Search Howard County Recent Arrests
Recent arrests in Howard County are handled by the Sheriff's Office in Big Spring, the county seat. Howard County sits in West Texas along Interstate 20, about halfway between Midland and Abilene. The county has roughly 36,000 residents and covers 904 square miles. Big Spring is the main population center and has its own police department in addition to the Sheriff's Office. All bookings go through the county jail, and arrest records are public under the Texas Public Information Act.
Howard County Overview
Howard County Arrest Records
The Howard County Sheriff's Office keeps all arrest records. The jail in Big Spring processes bookings from deputies, Big Spring police, and DPS troopers working the I-20 corridor. Each booking creates a record with the person's name, charges, bond amount, and date. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 552, this data must be released to anyone who asks.
Howard County sits on the I-20 corridor, which brings a mix of local arrests and highway stops. The oil and gas industry also drives population and activity in the area. The Sheriff's Office handles all booking records for the county. Staff can check on recent arrests by phone during business hours.
| Office | Howard County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 South Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720 |
| Phone | (432) 264-2244 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Howard County does not run a large online inmate search system. State tools are the best option for digital lookups. The screenshot below shows the TCOLE website, which certifies all peace officers in Texas.
TCOLE regulates law enforcement officers across Texas. The commission tracks certifications and can tell you which agencies operate in Howard County.
How to Find Recent Arrests
Call (432) 264-2244 during business hours for a quick check. Staff can confirm bookings and share charges. You do not need a reason. Written requests go to 300 South Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720. Include the person's full name. The county responds within ten business days. In-person visits work during office hours.
Court records go through the Howard County District Clerk for felonies and the County Clerk for misdemeanors. The 118th Judicial District Court handles felony cases. Big Spring is about 40 miles east of Midland on I-20. If you cannot find a record locally, checking Midland or Ector County may help.
Howard County Public Records
The Texas Public Information Act makes arrest records open. Section 552.108(c) requires release of the name, age, address, race, sex, occupation, arrest date, charges, booking info, bond amount, and officer names. Adult arrest data is always available. Juvenile records are sealed. The Texas Attorney General enforces compliance.
Texas Arrest Search Tools
The DPS Criminal History Search covers all 254 counties at $3.00 per lookup. An account is needed. The system tracks Class B misdemeanor and above offenses under Government Code Chapter 411. Section 411.135 governs public access.
Free tools include the TDCJ Inmate Search and the Texas Courts Case Search. The DPS Crime Records Division collects data from all agencies statewide. Howard County reports arrests to DPS within seven days. The TCOLE certifies officers active in the county.
Howard County Booking Process
Arrests go to the jail in Big Spring. Officers take a photo, fingerprints, and personal details. Charges get logged. A magistrate sets bond within 48 hours. Minor offenses follow a schedule. Serious charges may need a judge to review the case.
Records stay with the Sheriff's Office. Court cases go to the clerks once charges are filed. The 118th Judicial District Court handles felonies. Misdemeanors go to county court. Howard County sits between Midland to the west and Abilene to the east, both reachable by I-20. The county also has a federal prison facility, but federal inmates are tracked separately from the county system.
The Big Spring Police Department also generates a large share of the arrests in Howard County. Those bookings still go through the county jail. If you are looking for someone who was picked up in Big Spring, call the Sheriff's Office rather than the city police. The jail staff can pull up any recent booking by name and give you the charges, bond amount, and custody status. You do not need to state a reason for asking. Under Texas Government Code 552, this data is always public for adult arrests.