What are Wichita Falls Public Records?
Wichita Falls public records are made up of documents stored, maintained, written, and assembled by government agencies during official business dealings. This definition extends to records from situations where such public agencies have dealings with other bodies. Although the Texas Public Information Act provides broad access to public records, it also lists some exemptions, some of which include:
- Legally defined confidential information
- Records from real estate
- Settlement negotiations and litigation documents involving the state
- Competition and bidding documents
- Legislative documents
- Documents for investigation and prosecution
- Certain private interaction records of public holders
- Trade Secrets
- Records of examination before the exam is taken
In addition to official sources, public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific document or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:
- The address of the requestor
- A case number or file number (if known)
- The location of the document or person involved
- The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
- The last known or current address of the registrant
Government agencies do not sponsor third-party sites. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.
Wichita Falls Crime Statistics
The Wichita Falls Police Department provides yearly data on criminal activities and statistics in its annual report. It also makes use of crime maps to give data on the exact locations of criminal activities. The data released for the year 2019 shows that the city experienced a 2.29% overall decrease in criminal activities compared with the year 2018. The city recorded four incidents of murder as against five for 2018. Other crimes included 103 cases of sexual assault, 85 cases of robbery, 163 cases of aggravated assault, 557 cases of burglary, 2,394 cases of larceny/theft, and 232 cases of motor vehicle theft resulting in a total of 3,538 Part 1 crimes.
Are Wichita Falls Criminal Records Public?
Wichita Falls criminal records may be obtained from the records section of the Wichita Falls Police Department. Alternatively, requesters may obtain criminal history information from the Texas Department of Safety (DPS). This information also contains deferred adjudications and convictions, which are regarded as public records under Texas Law. Individuals will need to sign on to the criminal record service public site for a name-based search. Records may also be obtained physically by submitting a completed application form, with the required fee of $10 to the:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
P.O. Box 15999
Austin, TX 78761
How to Obtain Police Report and Arrest Records?
The records section of the Wichita Police Department has the responsibility of maintaining, processing, and providing criminal reports, accident reports, and crime reports of the department to all interested requesters. These records are available to the public and may be obtained from their office at:
610 Holliday Street,
Wichita Falls, Texas 763
The office opens from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. It costs 10 cents per printed page for an offense report and $2 to certify the documents.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Wichita Falls?
The Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) provides statewide information on sex offenders via a public sex offender website. The department also makes this information available for download to persons who are signed on to the site. Requesters can conduct searches using either the registrant’s name or an address. Persons living in or within the vicinity of a higher institution of learning may also search for sex offenders around the institute.
How to Find Wichita Falls Inmate Records?
The Wichita County Sheriff’s Office provides public access to the records of inmates housed in its facility. Requesters can search through the record portal using the first and last name of a defender. Requesters can also filter results using the date of birth as well as the booking date and/or release date. Searches may also be made using the defendant’s booking number.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in Wichita Falls Jail?
The Wichita County Jail opens for inmate visitation every day from 8:00 a.m to 8:00 p.m. However, signing in ends at 7:00 p.m. The first letter of the inmate's last name forms the basis for visitation. For inmates with a last name that starts from A to L, visitation is on Tuesday. Inmates with last names starting from M to Z have visitation scheduled on Wednesday. Visitors are not allowed to visit with cell phones and electronic devices. Every inmate is allowed two visitors per week and each visit lasts for 20 minutes. Visitors are to show their current valid government-issued photo identification. Children below 16 years must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors must be dressed appropriately to visit an inmate.
What are Wichita Falls Vital Records?
Wichita Falls vital records are the documented records of life events occurring in the city. These events include the birth, death, marriage, and divorce of individuals in Wichita Falls. Eligible parties may obtain these documents from the vital statistics office in Wichita Falls and the Wichita County Office.
Where and How to Obtain Wichita Falls Divorce Records?
The Texas Department of State Health Services makes available divorce records in the state from 1968 till date. They provide verification letters to requesters which confirm the presence of the record but may not be substituted for a divorce decree. To obtain these letters, requesters may download the application form, attach the payment of $20 per letter and submit same to:
Texas Vital Records
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
The expedited request form should be downloaded and sent along with an extra $5 processing fee to:
Texas Vital Records
MC 2096
Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3191
Requesters may also obtain certified copies of divorce decrees from the District Clerk’s office in person by writing or calling the office on (940) 766-8100. Requesters are to include the case number and names of the parties to the case. The fee for this record is $1 per page for copying and $1 for certifying documents. The office is open on working days from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where and How to Get Marriage Records in Wichita Falls?
Eligible persons may obtain wichita Falls marriage records from the Texas Department of State Health Services. This unit provides verification letters for marriages in Texas from 1966 to date. This letter does not serve as a substitute for a marriage certificate, but it evidences the presence of such a record. Applicants may make payments via a check or money order made out to the DSHS. Submissions and payment should be mailed to:
Texas Vital Records
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
Requesters may also order online by visiting the dedicated website, selecting the record to be ordered, and providing the necessary information.
Where and How to find Wichita Falls Birth Records?
Birth records for the city of Wichita Falls may be gotten from the vital statistics unit of the city. These records are confidential for at least 75 years after the date of birth. Hence they can only be issued to qualified applicants who will be required to show proof of the relationship. Applicants must fill the application form and submit it by mail to:
Wichita Falls Health Department
Attn: Vital Records
1700 3rd St
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
Applicants may also visit the location in person to make their request. Applicants are to present a valid form of government identification. The fee for obtaining a birth record is $23, and payments may be made with cash (for in-person requests), credit card as well as cashier’s check and money order made out to Wichita Falls Health Department.
Where and How to Find Wichita Falls Death Records?
Wichita Falls death records are confidential for at least 25 years after the death of the subject and thus can only be issued to authorized requesters. The city maintains the records of deaths in Wichita Falls from 1917 to date. Requests for documents may be submitted by mail to
Wichita Falls Health Department
Attn: Vital Records
1700 3rd St
Wichita Falls, TX 76301
To obtain Wichita Falls death records, requesters will need to pay a $21 fee for the first copy of the certificate and $4 for additional documents at the same time. Payments may be made in cash for walk-in requests, using a credit card. There is also the option of a cashier’s check or money order made payable to Wichita Falls Health Department. Expedited service takes a maximum of two business days to deliver.
