Kent County Police Records
Kent County police records are stored by the Sheriff's Office in Jayton, Texas. This is one of the smallest counties in the state with fewer than 750 people. The county sits in West Texas ranch country east of Lubbock and south of the Caprock. If you need a police record from Kent County, the Sheriff's Office is the only law enforcement agency in the area. Court records are held at the courthouse in Jayton. With such a small population, the volume of records is limited, but the office still follows all state rules on public access and record keeping. Both phone calls and written requests are accepted.
Kent County Overview
Kent County Sheriff's Office
The Kent County Sheriff's Office is the sole law enforcement agency in the county. No city police departments exist here. The office handles all patrol, investigations, and any jail operations. Deputies cover over 900 square miles of open ranch land with very few people. Most law enforcement activity comes from highway traffic and ranch-related calls.
Staff keep records of incidents and arrests. Even with a tiny population, the office follows state rules on record retention and public access. You can call or visit during business hours to ask about records.
| Office | Kent County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address |
101 Main Street Jayton, TX 79528 |
| Phone | (806) 237-3801 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Kent County is remote. The Sheriff's Office works with DPS troopers and neighboring county agencies on calls that need extra resources. For records from this area, calling ahead is a good idea since office hours may vary.
How to Get Kent County Police Records
Getting police records from Kent County means contacting the Sheriff's Office in Jayton. All local law enforcement records come from that one office. Court records are at the County Clerk in the courthouse.
The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request records. No reason needed. Agencies must respond promptly. If they want to hold back anything, the Texas Attorney General must approve.
Put your request in writing with dates, names, and case numbers. Mail it to Jayton or call the office. Standard copies cost $0.10 per page. The first 50 pages may be free.
Note: Records tied to open investigations may be withheld until the case wraps up or charges are filed.
Kent County Clerk Records
The Kent County Clerk's Office holds all criminal and civil case files for the county courts. The office is in the courthouse in Jayton. With such a small population, the caseload is light. Staff handle property records, vital records, and court files in one operation.
Below is a screenshot of the Kent County website, which provides basic county information.
Check the website for contact details before making the trip to Jayton, since this is a remote area.
The 39th District Court handles felony cases for Kent County. This court serves multiple counties in the region. For felony records, contact the District Clerk.
Texas Police Records Resources
State databases are especially useful for a small county like Kent. The Texas DPS Crime Records Division keeps the statewide criminal history system. It has over 15 million conviction records. A name search costs $3.00 per credit.
The TDCJ Offender Search is free and covers state prison inmates and parolees. The TxDOT CRIS system stores crash reports at $6.00 to $8.00 per copy. The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement handles officer licensing with free verification.
Victim Services in Kent County
Crime victims can use the Texas VINE system to track offender custody. It is free and sends alerts by phone, email, or text. VINE runs 24/7 across all 254 Texas counties.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles provides notification for parole hearings. Victims can register for updates and provide input. Call (800) 848-4284 for victim services.
Kent County Records Fees
Fees follow the state schedule. Copies cost $0.10 per page. Labor charges can apply at $15.00 per hour. The first 50 pages may be free when records are easy to pull.
Crash reports through TxDOT cost $6.00 to $8.00. Court records may have separate fees. Certified copies cost more.
Note: Call ahead to confirm fees before sending any payment to the office.
Kent County Police Records and State Law
Under the Texas Public Information Act, any person can request records from a government body. The agency must respond promptly. If it wants to hold back records, the Attorney General must approve. Criminal penalties exist for officials who hide public records.
Some records are exempt. Active investigations are a main exception. Under Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.139, agencies must report data on officer-involved incidents. Those reports become public after the investigation closes.
If your request is denied, ask for the AG ruling letter. You can appeal in state district court within 30 days. The AG's hotline is (512) 478-6736.
Cities in Kent County
Kent County has no incorporated cities. Jayton is the county seat but it is an unincorporated community. All law enforcement records go through the Sheriff's Office. There are no city police departments in Kent County.
The nearest large city is Lubbock in Lubbock County. For records from that area, use the link below.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Kent County. Check where the incident happened to find the right county for records.