike County are public records under Mississippi law. The Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at § 25-61-1 et seq. of the Mississippi Code, establishes that all public records are available for inspection and copying by any person unless a specific exemption applies. Arrest records, booking logs, and jail rosters maintained by law enforcement agencies are considered public records subject to disclosure under this statute.

The public availability of arrest records serves several recognized governmental interests:

Government transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations
Public safety awareness within the community
Support for journalism and academic research
Facilitation of background screening by employers and licensing agencies
Use in civil and criminal legal proceedings

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted under Mississippi law and are not available to the general public
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Records sealed by court order are not subject to public inspection
Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt from disclosure
Victim identifying information is restricted in certain categories of cases
Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Mississippi Constitution and the Public Records Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Courts have consistently recognized that the public interest in transparency must be balanced against individual privacy rights, particularly where charges have not resulted in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

Members of the general public
Media organizations and journalists
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
State and professional licensing agencies
Background check companies operating in compliance with the FCRA
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history information. Mississippi does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. An important distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action and does not constitute proof of guilt.

What's in Pike County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, McComb Police Department, Mississippi Highway Patrol, or other)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Mississippi statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records releases
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, where public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction (Circuit Court or County Court)
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests processed in Pike County
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges associated with prior arrests

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim identifying information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques and methods
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number (redacted from public releases)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after the arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Pike County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Pike County varies by the type of record requested and the office from which the request is made. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act at § 25-61-7, public bodies may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of providing copies of public records.

Current standard fees are as follows:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (per page)	$0.25
Certified copies (per page)	$0.50–$1.50
Certification of document	$1.00–$5.00
Electronic format (where available)	Varies
State criminal history (name-based)	$25.00
State criminal history (fingerprint-based)	$44.00

Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk's office is available at no charge during regular business hours
Members of the public may view records in person without incurring copy fees if no copies are requested
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Circuit Clerk include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by office
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors upon written application; the requesting office retains discretion to grant or deny such waivers
Fees for records obtained through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety are set by state regulation and are subject to change

How To Delete Arrest Records in Pike County

Mississippi law provides two primary mechanisms for removing or restricting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the legal erasure of the record, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Under Mississippi law, expungement results in the destruction or removal of the record from public databases, while a sealed record remains accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies but is not available to the general public.

Eligibility for expungement in Mississippi is governed by § 99-19-71 of the Mississippi Code. The following circumstances may qualify a person for expungement:

Arrest without conviction, including cases where charges were dismissed or not filed
Acquittal at trial
Successful completion of a pretrial diversion or drug court program
First-offense misdemeanor convictions, subject to a waiting period
Certain first-offense nonviolent felony convictions, subject to eligibility criteria and waiting periods

The steps to pursue expungement in Pike County are as follows:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case file from the Pike County Circuit Clerk
Confirm eligibility under § 99-19-71 based on the disposition of the case
Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Pike County Circuit Court
Pay the applicable filing fee to the Circuit Clerk
Serve the petition on the district attorney's office and any other required parties
Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether to grant the petition
If granted, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to remove or seal the record

Pike County Circuit Court
200 East Bay Street
Magnolia, MS 39652
Phone: (601) 783-3362

Pike County District Attorney's Office (Southwest District)
230 West Court Street
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-1744

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Mississippi attorney to assess eligibility and navigate the petition process. The Mississippi Bar Association's lawyer referral service can assist in locating qualified counsel.

What Happens After Arrest in Pike County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Pike County, the arrested individual is transported to the Pike County Jail, located at 200 East Bay Street in Magnolia. Transport time varies depending on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires additional processing.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Pike County Jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:

Recording of personal identifying information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to state and federal databases
Criminal history and outstanding warrant checks conducted
Personal property inventoried and stored
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Mississippi law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or magistrate for an initial appearance within 48 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify as indigent
Bond or bail is determined
The individual is advised of their rights

Initial appearances in Pike County are conducted at the Pike County Justice Court or Circuit Court depending on the nature of the charges. Video conferencing may be used in certain circumstances.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash to the Pike County Jail or Circuit Clerk
The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Bond amounts are set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or according to a bond schedule for certain offenses

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Mississippi law
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment history, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders in domestic violence or harassment cases
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring in certain cases
Pretrial supervision by the court

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes between one and eight hours after bond payment
Personal property is returned to the individual
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued and must be followed

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody at the Pike County Jail
Housing assignment is made following classification
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account, telephone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Mississippi Office of State Public Defender. Eligibility is based on financial need and is determined at the initial appearance.

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender
239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney visits at the Pike County Jail are conducted in a confidential setting. The Mississippi Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking qualified criminal defense representation.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The District Attorney's Office for the Southwest District reviews each arrest to determine whether formal charges will be filed. This review typically occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges by information or indictment, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence.

Grand Jury (for Felonies):

Felony charges in Mississippi may be presented to a grand jury, which determines whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment. Grand jury proceedings are conducted without the presence of defense counsel.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set for pretrial proceedings.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through the discovery process. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard by the court. Pretrial conferences are held to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a plea agreement prior to trial.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or nolo contendere plea in exchange for an agreed-upon sentence or sentencing recommendation
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if the verdict is guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose a combination of incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment requirements. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. The defendant is advised of appeal rights at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article 3, Section 26 of the Mississippi Constitution

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy and public trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Pike County Sheriff's Office (Jail):
200 East Bay Street
Magnolia, MS 39652
Phone: (601) 783-2581
Inmate information: (601) 783-2581
Pike County, Mississippi

Pike County Circuit Clerk:
200 East Bay Street
Magnolia, MS 39652
Phone: (601) 783-3362
Case information available through the Mississippi Electronic Courts portal

Southwest District Attorney's Office:
230 West Court Street
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Phone: (601) 847-1744

Mississippi Office of State Public Defender:
239 North Lamar Street, Suite 604
Jackson, MS 39201
Phone: (601) 576-4290
Mississippi Office of State Public Defender

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Pike County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Pike County is governed by Mississippi law and the records retention schedules established by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act and applicable retention schedules, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods before authorized destruction.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention is permanent across all maintaining agencies
Records are maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, Mississippi Criminal Information Center, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of five years following case closure
Court records: Permanent retention for most misdemeanor convictions
State repository: Permanent retention

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of three to five years
Court records: Often retained permanently unless expunged
State repository: Retained unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of three years
Court records: Often retained permanently
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of two to three years
Local arrest logs: Minimum of two years
May be eligible for expungement under § 99-19-71

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Minimum of two to three years
Often eligible for expungement upon petition to the Circuit Court

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per applicable retention schedule (minimum three to five years)
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; minimum five years for misdemeanors
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of two years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by platform and agency policy
Court electronic records: Often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest records indefinitely
These entities are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update records following expungement
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but enforcement varies

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum of five years
Arrest reports: Minimum of five years
Investigative files: Minimum of five years; longer for serious offenses
Contact: (601) 783-2581

Police Departments:

McComb Police Department arrest records: Minimum of five years
Incident reports: Minimum of three years
Contact: (601) 684-4460

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of five years
Traffic cases: Minimum of three years
Electronic records: Often permanent

State Repository:

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety maintains the state criminal history repository through the Mississippi Criminal Information Center
Retention policy: Permanent for felony arrests; minimum of five years for misdemeanor arrests
Records from all law enforcement jurisdictions in Mississippi are included

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records
Federal retention is typically permanent
Records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment and firearms background checks

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all law enforcement and court databases
Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law

Dismissal:

May remain in databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Dismissed charges are not reported on standard employment background checks by compliant consumer reporting agencies

Expungement:

Local records are destroyed or sealed pursuant to the court's order
The state repository updates its records to reflect the expungement
The FBI database may retain a notation of the expungement while restricting public access
Removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action by the individual

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period applies
Booking records may be purged after two to three years
Immediate expungement may be available upon petition

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Within the Last Five Years):

Available online through the Sheriff's Office or state databases
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (Five to Twenty Years Ago):

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Circuit Clerk
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Pike County Sheriff's Records Division at (601) 783-2581 for availability

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of arrest records occurs after the applicable retention period has expired, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the records retention schedule approved by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, records of serious violent offenses, sex offense records, and records in cases with pending appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Mississippi does not currently impose additional state-law restrictions on the reporting period for criminal records beyond federal requirements. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not to be used as the basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance laws.

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Pike County Sheriff's Records Division at (601) 783-2581
Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number if known
Fees may apply for copies of responsive records