Official Government Sources
Dothan Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Dothan, Alabama government websites.
About Dothan City Government
The governing body of Dothan, Alabama, is the Dothan City Commission, which consists of five elected members. Each commissioner serves a term of four years, with elections held every four years on the first Tuesday in August. The current members of the City Commission include Mayor Mark Saliba, who has been in office since 2016, and Commissioners John Craig, Beth Kenward, David McGowan, and Eddie A. H. D. McGowan.
For the fiscal year 2023, Dothan's approximate annual operating budget is $62 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Dothan City Commission holds regular meetings every first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Dothan City Hall, located at 126 N. Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with their local government.
For the fiscal year 2023, Dothan's approximate annual operating budget is $62 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Dothan City Commission holds regular meetings every first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Dothan City Hall, located at 126 N. Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with their local government.
About Dothan, Alabama
Dothan, Alabama, is a city that serves as the county seat of Houston County, characterized by its rich agricultural history and a population of around 68,000 residents. This bustling city is notable for its charming neighborhoods, such as the historic downtown area that features beautiful architecture and local shops. Dothan is famous for its peanut production, earning it the title of the “Peanut Capital of the World,” and it celebrates this heritage with the annual National Peanut Festival. Key landmarks in the area include the Wiregrass Museum of Art, which showcases regional artists, and the Dothan Area Botanical Gardens, a serene escape for residents and visitors alike.
Law enforcement in Dothan is primarily handled by the Dothan Police Department, which maintains a commitment to community safety and crime prevention. Arrest and criminal records are efficiently maintained, allowing residents to access this information as needed. The Houston County Jail accommodates inmates and handles various correctional services. Individuals looking to search inmate records or request background checks can do so by visiting the Dothan Police Department’s website or calling their records division for assistance. Notably, the department has implemented community policing initiatives that foster strong relationships between officers and residents, aiding in crime reduction and public trust.
Residents eager to obtain public and vital records can do so under the Alabama Open Records Law, which ensures transparency in government records. The Houston County Clerk's Office is the primary resource for vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, where requests can be made in person or through mail with the required identification. For property records, residents should refer to the Houston County Assessor’s Office, while court records can be accessed via the Houston County Superior Court. Many of these records are also available through online portals, providing an efficient means for residents to obtain the information they need without the need for an in-person visit.
Law enforcement in Dothan is primarily handled by the Dothan Police Department, which maintains a commitment to community safety and crime prevention. Arrest and criminal records are efficiently maintained, allowing residents to access this information as needed. The Houston County Jail accommodates inmates and handles various correctional services. Individuals looking to search inmate records or request background checks can do so by visiting the Dothan Police Department’s website or calling their records division for assistance. Notably, the department has implemented community policing initiatives that foster strong relationships between officers and residents, aiding in crime reduction and public trust.
Residents eager to obtain public and vital records can do so under the Alabama Open Records Law, which ensures transparency in government records. The Houston County Clerk's Office is the primary resource for vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, where requests can be made in person or through mail with the required identification. For property records, residents should refer to the Houston County Assessor’s Office, while court records can be accessed via the Houston County Superior Court. Many of these records are also available through online portals, providing an efficient means for residents to obtain the information they need without the need for an in-person visit.
Dothan, Alabama Public Records & Government Resources
Dothan Alabama Missing Person and Children
Community resource for missing children or persons in Dothan.
Dothan Alabama State Police – Highway Patrol
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Highway Patrol information for Dothan.
Dothan Alabama Property Records
Search property and parcel records online for Dothan Alabama.
Dothan Alabama Genealogy and Archives
Search Alabama Department of Archives and History genealogy records for Dothan.
Dothan Alabama Bankruptcy Court
Northern District bankruptcy court information for Dothan Alabama.
Alabama Judicial System – Dothan Court Records
Information for searching or obtaining court records in Dothan Alabama.
Dothan Alabama Divorce Records
Search online public records of divorces granted in Dothan from 1950 to present.
Dothan Alabama Marriage Records
Free online search for public record of marriage in Dothan from 1936 to present.
Dothan Alabama Birth Records
Obtain birth certificates for Dothan residents from the State of Alabama.
Dothan Alabama Vital Records – Birth, Marriage, Death
Alabama Department of Public Health – Vital Records for Dothan.
Dothan Alabama Inmate Search
Search Alabama Department of Corrections inmate database for Dothan residents.
Dothan Alabama Fugitives and Most Wanted
View postings of the most wanted criminals in Dothan Alabama.
Dothan Alabama Sex Offenders Registry
View registered sex offenders living or working near Dothan.
Dothan Alabama Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Dothan.
City of Dothan
Directory of Dothan city records and information
Dothan Police Department
P.O. Box 2128 Dothan, AL 36302 (334) 615-3000 dpd@dothan.org
Dothan City Clerk
Public Records P.O. Box 2128 Dothan, Alabama 36302 (334) 615-3161
Dothan Fire Department
Fire Chief P.O. Box 2128 Dothan, Alabama 36302 (334) 615-3501 (334) 615-3502
Dothan Alabama Criminal Records Search and Depository
Alabama Bureau of Investigation Department of Public Safety P.O. Box 1511 Montgomery, Alabama 36192-0511 Phone: 334-242-
DothanAlabama Official Criminal History Background Check
Resource for qualifying employers to search criminal records of potential employees. Phone: 1-866-740-4762 or 334-517-24
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Inmate Search and Community Corrections
Search for inmates, parole violators, death row inmates and more. Alabama Department of Corrections 301 S. Ripley Street
About Dothan
The governing body of Dothan, Alabama, is the Dothan City Commission, which consists of five elected members. Each commissioner serves a term of four years, with elections held every four years on the first Tuesday in August. The current members of the City Commission include Mayor Mark Saliba, who has been in office since 2016, and Commissioners John Craig, Beth Kenward, David McGowan, and Eddie A. H. D. McGowan.
For the fiscal year 2023, Dothan's approximate annual operating budget is $62 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Dothan City Commission holds regular meetings every first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Dothan City Hall, located at 126 N. Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with their local government.
For the fiscal year 2023, Dothan's approximate annual operating budget is $62 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
The Dothan City Commission holds regular meetings every first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Dothan City Hall, located at 126 N. Saint Andrews Street, Dothan, AL 36303. The meetings are open to the public, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with their local government.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Houston County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Houston County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Dothan Police Department, Ashford Police Department, and Cottonwood Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while city police departments manage public safety within their respective jurisdictions. These agencies often collaborate on major crimes and investigations, ensuring a coordinated approach to law enforcement across the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Houston County Jail, located in Dothan, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup is available through the Houston County Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and guidelines that visitors must follow. The bond and bail process in Alabama allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, and information about posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.
Court Records
Houston County is served by the Houston County Circuit Court, District Court, and Probate Court, all located in Dothan. The Circuit Court handles major civil and criminal cases, while the District Court deals with misdemeanors, small claims, and traffic cases. The Probate Court oversees matters such as estates, wills, and guardianships. Court records and case filings can be accessed through the respective court clerks, with some records available online through the Alabama Judicial System's portal.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Houston County encompasses various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Houston County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which offers comprehensive reports on an individual's criminal history. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about registered offenders in their area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Houston County are maintained by the Houston County Sheriff's Office. These records include details about the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, adhering to procedures outlined by the Alabama Public Records Law. A Houston County arrest record typically contains the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The public has the right to access these records, although certain restrictions may apply based on the nature of the case.
Public Records Access
Public records in Houston County can be accessed under Alabama's open records law. The Houston County Clerk's Office, Probate Judge's Office, and Circuit Clerk's Office are key sources for obtaining various public records. The County Clerk provides access to property records, marriage licenses, and other official documents. The Probate Judge's Office handles records related to estates and guardianships. The Circuit Clerk's Office manages court records and filings. Turnaround times for record requests may vary, and some records are available through online portals.
Economy & Demographics
Houston County's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, healthcare, and retail sectors. The county is a major producer of peanuts, contributing to Alabama's reputation as a leading peanut-growing state. Dothan serves as a regional healthcare hub, with several hospitals and medical facilities providing employment and services to residents. Retail and service industries also play a vital role in the local economy, with Dothan hosting a variety of shopping centers and businesses that attract visitors from surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Dothan, Houston County, Alabama to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Dothan, Alabama, you will be transported to the Houston County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Houston County Court. Under Alabama law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). The Houston County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://www.doc.state.al.us/InmateSearch where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Dothan, Houston County, Alabama?
The Dothan City School District serves the city of Dothan, Houston County, Alabama. According to the Alabama State Department of Education, the district had an overall performance score of 72.7 out of 100 for the 2019-2020 school year. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, academic growth, and college and career readiness.
3
What are the crime statistics for Dothan, Houston County, Alabama?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, the total number of reported crimes in Dothan, Houston County, Alabama in 2019 was 4,845. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 3,000 property crimes.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Dothan, Houston County, Alabama Library?
The Dothan Public Library in Houston County, Alabama provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Alabama government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Alabama Open Records Law (Ala. Code § 36-12-40), which governs access to government documents in Alabama. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Dothan Alabama Genealogy and Archives at https://archives.alabama.gov/. Contact the Dothan Public Library reference desk at (334) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Dothan, Houston County, Alabama Public Library located?
The Dothan, Houston County, Alabama Library is located at 445 N Oates St, Dothan, AL 36303.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Dothan, Houston County, Alabama?
Fingerprinting services for Dothan, Alabama residents are provided at the Dothan Police Department, which serves Houston County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Dothan Police Department at (334) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for processing. For statewide background checks, contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) directly.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Dothan, Houston County, Alabama, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Dothan, Houston County, Alabama, you must contact the Houston County Probate Office.
The vital records available from the Houston County Probate Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a notarized affidavit.
The vital records available from the Houston County Probate Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the person named on the record. You may also be required to provide additional documentation, such as a court order or a notarized affidavit.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Dothan, Alabama can be obtained from the Dothan Police Department, located in Houston County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Alabama Open Records Law (Ala. Code § 36-12-40), most police reports are public records in Alabama, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Dothan Police Department Records Division at (334) for information on fees, hours, and online request options.
9
About background check
A background check in Dothan, Houston County, Alabama typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Alabama. Criminal background checks are processed through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Alabama residents. Contact the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) for official state criminal history checks. Under the Alabama Open Records Law (Ala. Code § 36-12-40), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Other Cities in Alabama
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