Search Wise County Police Records
Wise County police records are held by the Sheriff's Office in Decatur, Texas. The county has a population over 69,000 and sits just northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Growth from the DFW suburbs has pushed into Wise County in recent years, bringing more residents and more calls for service. If you need to find an arrest report, pull an incident file, or check on a case, the Sheriff's Office is where to start. The County Clerk and District Clerk manage court records tied to criminal cases. Decatur serves as the county seat.
Wise County Overview
Wise County Sheriff's Office
The Wise County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency for the county. The office sits at 200 N. Trinity St in Decatur. It handles patrol, criminal investigations, and the county jail. Deputies cover all unincorporated areas and work with police departments in Decatur, Bridgeport, Rhome, and other towns.
The office maintains records of incident reports, arrest files, and accident reports. They follow state rules on retention and public access. The dispatch center handles 911 calls for much of the county. Wise County has grown steadily as DFW expands, which means more calls, more reports, and busier courts each year.
| Office | Wise County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address |
200 N. Trinity St Decatur, TX 76234 |
| Phone | (940) 627-5971 |
| County Clerk | (940) 627-3351 |
| District Clerk | (940) 627-3341 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
The screenshot below shows the Wise County website, which lists all county offices and services.
Use the county website to check office hours, find phone numbers, and get directions to the courthouse in Decatur before your visit.
How to Get Wise County Police Records
Getting police records in Wise County depends on the record type. Incident reports and arrest logs are at the Sheriff's Office. Court records sit with the County Clerk or District Clerk. Crash reports go through TxDOT.
The Texas Public Information Act (Government Code Chapter 552) gives the public a right to request records. You do not need a reason. Agencies must respond within 10 business days. If they want to withhold a record, they must ask the Texas Attorney General for permission.
Write your request and include dates, names, and case numbers. Visit the office in Decatur, mail it, or call first. Paper copies cost $0.10 per page. The first 50 pages may be free if records are easy to pull.
Note: Records from open investigations may be held back until the case wraps up or charges get filed.
Wise County Clerk Records
The Wise County Clerk's Office holds misdemeanor criminal records and civil files. Call (940) 627-3351 for help. The office is in the Decatur courthouse. Staff can assist with in-person searches. The Clerk also handles property records, marriage licenses, and vital records for the county.
The District Clerk keeps felony records for the 271st District Court. Contact them at (940) 627-3341 for felony case files. Wise County has seen an increase in court filings as the population grows. The District Clerk manages dockets, collects fees, and coordinates with the Sheriff's Office on jury summons.
Texas Police Records Resources
The Texas DPS Crime Records Division has the statewide criminal history system. Over 15 million conviction records go back to 1975. Name searches cost $3.00 per credit. Public access covers convictions and deferred adjudication.
The TDCJ Offender Search is a free tool. Look up state inmates and parolees by name or TDCJ number. The database updates every night and shows current location, offenses, and release dates.
For crash reports, the TxDOT CRIS system stores all police-reported crashes. Reports go public after 60 days. Wise County includes US Highway 81/287, a major north-south route, so crash reports from that corridor are common. Certified copies cost $8.00.
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement provides free online verification of officer licenses and disciplinary records.
Victim Services in Wise County
The Texas VINE system lets victims track offenders for free. Sign up for phone, email, or text alerts when someone is booked, released, or transferred. VINE covers all 254 Texas counties and runs 24 hours a day.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles notifies victims about parole hearings. Register to get updates and provide input on release decisions for anyone convicted in Wise County who went to state prison.
Wise County Police Records Fees
Paper copies cost $0.10 per page. Legal size is $0.15. Labor charges of $15.00 per hour apply for large requests. The first 50 pages may be free. Crash reports from TxDOT run $6.00 to $8.00 each. DPS searches cost $3.00 per name.
Note: Call (940) 627-5971 to confirm what your Wise County records request will cost before sending payment.
Police Records and Texas Open Records
Under Government Code Chapter 552, any person can ask for government records. Agencies must respond promptly. Withholding records needs the Attorney General's approval. Criminal penalties exist for hiding 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 Wise County Sheriff's Office denies your request, ask for the ruling letter and appeal in district court within 30 days. The Attorney General's hotline is (512) 478-6736.
Cities in Wise County
Wise County includes Decatur, Bridgeport, Rhome, Boyd, Chico, Alvord, New Fairview, and Paradise. Decatur is the county seat. Each city with a police department handles its own records. The Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas.
For police records in Wise 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 Wise County. Check the incident location to contact the right office.