About Center
Official government information is available at demographics.texas.gov.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Center
Center Police Department
The Center Police Department envisions our community becoming the safest and most secure community in the area, by progressive law enforcement techniques and innovative community outreach.
https://centertexas.org/police-department
Shelby County Sheriff's Office
I am Mike Hanson and as of January 01, 2025, I am the Chief Deputy at the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. I am originally from Rusk, Texas (Cherokee County) and first arrived in Shelby County in May of 1993. I came to Shelby County immediately following graduation from the Texas Game Warden.
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Center
Texas Court Records - Court Records - Guides at Texas State Law Library
Texas doesn’t have a single database where you can search all court records for the state. Each court is responsible for keeping their own records. Some courts make their records available online, but you may have to contact the court clerk to get access and pay a service fee.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Center
Real Property Records Services
Images available from 11/1/1960 It may take 1 to 2 business days once a document has been processed for recording to be reflected in the search inquiry. Provisions contained in any document which restrict the sale, rental, or use of the Real Property described therein because of race or color.
🔗 https://www.cclerk.hctx.net/applications/websearch/RP.aspx
About Center — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Shelby County Jail in Center is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within county boundaries. Upon arrival, detainees go through booking, photographed, fingerprinted, and documented with personal information entered into the system. Family members and legal representatives can locate current inmates through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup service. Visitation at the facility typically requires advance scheduling, with specific rules governing when and how visitors may see detainees.
Local specifics: Inmate lookups for individuals arrested in or near Center can be conducted at www.collincountytx.gov.
Arrest Records
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents throughout Shelby County. Each record captures details of the arrest itself, charges filed, and identifying information about the individual taken into custody. Under the Texas Public Information Act, residents and attorneys can request access to these documents by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. A typical record includes the arrest date, specific charges, and the name of the arresting officer, creating a snapshot of the incident from law enforcement's perspective.
Local specifics: Recent arrest records for Center are published online at police.fortworthtexas.gov.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Shelby County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Texas Department of Public Safety's online portal, which includes data from Shelby County. The Texas Department of Public Safety also assists in providing criminal information and support for local law enforcement agencies.
Local specifics: Case lookup and court records are accessible online at www.co.shelby.tx.us. Statewide criminal background checks covering Center residents can be requested through www.dps.texas.gov.
Vital Records
For access to vital records such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses in the Center area, residents should contact the Shelby County Clerk's Office. This office, located in the Shelby County Courthouse in Center, is the primary repository for these important personal documents. Individuals can submit requests for certified copies of vital records in person, by mail, or through the clerk's online portal, making sure of a seamless process for obtaining these essential records.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Center's Planning and Zoning Department oversees business related public records ranging from commercial permits to zoning information and business licenses. Entrepreneurs looking to start, operate, or expand a company in the area can consult this department for necessary documentation and guidance through local requirements. Meanwhile, the Shelby County Appraisal District maintains records on commercial property assessments and tax information, valuable resources for anyone operating a business in the community or evaluating potential locations for expansion.
Economy & Demographics
The local economy of Center thrives on a diverse range of sectors, with manufacturing, agriculture, and retail serving as primary contributors. Major employers in the area include healthcare facilities, such as the Nacogdoches Medical Center, Center Campus, and educational institutions like Center Independent School District. These key industries, along with a growing number of small businesses, foster a supportive environment for the community and create a sense of economic vitality that is distinctive to this Shelby County city.
Elections & Voter Records
ELECTION HUB for Center, Texas voters The Shelby County Elections Office oversees voting in Center from its location at 200 San Augustine St, Center, TX 75935. Residents can reach the office at (936) 598-7303 or visit https://www.co.shelby.tx.us/page/shelby. Elections for election information. Voter registration happens through the Texas Secretary of State's online portal at https://www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/. The deadline sits at 30 days before any election, so those planning to vote need to register well in advance.
As an incorporated city, Center holds regular municipal elections for mayor and city council. The most recent took place in May 2022, with the next scheduled for May 2024. Candidate details appear on the city's website at https://www.countyoftexas.gov/center. Local voters can find their assigned polling location through the Texas Secretary of State's website at https://teamrv-mvp.sos.texas.gov/MVP/mvp.do. Most election records in Texas are public documents accessible through the Shelby County elections office. This includes voter registration lists, campaign finance reports, and election results from past contests. Texas permits both in-person and mail-in voting. Center residents requesting an absentee ballot can visit https://www.co.shelby.tx.us/page/shelby. Elections or call the Elections Office directly.
Public Records Resources for Center, Texas
Official government websites for Center, Texas and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Texas Inmates and Offender InformationFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice.
- Texas Criminal History Background CheckSearch for felony or misdemeanor criminal charges by requesting records from the Texas state repository.
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Dallas OfficeCriminal background checks in Texas, bureau records.
- Texas Sex Offenders SearchSearch the TX Dept. of Public Safety database of registered offenders by name or location.
- Texas Most WantedCurrent posting of fugitives and absconders from the Texas Dept. of Public Safety.
- Texas Highway PatrolLaw enforcement, traffic, criminal investigations and more
- Texas Department of Public SafetyTexas State Troopers general information
- Texas Parks and Wildlife DepartmentFishing and boating, hunting and wildlife, state parks, land and water
- Attorney General of TexasChild support, consumer protection, news releases, publications
- Texas RangersLaw enforcement, investigations, reports and more
- Texas Business & Corporation SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
- Texas Death RowInformation from the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice about TX death row inmates.
Nearby Cities in Shelby County, Texas
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Center, Texas?
To register to vote in Center, Texas, residents can register online through the Texas Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Shelby County elections office. Texas requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Texas Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Center, contact the Shelby County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Center, Texas?
The Shelby County Appraisal District oversees property records and land assessments for the Center area. Residents can access information on property values, ownership history, and tax assessments through the district's online portal or by visiting their office in Center. The Shelby County Clerk's Office also maintains land records, deeds, and other important real estate documents that are available to the public. Those researching the history and development of Center can use these vital public records to gain insights into the area's growth and evolution.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Center, Texas?
For access to vital records such as birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses in the Center area, residents should contact the Shelby County Clerk's Office. This office, located in the Shelby County Courthouse in Center, is the primary repository for these important personal documents. Individuals can submit requests for certified copies of vital records in person, by mail, or through the clerk's online portal, ensuring a smooth process for obtaining these essential records.
How do I find business license records in Center, Texas?
The City of Center's Planning and Zoning Department manages a variety of business related public records, including commercial permits, zoning information, and business licenses. Entrepreneurs and business owners in the Center can consult this department to obtain the necessary documentation for starting, operating, or expanding a company. The Shelby County Appraisal District maintains records related to commercial property assessments and tax information, which can be valuable resources for businesses operating within the community.