Surprise Recent Bookings
Recent bookings for Surprise arrests are kept by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, not the city itself. When Surprise Police arrest someone, that person goes to a Maricopa County jail for booking and detention. To search for someone arrested in Surprise, you need to use the county sheriff inmate lookup or call the jail. The Surprise Police Department can give you arrest reports and police records, but they do not run a booking database or house inmates. All Maricopa County cities, including Surprise, rely on MCSO for jail services. This guide explains how to find Surprise booking records and get copies of arrest information.
Surprise Booking Records Quick Facts
Surprise Bookings and Maricopa County Jail
Surprise is in Maricopa County. All arrests made by Surprise Police go to Maricopa County jail facilities for processing. The county sheriff handles all bookings, housing, and releases. Surprise does not run its own jail. This is the same setup used by Phoenix, Mesa, and every other city in Maricopa County.
To find someone arrested in Surprise, use the Maricopa County Sheriff inmate search. This free online tool lets you look up inmates by name or booking number. You can see who is in custody, what charges they face, and the bond amount. The search covers all five MCSO jail facilities. Results update as new arrests come in and inmates are released.
The county jail information line is (602) 876-0322. It runs all day and night. Staff can confirm if someone is in custody and which facility holds them. Have the full name ready when you call. A date of birth helps too if the name is common. They can also tell you about bond and bail options for the inmate.
Surprise Police Department Records
The Surprise Police Department handles police reports and arrest records for incidents in the city. While the county jail keeps booking data, Surprise Police maintain the arrest reports, crime reports, and case files. These are different records that serve different purposes. The arrest report shows what led to the arrest. The booking record shows detention status.
You can request Surprise Police records through their public records office. The Surprise public records portal shows how to submit requests and what fees apply. You can make requests online, by mail, or in person at the police station.
The Surprise Police records office is at 14250 W. Statler Plaza in Surprise, AZ 85374. Their phone number is (623) 222-4000. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Walk in requests are welcome during these hours. Staff can help you fill out forms and explain what records are available for your request.
Note: Surprise Police do not hold inmates, so they cannot give you current custody status or jail information.
Surprise Police Records Fees
Getting copies of records from Surprise Police costs money in most cases. The fees vary based on the type of record and format you need. Basic paper copies are cheap. Digital files and recordings cost more. Here is what Surprise charges:
- Paper reports: $0.15 to $35 depending on length
- Images and recordings: $20 per request
- Fingerprints: $15
- Letter of Clearance: $10
Crime victims get special treatment under Arizona law. A.R.S. 39-127 says victims of Part I crimes can get one free copy of police reports, audio recordings, video recordings, and transcripts tied to their case. You need to show you are the victim to claim this benefit. Surprise Police will explain how to verify your status when you make the request.
Payment options vary by request type. Cash works for in person requests. Some requests can be paid online through the city portal. Check with the records office about accepted payment methods for your specific request. Processing times depend on what you ask for. Simple reports may be ready in days. Body camera footage and complex requests take longer.
How to Find Surprise Booking Records
Finding booking records for someone arrested in Surprise takes a few steps. First, understand that arrest and booking are separate events. Surprise Police make the arrest. Maricopa County processes the booking. You may need records from both places depending on what you want to know.
For current custody status, start with the MCSO inmate search. Type in the person's name and see if they show up. If they do, you will see their charges, bond, and facility. This search is free and works from any device. No account needed. If the online search does not find them, call the jail at (602) 876-0322 to confirm. Sometimes there are delays before new arrests show in the system.
For arrest report details, contact Surprise Police records. The police report tells you what happened before the arrest. It has the date, time, location, and description of the incident. Officers write these reports shortly after an arrest. They are public records in most cases, though some info may be redacted for privacy or ongoing investigations.
For full criminal history, neither Surprise Police nor Maricopa County gives that out to the public. You need to contact the Arizona DPS Criminal History Records Section. State law limits who can get full background checks. Most people can only access their own records through a Record Review Packet from DPS.
Maricopa County Jail Facilities
People arrested in Surprise can end up at any of the five Maricopa County jail facilities. Where they go depends on factors like their charges, gender, and security classification. All new bookings start at the Intake, Transfer and Release center before inmates move to their assigned location.
The main MCSO facilities are:
- Intake, Transfer and Release at 2670 S 28th Drive, Phoenix
- 4th Avenue Jail at 201 S. 4th Avenue, Phoenix
- Estrella Jail at 2939 W. Durango Road, Phoenix
- Lower Buckeye Jail at 3250 W Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix
- Towers Jail at 3127 W. Gibson Lane, Phoenix
The MCSO inmate search shows which facility currently holds an inmate. This matters when you want to visit or post bail. Different jails have different procedures. Bond can be posted at any facility during certain hours. Video visitation schedules vary by location. Check the facility details before making a trip.
Arizona Public Records Law
Both Surprise Police records and Maricopa County booking records are public under Arizona law. A.R.S. 39-121 says public records must be open for anyone to inspect during office hours. You do not have to explain why you want records. You do not need to be involved in the case.
Some limits exist. Victim identifying information stays protected. Juvenile records have extra rules. Active investigation files may be held back until cases close. Financial account numbers get removed from public copies. But basic arrest facts and booking info are generally public for adults in Arizona.
The 2024 Houston v. Maricopa County ruling affected how some agencies share booking data online. Some counties stopped posting mugshots and inmate lists. Maricopa County still runs its online search, but policies may shift as courts sort out the legal questions. Phone inquiries and written requests still work even if online access changes.
Surprise Jail Visitation
Since Surprise does not have its own jail, visiting someone arrested in Surprise means going through the Maricopa County system. MCSO uses video visitation for most inmates. The county contracts with ViaPath, which runs the GettingOut platform.
To set up a visit, create an account on GettingOut. Search for the inmate by name. You can see available visit times and book a slot. Remote visits from home have fees. Some on site kiosk visits may be free. The GettingOut platform also handles inmate phone accounts and lets you deposit money for commissary purchases.
Professional visits with attorneys work differently. Lawyers can schedule in person visits at the jail where their client is held. Call the specific facility to arrange professional visits. These do not go through the public GettingOut system.
Note: Visit rules change often, so check the current policy before making plans.
Surprise Police Contact Information
The Surprise Police Department has several ways to get in touch. The right contact depends on what you need. Use these numbers and addresses for records requests and general questions about Surprise recent bookings and arrests.
Main address: 14250 W. Statler Plaza, Surprise, AZ 85374. The main phone line is (623) 222-4000. This number works for general questions, records requests, and connecting to specific units. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours calls go to dispatch.
For current jail status on Surprise arrests, call Maricopa County jail at (602) 876-0322. This line is staffed 24/7. For MCSO public records requests, the email is publicrecords@mcso.maricopa.gov. Walk in requests go to MCSO Headquarters at 550 W. Jackson Street in Phoenix.
Nearby Maricopa County Cities
Other cities near Surprise also send their bookings to Maricopa County jail. If you are looking for someone and not sure where the arrest happened, these nearby cities use the same county system. One MCSO inmate search covers them all.
Peoria borders Surprise to the south and east. Glendale is further south toward central Phoenix. All these West Valley cities work with Maricopa County Sheriff for booking and detention. If the arrest happened near a city border, records might be under the neighboring police department. Check both if needed.
Maricopa County Booking Resources
For full details on the Maricopa County jail system, fees, and procedures, see our county page. It covers all five jail facilities, records request steps, and visitation rules that apply to Surprise arrests.
The county page has direct links to MCSO inmate search, public records forms, and contact numbers. Since all Surprise bookings go through the county, that page fills in the details this city page cannot cover. Use both together for a complete picture of how Surprise recent bookings work.