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Russellville, Alabama Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Russellville, Alabama.

Official Government Sources

Russellville Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Russellville, Alabama government websites.

About Russellville

The governing body of Russellville, Alabama, is the Russellville City Council, which consists of 5 elected members. Each council member is elected by the residents of their respective districts for a term length of 4 years. The council is responsible for enacting local laws, approving budgets, and overseeing city operations.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Russellville is $6.7 million. This budget allocates funds for various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Russellville City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Russellville City Hall, located at 204 East Lawrence Street, Russellville, AL 35653. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the local governance process.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within the county. These include the Russellville Police Department, Red Bay Police Department, and Phil Campbell Police Department. Each department is responsible for law enforcement within its respective city limits. The agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, often working together on investigations and public safety initiatives to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout Franklin County.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Franklin County Jail, located in Russellville, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office for those seeking information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines. The bond and bail process in Alabama allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.

Court Records

Franklin County is served by the Franklin County Circuit Court, District Court, and Probate Court, all located in Russellville. The Circuit Court handles felony cases, civil cases, and appeals from lower courts. The District Court deals with misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small claims. The Probate Court manages matters such as estates, wills, and guardianships. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the respective court clerks, who provide assistance in obtaining public records.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Franklin County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can run a background check through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation also offers services to Franklin County residents, including fingerprint-based background checks for employment and licensing purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Franklin County are maintained by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and booking information. Alabama's public records law, known as the Alabama Open Records Act, governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to governmental documents.

Public Records Access

Public records in Franklin County are accessible under Alabama's Open Records Act. The County Clerk, Probate Judge, and Circuit Clerk are key offices for accessing these records. The County Clerk provides access to property records, marriage licenses, and other official documents. The Probate Judge handles records related to estates and guardianships, while the Circuit Clerk manages court records. Each office offers varying turnaround times and may provide online portals for convenient access to records.

Economy & Demographics

Franklin County's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and retail trade. The county is known for its poultry farming and production, which plays a significant role in the local economy. Manufacturing also contributes, with several factories and plants providing employment opportunities. Retail businesses in Russellville and other towns support the local economy by catering to the needs of residents and visitors. The economic landscape of Franklin County is distinct due to its blend of agricultural and industrial activities, setting it apart from neighboring counties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Russellville, Alabama, you will be transported to the Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Franklin 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 Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama?
The Russellville City School District serves the city of Russellville, Franklin 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 Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama?
The most recent crime statistics for Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama are from the year 2019. In 2019, there were a total of 545 reported crimes in Russellville, including 4 homicides, 8 rapes, 28 robberies, and 505 incidents of property crime.
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama Library?
The Russellville Public Library in Franklin 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 Russellville Alabama Genealogy and Archives at https://archives.alabama.gov/. Contact the Russellville Public Library reference desk at (256) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama Public Library located?
The Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama Library is located at 203 South Jackson Avenue, Russellville, AL 35653.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama?
Fingerprinting services for Russellville, Alabama residents are provided at the Russellville Police Department, which serves Franklin 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 Russellville Police Department at (256) 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 Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Russellville, Franklin County, Alabama, you must contact the Franklin County Probate Office.

The vital records available from the Franklin County Probate Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide proof of identity and a valid form of payment.
8
About Police Reports
Police reports from Russellville, Alabama can be obtained from the Russellville Police Department, located in Franklin 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 Russellville Police Department Records Division at (256) for information on fees, hours, and online request options.
9
About background check
A background check in Russellville, Franklin 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.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026