What are Temple Public Records?
Under the Texas Public Information Act, public records include all information created, assembled, received, or preserved by a government agency in conducting official business. Regardless of physical form, the act states that these records should be made available to all interested persons. Texas law, however, prohibits access to some records. Examples include certain law enforcement records, medical records, juvenile records, trade secrets, and any litigation records where the government agency is a party.
Temple Crime Statistics
The Temple Police Department (TPD) publishes annual reports that contain an overview of reported crimes in the city. The 2019 report revealed that the TPD recorded 1,937 crimes, including 202 violent crimes and 1,735 property crimes. Reported violent crimes include 6 murders, 51 rape incidents, 38 robberies, and 107 aggravated assault cases. The report also lists 253 burglary incidents, 184 unauthorized use of motor vehicle offenses, and 1,428 larceny cases as property crimes. According to the report, violent crimes fell 16% in 2019, while property crimes fell 12%. The city's crime total also dropped by 12% from recorded figures in 2018.
Are Temple Criminal Records Public?
Not all Temple criminal records are accessible to the public. Interested persons may obtain records of arrests, as well as prosecution and disposition information for Class B misdemeanors or more severe offenses. Texas law also allows public access to records of Class C convictions and deferred adjudications. Access to other criminal records is restricted.
Temple criminal records are obtainable from the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS). The department allows interested persons to search for public information on its Computerized Criminal History System (CCH). Requestors must create individual or company accounts and purchase search credits.
A name search requires one search credit even when there are no matching results. Persons may buy search credits by check or credit card. While a search credit costs $3, credit card purchases require a 2.25% convenience fee and a 25-cent transaction fee. Approved card transactions will immediately reflect the number of purchased search credits on the user's account.
How to Obtain Temple Police Reports and Arrest Records
Police reports and arrest records are obtainable from the TPD's Records Unit. Interested persons may obtain Temple arrest records and police reports by creating an open records request online. The requestor must enter a description of the desired record, including the record's title, date or date range, names, locations, and other known details. If there is an associated cost, the requestor will receive a notification in writing.
Requestors must also provide contact information such as a full name, email, phone number, and address, before submitting the form. Note that all information provided is considered public. Therefore, individuals are advised to exclude personal information such as a social security number, date of birth, or driver's license number. Parties may also contact the TPD using the details below:
Temple Police Department
209 E. Avenue A
Temple, TX 76501
Phone: (254) 298-5500
Fax: (254) 298-5693
Email: policeweb@templetx.gov
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Temple
Interested persons may find Temple sex offenders on the Public Sex Offender Registry Search platform provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Searchers may find Temple sex offender records by conducting a registrant name, map address, or higher education institute search. The registry displays each offender's full name, photographs, SID, risk level, and projected registration end date. Available information also includes a physical description, birth date, and offense details.
How to Find Temple Inmate Records
Persons seeking Temple inmate records should use the Bell County Inmate Inquiry Portal. Users may input the inmate's name, subject number, booking number, and booking date range. The page also features an In-Custody box that can be checked or unchecked depending on the user's preference. The search results display each inmate's information, including demographic information, booking history, charge description, offense details, arresting agency, and booking photographs.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Temple Jail?
The Bell County Jail offers on-site and remote video visitations. These visits are scheduled according to the first letter of the inmate's last name. Inmates with names beginning with letters A through M may receive visitors from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on Sundays and Thursdays. Friends and family may visit all other inmates at the same time on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Each inmate is restricted to three visits per week from persons on the inmate's approved visitation list. The facility allows inmates to change listed names once every 30 days. Persons under 16 years old may only visit in the company of an adult. Visits cannot last longer than 20 minutes.
The Bell County Jail also allows special visits from attorneys, clergy, and the military. These persons do not have to be on the inmate's visitation list. While all visits are by video and may be monitored, attorneys are allowed to conduct unmonitored contact visits.
Military visitors are allowed at any reasonable time provided the visit is for official government business and the inmate is a member of the Armed Forces. The visitor should be assigned to the inmate's chain of command and should hold an E-6 rank or higher. Emergency visits may be approved at the sole discretion of the jail supervisor.
Prospective visitors may schedule remote visitation via the jail's third-party vendor. Alternatively, friends and family of inmates may call (254) 933-5400 or (800) 234-3277 for more information.
Court Records
Matters from the City of Temple are heard by the Bell County Judicial District Court, Bell County Justice of the Peace Courts, and the Temple Municipal Court. These courts have varying jurisdictions according to case type and provide copies of court records to interested persons. Temple court cases are heard at the following locations:
Bell County District Court
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 933-6737
Fax: (254) 933-5978
Bell County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Place 1
Bell County Temple Annex
205 E Central Avenue
Temple, TX 76501
Phone: (254) 770-6822
Fax: (254) 770-6820
Bell County Justice of the Peace Precinct 3, Place 2
Bell County Temple Annex
205 E Central Avenue
Temple, TX 76501
Phone: (254) 770-6831
Fax: (254) 770-6833
Temple Municipal Court
401 N 3rd Street
Temple, TX 76501
Phone: (254) 298-5687
Fax: (254) 773-4301
Email: courtonlinehelp@templetx.gov
Are Temple Court Records Public?
Temple court records are public. Most court records are accessible to interested parties who submit official requests and pay prescribed copy fees. However, access to some records may be restricted if disclosure may reveal sensitive information, interfere with a court proceeding, or endanger lives or property.
Can You Look Up a Temple Court Case Online?
The Bell County District Clerk's Office maintains an online repository of countywide court records. Users seeking online Temple court records may conduct a civil case index search or a criminal case index search.
How to Obtain Temple Civil Court Case Records
Temple civil court records are available at the Bell County District Clerk's Office. Interested persons may request by mail or in person. Mail requests require a completed copy request form. Parties may provide a case or cause number, approximate date, and party names. Requestors must also select "Civil Case" as the case type. Regular copies of Temple civil court records cost 50 cents per page, while certified copies $1 per page. If the case number is unknown, the Clerk's Office will charge an additional $5 search fee per name.
Payment is accepted via money orders or cashier's checks for mail requests. Personal checks are not accepted. Record seekers should also include a self-addressed and stamped envelope. The Clerk's Office also entertains in-person requests with credit card or cash payments. Mail applications should be sent to the:
Bell County District Clerk
P.O. Box 909
Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 933-5198
For in-person requests, users should visit the:
Bell County District Clerk's Office
Bell County Justice Complex
1st Floor Bell
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
How to Obtain Temple Criminal Court Case Records
The Bell County District Clerk's Office issues copies of Temple criminal court records. Interested persons may make mail requests by sending completed copy request forms. Provided information should include a case or cause number, party names, approximate date, and the specific document. The requestor should also indicate "Criminal Case" as the case type. Temple criminal records cost 50 cents per page for regular copies and $1 per page for certified copies. Persons who cannot provide the case number will be charged a $5 search fee for each name. Each mail requestor should send a completed copy request form, a check or money order, and a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:
Bell County District Clerk
P.O. Box 909
Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 933-5198
In-person requestors may visit the following address and pay by cash or credit cards:
Bell County District Clerk's Office
Bell County Justice Complex
1st Floor Bell
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
What are Temple Vital Records?
Temple vital records contain recorded information on significant life events that take place in the city. Records of events including births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, are generated and issued by the Bell County District Clerk, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and the Bell County Clerk's Office.
Where and how to Obtain Temple Divorce Records
Record seekers may request copies of Temple divorce records from the Bell County District Clerk. Parties may complete the copy request form by circling "Divorce Case" and providing all other required information. Details should include an approximate date, party names, and a case number. Copies of Temple divorce decrees cost 50 cents and $1 per page for regular and certified copies, respectively. Where the case number is unknown, the District Clerk's Office will charge an extra search fee of $5. Each mail request requires a completed copy request form, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and a check or money order. Cash and credit card payments are accepted for in-person requestors. Applications should be submitted using the following information:
Mailing Address:
Bell County District Clerk
P.O. Box 909
Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 933-5198
Physical Address:
Bell County District Clerk's Office
Bell County Justice Complex
1st Floor
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
Interested parties may also request Temple divorce verifications from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) through its Vital Statistics Section (VSS). The verification confirms the existence of a Texas divorce record and may not be accepted for official purposes. Requesting parties are advised to confirm that the record satisfies the required purpose.
Temple divorce verifications are available online or by mail. Mail requestors must complete a divorce record application and send it with a government-issued ID and a check or money order payable to "DSHS - Vital Statistics". Each record costs $20. The VSS also offers expedited requests which cost an extra $5 and must be sent through an overnight mail service. Requests should be submitted using the following details:
Regular Requests:
Texas Vital Statistics
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
Expedited requests:
Texas Vital Statistics
MC 2096
Department of State Health Services
1100 W. 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Where and How to Get Public Temple Marriage Records
The Bell County Clerk's Office issues copies of Temple marriage records to all interested requestors. Persons may submit requests by mail, email, fax, or in person. To order by mail, the applicant must complete the request form with both parties' names and the marriage date. Each certified copy costs $3, payable by money order or cashier's check made out to "Bell County Clerk". The Clerk's Office does not accept out-of-state checks. In-person requestors may make cash or card payments. Note that a convenience fee and a copy of the cardholder's ID are applicable for all card payments. Applicants may submit requests using the details below:
Mailing Address:
Bell County Clerk's Office
Attention: Vital Records
P.O. Box 480
Belton, TX 76513
Physical Address:
Bell County District Clerk's Office
Bell County Justice Complex
1st Floor
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
Phone: (254) 833-5160
Fax: (254) 933-6072 or (254) 933-5176
Email: vitals@bellcounty.texas.gov
Where and How to Find Temple Birth Records
Temple birth records are available at the Bell County Clerk's Office. For 75 years from the date of birth, access to Temple birth certificates is restricted to the person named on the record and their immediate family members. Other persons must provide legal documentation, such as a court order.
An eligible party must submit a completed birth certificate application form by mail or in person. Each record costs $23, payable by cashier's check or money order for mail requests. In-person requestors may pay with cash, credit cards, or debit cards. Checks or money orders should be payable to "Bell County Clerk." Card payments require an additional convenience fee which depends on the transaction amount. Mail requests should be sent to the:
Bell County Clerk's Office
Attention: Vital Records
P.O. Box 480
Belton, TX 76513
For in-person requests, interested parties may visit the address below
2 North Main
Temple, TX 76502
Phone: (254) 298-5701
Where and How to Find Temple Death Records
The Bell County Clerk's Office maintains countywide copies of death records. For 25 years after the date of death, access is restricted to the decedent's immediate family members and persons that can prove a direct and tangible interest in the record. Eligible parties must complete the death certificate application form and submit it by mail or in person.
Temple death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Payment is accepted via cashier's check or money order made out to "Bell County Clerk". Cash and card payments are allowed for in-person requestors. Note that each card payment incurs a convenience fee. Requests should be sent by mail, fax, email, or in person, using the following details:
Mailing Address:
Bell County Clerk's Office
Attention: Vital Records
P.O. Box 480
Belton, TX 76513
Physical Address:
2 North Main
Temple, TX 76502
Phone: (254) 298-5701
