How to View Local Mug Shots

Local mug shots are public record in many states.

Local mug shots can be viewed online using various county criminal and government websites, as well as in person by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agencies in your area and asking them to see them. In many states, mug shots are considered public record and are accessible to the public.

Instructions

1. Look on the county's website, and flip through local mug shots if available. Each jurisdiction has different rules for posting these online, so check your county law enforcement website for a "booking blotter" or similar tool.

2. Use third-party or privatized websites that acquire local mug shots from the counties where people are incarcerated or booked. Sometimes you can look at these for free, while other sites charge a fee. Other times, if the site don't have the mugshot that you are looking for, it might be able to obtain it for you.

3. Go to the county corrections center in person, and ask to see mug shots. Check out the city records area if your local mug shots are kept at the city level instead of the county level. Inquire in the city police department or at the city records counter.

References

• Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office: Booking Blotter
• Maricopa County Sheriff's Office: Mugshots
• My FL Sunshine: Government in the Sunshine Manual