Covington County, Mississippi Warrant Records
Are Warrants Public Record in Covington County, Mississippi?
Warrant records in Covington County, Mississippi are classified as public records pursuant to the Mississippi Public Records Act (Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrest warrants, bench warrants, and search warrants. The Mississippi Public Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Covington County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law. Public access to warrant information serves multiple governmental interests, including transparency in judicial proceedings, accountability of law enforcement agencies, and the public's right to information. Individuals seeking warrant information may access these records through established procedures at the county level.
It should be noted that certain warrant information may be temporarily sealed or restricted if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation or present a clear risk to public safety, as provided under Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-12.
What Is Contained in Warrant Records in Covington County?
Warrant records maintained by Covington County authorities contain specific information as required by Mississippi law and judicial procedure. Standard elements included in these official documents are:
- Full legal name of the subject and any known aliases
- Date of birth and/or approximate age of the subject
- Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
- Last known address or location information
- Date and time of warrant issuance
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Nature of the alleged offense, including relevant Mississippi Code sections
- Bond amount, if applicable
- Name and title of the issuing judicial officer
- Signature of the issuing authority
- Specific instructions to law enforcement regarding execution
The level of detail contained in warrant records may vary depending on the type of warrant issued (arrest, bench, or search) and the circumstances surrounding the case. All warrant information is maintained in compliance with Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 3.1 regarding warrant issuance.
How to Check For Warrants in Covington County For Free
Members of the public may conduct free warrant searches in Covington County through several official channels. The following methods are available to individuals seeking warrant information:
- In-person requests at the Covington County Sheriff's Office located at 1 Courthouse Square, Collins, MS 39428. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Direct inquiries to the Covington County Circuit Clerk's Office at 101 N. Elm Avenue, Collins, MS 39428. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Telephone inquiries to the Sheriff's Office at (601) 765-8281 during regular business hours.
- Public access terminals available at the Covington County Justice Court, 1 Courthouse Square, Collins, MS 39428.
Pursuant to Mississippi law, requestors seeking warrant information may be required to provide identification and complete a standard request form. While basic searches are provided without charge, fees may apply for certified copies of warrant documents in accordance with the fee schedule established by Miss. Code Ann. § 25-7-13.
Covington County Sheriff Warrants
The Covington County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants are issued under the authority of Mississippi Rules of Criminal Procedure and must meet constitutional requirements for probable cause.
The Sheriff's Office maintains a warrant division that processes and executes several categories of warrants:
- Arrest warrants for criminal offenses
- Bench warrants issued for failure to appear in court
- Civil warrants related to court orders
- Search warrants for specified locations or property
The execution of warrants follows strict procedural guidelines as outlined in Miss. Code Ann. § 99-3-1 through § 99-3-39. Law enforcement officers must identify themselves, state their purpose, and present the warrant when executing it unless exigent circumstances exist.
The Covington County Sheriff's Office coordinates warrant service with other jurisdictions when subjects are located outside county boundaries through interstate compact agreements and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
How to Know If You Have a Warrant in Covington County in 2025
Individuals seeking to determine if warrants exist in their name in Covington County may utilize several verification methods established by county authorities. The following official channels provide warrant status information:
- The Covington County Sheriff's Office maintains current warrant records accessible to the public at 1 Courthouse Square, Collins, MS 39428. Individuals may appear in person with valid identification during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- The Circuit Clerk's Office provides warrant verification services at 101 N. Elm Avenue, Collins, MS 39428. Counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Telephone inquiries may be directed to the Sheriff's Office warrant division at (601) 765-8281.
- Legal representatives may conduct searches on behalf of clients with proper documentation.
Mississippi law requires that warrant information be made available to the subject of the warrant, though certain procedural restrictions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations or public safety concerns. Individuals with active warrants are advised that appearing in person at law enforcement facilities may result in immediate arrest pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 99-3-7.
How to Check For Outstanding Warrants in Covington County
Covington County maintains systematic procedures for the public to verify outstanding warrant status. These procedures comply with Mississippi's public records statutes while balancing law enforcement operational needs. Available methods include:
- Direct verification through the Covington County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 1 Courthouse Square, Collins, MS 39428. This office processes public requests during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- The Covington County Justice Court provides warrant information at 1 Courthouse Square, Collins, MS 39428. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
- Written requests submitted to the Circuit Clerk's Office at 101 N. Elm Avenue, Collins, MS 39428. Standard request forms are available on-site or by mail.
- Telephone verification is available by contacting the Sheriff's Office at (601) 765-8281, though limited information may be provided through this method.
Requestors should note that pursuant to Miss. Code Ann. § 25-61-5, certain identifying information may be required to process warrant searches. Third-party requests for warrant information are permitted but may receive redacted records in accordance with privacy provisions under state law.
Search Warrant Records in Covington County
Covington County Sheriff's Office
1 Courthouse Square
Collins, MS 39428
(601) 765-8281
Official Website
Covington County Circuit Clerk's Office
101 N. Elm Avenue
Collins, MS 39428
(601) 765-8243
Official Website
Mississippi Department of Human Services - Division of Child Support
200 South Lamar Street
Jackson, MS 39201
(601) 359-4500
Child Support Services
