Are Pima County Records Public?

Yes. A wide range of records maintained by Pima County agencies is accessible to the public under Arizona’s Public Records Law. The Public Records Law, as outlined in A.R.S. § 39-121 et seq., establishes that all records used, maintained, or held by public bodies in conducting official business are public unless a specific legal exemption applies. This law refers to a "public body" as any government entity in the county that operates with state or county funding. The above applies to all state and local government bodies, including county offices, municipalities, and law enforcement agencies. However, Pima County court records are governed separately under Rule 123 of the Arizona Supreme Court Rules.

What is Exempted Under the Arizona Public Records Law?

The Public Records Law allows public access to records documenting a government agency’s official actions, promoting transparency and accountability. However, it also safeguards confidentiality in specific cases, restricting access to certain records to protect privacy, security, or other legal concerns.

Per A.R.S. § 39-121 et seq., four categories of records may have access restricted:

• Records Confidential by Statute ( personnel files, medical records, records protected by federal confidentiality laws)
• Privacy Interests ( personal identifying information, 911 call recordings, financial records)
• Files Based Upon the Best Interests of the Government negotiations, and security protocols for critical infrastructure ( law enforcement investigative records, documents related to ongoing contract negotiations, security protocols for critical infrastructure).
• Requests by Litigants (legal strategy documents, records exempt from discovery rules, case files related to active litigation).

(NOTE: Some records will have exempt sections redacted or separated, allowing access to the rest upon request. Others will be entirely restricted from public view.)

Pima County Public Records Search

A Pima County public records search requires identifying the type of record needed and the government agency responsible for maintaining it. The custodian agency is the appropriate point of contact, and submitting a request to the wrong office may result in unnecessary complications.

The county’s Public Records System helps direct users to the appropriate agency for requesting specific records. This ensures that requests are processed efficiently by the correct custodian.

Requesters should, however, note the following information:

• Agencies do not create or compile records that do not exist.
• Requests should be as clear and specific as possible.
• Fees may apply for copies, certifications, or extensive searches.
• Agencies typically respond within a reasonable timeframe but may extend processing if necessary.

Find Public Records For Free in Pima County

Pima County public records are accessible for free by visiting the official custodian's website or office during regular business hours. Many government agencies provide online portals where members of the public can search for and obtain records without incurring any fees. For records not available online, individuals may visit the relevant agency in person and request access during designated office hours.

Alternatively, third-party websites also offer access to county public records. These platforms aggregate information from multiple public sources, providing a convenient way to search for records without directly contacting government agencies. Many of these sites allow users to conduct basic searches for free; however, more detailed reports or official copies often require payment.

While third-party websites can save time and effort, their accuracy and reliability vary. Some sites may not update their databases regularly, leading to outdated or incomplete records. Additionally, information obtained from unofficial sources may not always be accepted for legal or official purposes. Therefore, individuals seeking official documents or the most up-to-date records should verify details through the appropriate government agency. Some may give outdated or incomplete information, and others may charge hidden fees. Privacy risks loom, too, as platforms might harvest personal data.

How to Remove Information From Public Records Free

To remove information from a public record in Pima County, the subject of the record individuals should request the agency responsible for the files. However, petitioners should know that records qualify for redaction, sealing, withdrawal, or destruction under state law. For instance, A.R.S. § 13-911 allows for sealing certain felony records if the individual has completed sentencing requirements, including probation or imprisonment, and a specified waiting period has passed.

Each public agency within the county may have distinct procedures for redacting or sealing records. Formal requests should be submitted through designated forms when seeking records from law enforcement agencies, courts, or government offices. Verification with the custodian is required. Court records may require a petition, subject to judicial approval. Law enforcement offices, courts, and government agencies handle redaction and sealing requests through designated custodians. Parties can check the agency's website for request forms or contact the office to learn more about the process.

Who Can Access Pima County Public Records in Arizona?

Per (A.R.S. § 39-121), anyone can access public records in Pima County. The statute states that any person may request to examine copies, printouts, or photographs of any public file during regular office hours or request that the custodian mail an issue of any public record not otherwise accessible on the public body's website to the requesting person. Non-residents or citizens are allowed to obtain public records.

What Happens if I Am Refused a Public Records Request?

A.R.S. § 39-121 grants any person the right to inspect public records in Pima County. State agencies and local government offices are legally obligated to process requests in compliance with this statute. However, a public records request may be denied under certain circumstances:

• The request is overly vague or not specific enough. Government agencies are not required to fulfill requests that fail to specify the records sought with reasonable clarity.
• The requester submitted the request to the wrong custodian. Different agencies maintain public records, and inquiries should be directed to the appropriate office.
• The requested records are confidential or exempt from disclosure. This includes documents such as sealed court records, specific law enforcement files, and records containing sensitive personal information.

If a requester has reasonable grounds to believe a public records request was wrongfully denied, they can challenge the decision. A.R.S. § 39-121.02 allows individuals to seek a review of the refusal by submitting a written appeal to the Superior Court. The court may order the public agency to release the records if the denial is unlawful. The court may award attorney's fees and litigation costs if the requester prevails.