Find Ward County Police Records
Ward County police records are held by the Sheriff's Office in Monahans, Texas. This West Texas county has a population of about 11,000 and sits in the Permian Basin oil region. The county covers a big stretch of open land along Interstate 20 between Odessa and Pecos. If you need to search for an arrest report, pull an incident file, or check a case status, the Sheriff's Office is the place to start. The County Clerk holds court records tied to criminal cases. Monahans is the county seat, and all main county offices are there.
Ward County Overview
Ward County Sheriff's Office
The Ward County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency for the county. The office is at 400 E. El Paso St in Monahans. It handles patrol, criminal investigations, and the county jail. Deputies cover a large area of open land, oil fields, and small communities. The Permian Basin oil boom has brought extra traffic and transient workers to the area, which adds to the call volume.
Staff keep records of all incidents, arrests, and accident reports. The office follows state rules on retention and public access. They also run the dispatch center and provide courthouse security. You can call or visit during business hours for records requests.
| Office | Ward County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address |
400 E. El Paso St Monahans, TX 79756 |
| Phone | (432) 943-2211 |
| County Clerk | (432) 943-3251 |
| District Clerk | (432) 943-3252 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The screenshot below shows the Ward County website, which lists county offices and services.
Use the county website to find phone numbers and office hours before making the trip to Monahans. The site lists all county departments and their contact details.
How to Get Ward County Police Records
Getting police records in Ward County starts with the Sheriff's Office. Incident reports and arrest logs are there. Court records sit with the County Clerk or District Clerk. Crash reports go through the state.
The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) gives the public the right to request records. You don't need a reason. Agencies must respond within 10 business days. If they want to hold something back, they must ask the Texas Attorney General for a ruling.
Write your request down. Include dates, names, and any case numbers. You can visit the office in Monahans, mail it, or call first. Paper copies cost $0.10 per page. The first 50 pages may be free if the records are easy to pull.
Note: Records tied to open investigations may be withheld until the case is closed or charges are filed.
Ward County Clerk Records
The Ward County Clerk's Office holds misdemeanor criminal records and civil files. Call (432) 943-3251 for help. The office handles property records, marriage licenses, and vital records as well. For criminal court records, staff can help you search during business hours at the courthouse in Monahans.
The District Clerk manages felony case records for the 143rd District Court. Ward County shares its district court with other West Texas counties. Contact the District Clerk at (432) 943-3252 for felony files. Because the county is small, the court docket moves at a manageable pace compared to bigger counties.
Texas Police Records Resources
The Texas DPS Crime Records Division has the statewide criminal history database. Over 15 million conviction records go back to 1975. Name searches cost $3.00 per credit. Public access covers convictions and deferred adjudication only.
The TDCJ Offender Search is free. Look up inmates and parolees by name or number. The database updates every night.
The TxDOT CRIS system stores crash reports from Ward County. Reports go public after 60 days. Certified copies cost $8.00. Ward County includes a stretch of Interstate 20, so highway crashes get filed here regularly.
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement lets you verify officer credentials for free through their online portal.
Victim Services in Ward County
The Texas VINE system lets crime victims track offenders for free. Sign up for alerts by phone, email, or text. VINE covers all 254 Texas counties and runs 24 hours a day.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles provides victim notification for parole hearings. Register to get updates on release decisions for anyone convicted in Ward County who went to state prison.
Ward County Police Records Fees
Fees follow the state schedule. Paper copies cost $0.10 per page for letter size. Legal size is $0.15. Labor charges of $15.00 per hour apply for big requests. The first 50 pages may be free. Crash reports from TxDOT run $6.00 to $8.00.
Note: Call the Ward County Sheriff's Office at (432) 943-2211 to confirm fees before sending payment.
Police Records and Texas Open Records
Under Government Code Chapter 552, any person can ask for records. Agencies must respond promptly. Withholding records requires the Attorney General's approval. Criminal penalties exist for officials who hide public records.
Under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 2.139, agencies must report data on officer-involved incidents. Those reports become public after the investigation closes. If the Ward County Sheriff's Office denies your request, ask for the ruling letter and appeal within 30 days. The Attorney General's hotline is (512) 478-6736.
Cities in Ward County
Ward County includes Monahans, Barstow, Grandfalls, Thorntonville, and Wickett. Monahans is the largest town and the county seat. The Monahans Police Department handles incidents within city limits. The Sheriff's Office covers the rest of the county.
For police records in Ward County, contact the local police department or the Sheriff\'s Office. Contact the local police department or the Sheriff's Office for records.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Ward County in West Texas. Check the incident location to contact the right office.