COVINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Covington County Public Records?

Public records, according to the state of Alabama, include records pertaining to judicial and official functions of the county’s public offices. These records may be made available to interested members of the public on request per state law. However, there are exceptions to the records that are subject to public disclosure. Juvenile court records, tax and financial statements, hospital records, and other related records may be considered private. Public records are maintained by the office of the Secretary of State and by the clerk’s office for the county, which provides access to public records by regulations and laws. Some of these records are available on the state's official website, Request Public Information. Requesters of data should note that not all records are available online.

Administrators are responsible for maintaining and providing well-organized means of obtaining records accessible by the public In Covington County. In addition, some county records are made available by the probate office in charge of business marriage licenses, recording services, and vehicle titles in Alabama. The county sheriff's office can get reports such as police reports, arrests, and/or warrants.

In addition to government agencies, some public records may also be accessible from third-party websites. These non-government platforms come with intuitive tools that allow for expansive searches. Record seekers may either opt to use these tools to search for a specific record or multiple records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:

• The name of the subject involved in the record (subject must be older than 18 or not juvenile)
• The address of the requestor
• A case number or file number (if known)
• The location of the document or person involved
• The last known or current address of the registrant

Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.

Covington County Crime Statistics.

Crimes are classified as violent crimes, property crimes, or other. They are ranked on a scale of 1 (low crime) to 100 (high crime) in the U.S. Covington County's violent crime rate at 23.6, and property crime at 38.0.

Violent crimes include; murder, rape, robbery, and assault while property crimes; burglary, larceny, and auto theft.

The estimated crime rate in Covington County Alabama is as follows:

Violent crime

Property Crime Rates

Other Crime Rates

Please note that Covington county, Alabama does not have FBI Crime Statistics.

Are Covington County Criminal Records Public?

Yes, Criminal records in Covington county are public. These records are maintained by the Covington county Sheriff’s office as well as the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which serves as the central repository of criminal history information for persons in the state.

To obtain Covington county criminal records from the county Sheriff’s office, requestors may query the office in person or via mail at:

Covington County Sheriff's Office
290 Hillcrest Drive
Andalusia, AL 36420
Phone: (334) 428-2640

Alternatively, requestors may request criminal history information through the Alabama Background Check program by requesting a background check at (866) 740-4762 or (334) 676-7897. Requestors may opt to request the information via mail by downloading and submitting the Application to Review Alabama Criminal History Information form. The form must be completed and submitted along with a copy of a valid photo ID, the fingerprints of the requesting party or subject, and any additional requirements if applying for state employment, licensure or certification. The application may then be submitted to:

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
Criminal Records and Identification Unit
ATTN: Record Challenge
P.O. Box 1511
Montgomery, AL 36102-1511

How to Obtain Covington County Police Reports and Arrest Records?

A police report is a formal document used as a referral by law enforcement agencies or the victim of a crime. Its content includes details of the circumstances surrounding the crime, the time of occurrence, and any other facts concerning an illegal incident. Arrest records are documents containing information related to the crime's subject. Content of this record includes the criminal history of the subject of the record, if any, the name of the person arrested, the crime committed, contact details, arrest searches, warrants, age reports, and mugshot.

Police reports and arrest records are considered public in Covington County. These records are preserved and made available on request by the public by various government agencies, from Federal, Alabama State, and law enforcement agencies at the County level in Covington which include the local Police Department Sheriff Department, the Federal Bureau of investigation, and the Covington County Court Circuit Clerk Covington County. Police reports and arrest records can be accessed online from databases maintained by the various government agencies responsible for providing this information. Police and arrest reports can also be requested via mail. Individuals seeking this data would need to send a request form via mail to the official mail address of the office of the sheriff. Or visit the police department within the county in person to request information.

A requester should take note of the following policies implemented by the Covington County Probate Court to help ease record inspection:

• Records can only be inspected during work hours.
• Records can be removed from the courts which maintain them.
• Where copies of records are needed, all costs incurred would be paid for by the requester. This fee is determined by the judge.
• Records are to be handled with caution.
• Only documents that are classified as public by law can be accessed by members of the public. Documents that are considered confidential, private, or sealed are inaccessible and those exempt, according to Al. Section 36-12-40
• Fees apply if the staff has to be present while the requester inspects records. This may require a deposit to cover such cost.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Covington County

Information on sex offenders in Covington county can be accessed on the online database maintained by the sheriff’s office:

Covington County Sheriff's Office:
290 Hillcrest Drive
Andalusia, AL 36420
Phone: (334) 428-2640

Covington County sex offender registry. The information contained in a sex offender registry includes data of persons convicted of sex crimes, their current location, workplace, or school that they attend in Covington County, Alabama. This is made available to the public in order. The registry is maintained and managed by the Alabama State Police Department and other government entities. There is also a federal-managed database for Sex Offenders. If a requester has questions about a particular sex offender on the registry, such a person can contact the agency on the database or reach out to the ALEA Sex Offender Registry Unit directly during working hours which is from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

Sex offender records can also be obtained from a courthouse in the county where the offense was committed. Members of the public can also visit the police department within the county to ask to inspect records for free or get copies of data for a fee.

How to Find Covington County Inmate Records

Covington county inmate records Covington County Jail Inmate Roster is usually maintained and managed by the Sheriff's Department in the county. The department also maintains a database that contains records accessible by members of the public. This record includes; rosters for inmates, arrests, and bookings reports.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Covington County Jail?

The Covington County Jail is located in Andalusia, its county seat. Members of the public over the age of eighteen with a legal government photo ID can visit an inmate in jail. With the exemption of persons who are on probation for felonies. Members of the public under the age of eighteen have to be accompanied by an adult.

Person(s) who desires to visit an inmate in jail would need to book an appointment; either online or in person. To book a visit in person, one would need to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the time slated for the visit to make a booking

Covington County Jail
290 Hillcrest Drive
Andalusia, AL 36420

The following rules must be observed to enjoy a smooth visit to the Covington county jail:

• Visiting members of the public must dress appropriately; no revealing clothes allowed, miniskirts, low necklines, and transparent dresses.
• Visitors are not allowed to bring anything into the visiting area, including purses, Food, Drinks, and the like.
• Visitors under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol or possessing illegal drugs are not allowed in.

Visiting hours are usually in the evenings and during weekends. Visits usually last between 30 mins to 60 mins once or twice a week per person. Visitors are required to provide certain information before visitation; their name and legal ID, and the name of the inmate being visited. Please note that visits can be denied to visitors who do not abide by the rules. Visitors should ensure to Check the inmate visitation hours and procedures for visiting the county Jail.

Court Records

Courts in Covington County are in charge of resolving legal disputes in line with local and state laws. Records of these cases are kept and maintained in the Covington County courthouses. Courts are divided into Criminal and Civil Courts Alabama's Judicial Circuits. Courts are either federal, state, district, criminal, superior, common, family, circuit, appeal, judicial, divorce, traffic, and small claims courts. Offenders are prosecuted by the criminal Courts In Covington County, while Civil courts are responsible for settling disputes between citizens. Civil matters that exceed ten thousand dollars are handled by circuit courts, including family disputes and felonies.

Circuit courts also oversee cases appealed from District courts, Probate courts, and municipal courts. The Covington County Circuit Court Clerk is responsible for recording lawsuits, issuing summons, and recording judgments and executions.

District Courts oversee cases in regards to criminal misdemeanors, felony prosecution, and can guilty pleas in felony cases that are not punishable by death. Judges of district courts exercise exclusive jurisdiction over all civil actions in cases where the fine is below three thousand dollars. Alabama Administrative Office of Courts.

Covington County Courthouse:
P.O. Box 789
Andalusia, AL 36420
Phone: (334) 222-3189

Are Covington County Court Records Public?

Yes, Covington county court records are public, with exception of records considered sealed. Court records under the freedom of information act are considered accessible by the public. Covington County Court Records are defined as “public records, documents, files, and transcripts associated with court cases that are available in the County”. Records accessible by the public can be accessed from the online database maintained by the Alabama Judicial System and courts. Also, cases can be accessed directly from the office of the clerk at the courthouse where records of a case sorted were heard. Records maintained by Covington County courts include information on everything that happened while a legal process was in session for reference in the appeals. Court Records are usually managed by the courts where the case hearing occurred. To access a particular record requester can visit the courthouse and request to inspect paper records for free. Requesters can also access records from the electronic records maintained by the court through a computer within the courthouse if the particular courthouse offers such.

How to Obtain Covington County Civil Court Case Records

Covington county civil courts are tasked with settling disagreements or legal matters between citizens. Although civil matters that exceed ten thousand dollars are handled by circuit courts, including family disputes and felonies. To obtain case records, the seeker can either visit the civil court in person where the case was filed and request to inspect records for free or visit the official website of the civil court.

Please note that fees depend on the scope of work and if the requester needs hard copies of the data.

How to Obtain Covington County Criminal Court Records

Covington county criminal court records can be obtained from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) in charge of Background Check Alabama Background Check. Individuals interested in getting criminal court records can also call (866) 740-4762 or (334) 676-7897 for inquiries. Criminal records are also available online on the database maintained by government establishments such as law enforcement agencies or state or local courthouses.

Please note that members of the public seeking data about a criminal offender record information under pretenses are liable to felony criminal penalties.

What are Covington County Vital Records?

Vital records in Covington county include birth records, death records, and records of marriages and divorces, including certificates recorded by the government in Covington County. Certain government agencies collate and manage Vital Records at the Alabama State level or Covington County level. Some vital records are maintained in the National Archives. Vital records are primarily collated, managed, and maintained by the Center for Health Statistics. They are in charge of filing, storing, and issuing certified copies of vital records including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for events that happened within the state of Alabama. A system where records are issued automatically is also available in Alabama Vital Records | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).

Requesters can obtain vital records sorted in person within thirty means. Records can also be requested and obtained via mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Where and How to Obtain Covington County Divorce Records

According to the law in Alabama, divorce records and certificates are accessible by members of the public Divorce Certificates | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Anyone who provides sufficient data to inspect records can request these public records and pay the required fee. Since 1950 The Center for Health Statistics has been responsible for keeping and maintaining divorce records and certificates in Alabama. Requesters seeking divorce records preceding 1950 would have to check the circuit court where the divorce was granted. The fee required to access a divorce record or certificate is $15.00. This includes a certified copy of the certificate of divorce. If a record is not found, the requester would be given a "Certificate of Failure to Find". every other additional copy would be charged $6.00. Requesters money order or check should be made payable to "State Board of Health". Please note that cash payment is not allowed, and fees are non-refundable after payment. Also, extra fees apply for express services.

Information to be provided by the requester include the following:

• The full names of spouses before marriage.
• The name of the county where the divorce was filed and granted
• Date of divorce
• Name of requester
• Legal signature
• The preferred address to which record or certificate would be mailed
• Contact number

To send a request by mail, the requester can forward the request with evidence of payment to:

Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, AL 36103-5625

Records can also be obtained in person. Seekers of divorce records or certificates can visit one of the county health departments in the State of Alabama to get a certified copy of a divorce certificate. This can be processed while the requester waits.

Where and How to Get Public Covington County Marriage Records

Marriage records are considered records accessible by the public in Covington county, Alabama, except considered classified. Marriage records that are opened to members of the public can be obtained online on the official state database for vital records for all marriages that took place in Alabama Marriage Certificates | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH).

The fee required to obtain a marriage record or certificate is $15.00. This includes a certified copy of the certificate of marriage. If a record is not found, the requester would be given a "Certificate of Failure to Find". For any other additional copy, the fee would be $6.00. Requesters money order or check should be made payable to "State Board of Health". Please note that cash payment is not allowed, and fees are non-refundable after payment. Also, extra fees apply for express services.

Marriage records can also be obtained in person from any county health department within Alabama state to request and get a certified copy of a marriage certificate. This would be processed while the requester waits.

Information to be provided by the requester include the following:

• The full names of couples before the marriage.
• The date of the wedding.
• Name of county in which the marriage license was given.
• Name of the requester
• Authorized signature of requester.
• The preferred address to which the record would be sent.
• Contact number.

Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Covington County

Confidential marriage records in Covington county Alabama are not accessible to members of the public. These types of records can only be accessed by either the spouse whose name appears on the record or certificate of marriage, an authorized person (who would be required to submit a legal ID and proof of authorization), or an authorized legal representative of either of the persons whose name appears on the record. Confidential marriage records can be gotten from the civil courthouse where the marriage license was issued within the state of Alabama.

Where and How to Find Covington County Birth Records

According to the law in Alabama, birth certificates are considered confidential records with constricted access for 125 years from the date of birth Birth Certificates | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Birth records can only be accessed by the following individuals, upon payment of the required fee:

• The subject of the birth record.
• The birth parents of the subject of the record (Mother or father) or legal guardian
• The spouse of the subject of the record.
• The child of the subject of the record.
• The sibling of the subject of the record.
• A legal or authorized representative of the subject of the data.

The fee required to obtain a birth record or certificate is $15.00. This includes a certified copy of the birth certificate. If a record is not found, the requester would be given a "Certificate of Failure to Find". For any other additional copy, the fee would be $6.00. Requesters money order or check should be made payable to "State Board of Health". Please note that cash payment is not allowed and fees are non-refundable after payment. Also, extra fees apply for express services. And Requesters would be required to submit a completed form of identification.

Information to be provided by the requester include the following:

• The full name of the individual whose name appears on the record at birth.
• The date of birth
• Gender
• The name of the county of birth
• The name of the hospital of birth (if the subject of data was not born in a hospital, the requester would need to state where the birth took place).
• The full name of the birth mother or parent before marriage.
• The name of the requester.
• Authorized signature
• The relationship between the subject of the record and the requester.
• The preferred address to which the record would be sent.
• Contact number.

Birth records or certificates can also be obtained in person from any county health department within Alabama state to request and get a certified copy of a birth certificate. This would be processed while the requester waits.

To obtain birth records or certificates of an adopted person who was adopted in Alabama Adoption Information | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), only the following persons can access it:

• The subject of data can obtain a copy of their original birth certificate from a confidential file on reaching the age of 19. Birth parents may place information in the sealed file of the child who was adopted if born in Alabama.
• Parents adopting or who have adopted the subject of data or a legal representative (attorney) standing in for them.

Where and How to Find Covington County Death Records

Death records are considered private in the state of Alabama with constricted access for 25 years from the date of death of the subject of the data Death Certificates | Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Death records or certificates more than 25 years old can be accessed by members of the public upon payment of the specified fee. Death records or certificates less than 25 years old can only be accessed by the following individuals, upon payment of the fee:

• The parent of the subject of data.
• The spouse of the subject of data.
• The child of the subject of data.
• The sibling of the subject of the data.
• A grandchild of the individual whose name appears on the record or certificate with proof of relationship.
• A legal representative of the family of the subject of the data.

The fee required to obtain a death record or certificate is $15.00. This includes a certified copy of the death certificate. If a record is not found, the requester would be given a "Certificate of Failure to Find". For any other additional copy, the fee would be $6.00. Requesters money order or check should be made payable to "State Board of Health". Please note that cash payment is not allowed and fees are non-refundable after payment. Also, extra fees apply for express services. And Requesters would be required to submit a completed form of identification.

Information to be provided by the requester include the following:

• The full legal name of the subject of the data
• Date of death
• The name of the county in which the subject of the data died.
• Gender
• Security number
• The date of birth or age at death of the subject of the data
• Race
• The full name of the spouse (if any)
• The full names of parents
• Name of the requester.
• Authorized signature
• The relationship between the deceased and requester.
• Preferred address to which record would be sent.
• The contact number of the requester.

Death records or certificates can also be obtained in person from any county health department within Alabama state to request and get a certified copy of a death certificate. This would be processed while the requester waits.