Finding Criminal History Records in Mississippi

Where the Data for Criminal Histories is Compiled

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the Crimininal Information Center (CIC), which serves as the central repository for criminal histories in the state of Mississippi. The records compiled in the database are all tied in to each subject's fingerprints. Fingerprint identification services are also provided by the CIC. For fingerprint-based searches, fingerprint cards can be mailed or submitted online. In addition, the CIC is responsible for the state's sex offender registry.

Who Can Access Criminal History Information in Mississippi

Access to criminal records in the state of Mississippi is open to authorized agencies, law enforcement officials, and certain entities, such as employers, who need background search information for hiring employees who work with children or the elderly. Complete records on file are only available for criminal justice purposes. Employers who request criminal history information receive arrest data that goes back a year and convictions on file since 1998.

Visit the Mississippi Department of Health Website to Begin your Search

To request a background check, you'll first want to visit the Mississippi State Department of Health website, where request forms and related documentation can be found. The Department of Health website features a search function that allows you to search for records based on the subject's fingerprints.

Mailing in your Request - Where to Send your Application and Fee

To access criminal records information, you can either mail in the subject's fingerprints or go online and submit them electronically. Fingerprints submitted by mail must be accompanied with a fee of $50.00 and sent to the Mississippi Department of Health, Criminal History Record Check Unit, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700.

Electronic Submission of Prints - Obtaining Further Information about the Process

You can also submit the prints electronically at the Mississippi State Department of Health website by using FingerPro software offered by AD&S. To obtain further information about sending prints using this method, you can contact AD&S by phone at 601-992-4121, extension 206. You can also contact them by email at support@fingerpro.net.

Visit the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) Website for Information on an Inmate

If you wish to obtain information on an inmate in the Mississippi correctional system, then you'll need to visit theMississippi Department of Corrections website (MDOC). The MDOC currently oversees and three state facilities and administers probation and parole activities throughout the state. Obtaining inmate records can be accessed by entering the inmate's name at the MDOC site.

What Information is Included in Inmate Records

Records in the MDOC system provide the public with information concerning inmates who are incarcerated or on probation or parole. General information contained in the records includes the inmate's name, birth date, and inmate ID number. In addition, personal identifiers, such as height and weight, hair and eye color, race, and gender are included as well. To support the identifying information, a photo is part of the file. Information about where the inmate is housed, his convictions, status, and tentative date of release are provided too.