Loving County Recent Arrests
Recent arrests in Loving County are handled by the Sheriff's Office based in Mentone. This is the least populated county in the entire United States, with fewer than 100 permanent residents. The county sits in far West Texas near the New Mexico border and is part of the Permian Basin oil region. Arrest activity is extremely low given the tiny population, but oil field workers passing through can generate occasional bookings. All arrest data still falls under the Texas Public Information Act.
Loving County Overview
Loving County Arrest Records
The Loving County Sheriff's Office keeps arrest records for the county. With fewer than 100 residents, this is the smallest county government in the nation. The Sheriff handles law enforcement across all 677 square miles with a very small staff. There is no city police force since Mentone is an unincorporated community. Arrests here are rare events.
Loving County does not operate its own jail. Inmates are housed in neighboring county facilities, typically Reeves County or Winkler County. If someone is arrested in Loving County, they get booked and transported to one of these jails. Contact the Sheriff's Office to check on a specific arrest. Under Government Code Chapter 552, basic arrest data is public. Section 552.108(c) covers the specific details that must be shared.
| Office | Loving County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 Bell Street, Mentone, TX 79754 |
| Phone | (432) 377-2244 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Call ahead before visiting. The office may not always be staffed during posted hours given the tiny operation. Phone is the safest bet for a records check. The Sheriff or a deputy can confirm whether someone was arrested and share basic charge info.
Search Loving County Arrests Online
Loving County has no online jail roster or booking portal. A county this small has no need for web-based search tools. State-level databases are the only online option for finding arrest records tied to this area.
The DPS Crime Records Division maintains criminal history data from all 254 Texas counties. Below is a screenshot of the TDCJ Inmate Search, a state tool for finding people in prison.
The DPS Criminal History Search costs $3.00 per name and covers conviction data statewide. The TDCJ Inmate Search shows people serving prison time. Under Government Code Chapter 411, DPS runs the Computerized Criminal History System. Section 411.135 governs how conviction records enter this database.
Given the extremely low population, actual arrest records from Loving County are very rare. You may have more luck checking Reeves County or Winkler County records if someone was arrested in the Loving County area, since inmates get housed in those jails.
Public Records in Loving County
The Texas Public Information Act applies to Loving County the same as it does to Harris County or any other county in the state. Basic arrest data must be shared with the public. No reason needed for the request. The law covers the arrested person's name, age, address, charges, bond amount, and booking date.
Juvenile records are sealed. Expunged cases will not show up. But with so few people living here, records requests are almost unheard of. The Sheriff's Office may not deal with public records requests often. Citing Section 552.108(c) of the Government Code can help move things along if needed.
Loving County Court System
Loving County is part of the 143rd Judicial District, which it shares with Reeves and Ward counties. The District Court hears felony cases. The County Court handles misdemeanors. Both operate from the Loving County Courthouse in Mentone, though court sessions here are rare given the lack of cases.
The district judge rotates through Reeves, Ward, and Loving counties. Sessions in Loving County may only happen a few times a year if there are any cases to hear. Most legal matters end up being handled in Pecos or Monahans where the neighboring counties have more resources. The District Clerk keeps felony records. The County Clerk handles misdemeanor files.
Despite its tiny population, Loving County has a full county government. The courthouse is one of the smallest in Texas. Oil and gas revenue keeps the county financially stable even with so few residents. The Permian Basin activity means that DPS troopers and oil field traffic create occasional law enforcement contacts in the area.
Texas Statewide Search Tools
State databases are the main online option for searching arrest records tied to Loving County. These tools cover all Texas counties.
- The DPS Criminal History Search covers conviction data statewide at $3.00 per name
- The TDCJ Inmate Search shows people in state prison
- The Texas Courts Case Search has appellate court records
- The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement tracks officer certifications
For Loving County specifically, these tools may return very few results since arrests are so rare. You might also check Reeves County and Winkler County records if you believe someone was arrested in the Loving County area. Those neighboring counties handle inmate housing and often have more complete records for the region.
How to Get Arrest Records
Call (432) 377-2244 during business hours. This is the most practical way to check on a Loving County arrest. The Sheriff or deputy can confirm an arrest and share basic charge details. Given the tiny operation, be prepared to leave a message and get a call back.
In-person visits are possible but Mentone is very remote. The nearest sizable town is Pecos, about 30 miles south. Odessa is roughly 75 miles east. Written requests can be mailed to 100 Bell Street, Mentone, TX 79754. Include the person's full name, date of birth, and what records you need.
Since inmates go to neighboring county jails, you may need to contact Reeves County or Winkler County for current custody information. The Loving County Sheriff can tell you where a person was taken after arrest. Standard Texas copy rates apply for any documents. Most requests from Loving County can be handled over the phone given the low volume.