About Choctaw County
Choctaw County, Mississippi is located in the north-central portion of the state, established on December 23, 1833, and named after the Choctaw Nation whose ancestral lands encompassed the region. The county seat is Ackerman, situated in the heart of the county along U.S. Highway 15. Choctaw County covers approximately 421 square miles of rolling hills and pine forests characteristic of Mississippi's Coastal Plain region. According to recent census estimates, the county has a population of approximately 8,000 residents, making it one of Mississippi's smaller rural counties.
The county is home to several historic landmarks including the Choctaw County Courthouse in Ackerman, built in the early 20th century. The economy has traditionally centered on timber, agriculture (particularly cattle and poultry), and small manufacturing. Major communities include Ackerman, Chester, French Camp, Mathiston, and Weir.
French Camp is particularly notable for its historic French Camp Academy, founded in 1885. The Natchez Trace Parkway, a National Scenic Byway administered by the National Park Service, runs through the western portion of Choctaw County, bringing tourism and historical significance to the area. Public records are maintained by several county offices: the Chancery Clerk (located at 112 Quinn Street, Ackerman, MS 39735) handles land records, vital records, and certain court records; the Circuit Clerk maintains criminal and civil court records; and the Tax Assessor's office (also in the courthouse complex on Quinn Street) maintains property assessment and tax records.
The county operates under Mississippi's Beat Supervisor system of county governance.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Choctaw County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. This office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and offers various community programs aimed at crime prevention and education. The office also collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to address major crimes and public safety concerns.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Choctaw County is primarily handled by the Choctaw County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Ackerman Police Department and the Weir Police Department serve their respective municipalities, focusing on urban and community policing. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county. Each department operates within its jurisdiction but collaborates on investigations and emergency responses.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Choctaw County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county, with headquarters located at 115 West Main Street, Ackerman, MS 39735. The Sheriff's Office provides patrol services, criminal investigations, court security, and operates the Choctaw County Jail. Residents can contact the Sheriff's Office at (662) 285-6129 for non-emergency matters. The Choctaw County Detention Center houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving misdemeanor sentences.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though they may not be posted online; requesters should contact the jail directly.
- Mississippi law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable timeframe, typically 7-14 business days, and may charge reasonable copying fees.
Jail roster information and inmate lookup services are typically available by calling the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, though online inmate search capabilities may be limited compared to larger Mississippi counties. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Ackerman Police Department, which has jurisdiction within the town limits of Ackerman, and the Weir Police Department serving the town of Weir. Arrest records and incident reports in Choctaw County are considered public records under Mississippi's Public Records Act (Miss.
Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq.). Certain personal information may be redacted to protect victim privacy and ongoing investigations.
For recent bookings and arrest information, contacting the Sheriff's Office dispatch at the main phone number is the most reliable method for Choctaw County residents.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Choctaw County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Choctaw County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Background checks can be conducted through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history information for Choctaw residents. The sex offender registry is accessible to the public, offering information on registered offenders within the county.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Choctaw County are maintained by the Choctaw County Sheriff's Office. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrested individuals. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The Mississippi Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access. Arrest records provide essential information for legal proceedings and background checks.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Choctaw County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrested individuals. Inmate lookup services are available for the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules at the detention center require visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to specific guidelines. The bond and bail process follows Mississippi state laws, allowing for the release of inmates under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Choctaw County are taken and retained by the Choctaw County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Mississippi does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request removal or correction of inaccurate information through legal channels. Mugshots are often used in conjunction with arrest records for identification and legal purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Choctaw County's judicial system includes the Choctaw County Circuit Court and Chancery Court, both located at the Choctaw County Courthouse, 112 Quinn Street, Ackerman, MS 39735. The Circuit Court handles criminal felony cases, civil matters exceeding $200, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk maintains these records and can be reached at (662) 285-6329. The Chancery Court has jurisdiction over equity matters, domestic relations (divorce, child custody, adoption), probate and estate matters, real property disputes, guardianships, and matters involving minors.
- The Choctaw County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, and civil matters under $3,500.
- The Chancery Clerk's office provides access to land records, marriage licenses, and chancery court filings.
- Certified copies of court documents typically cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Requesters should provide case numbers, party names, and dates when available to expedite searches.
Justice Court judges also handle youth court matters in some instances. Municipal Courts in Ackerman and other incorporated towns handle municipal ordinance violations and certain traffic offenses within town limits. Court records in Mississippi are generally public under Miss.
Code Ann. § 25-61-1 et seq., with certain exceptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and cases involving protected privacy interests. To search court records, visitors may appear in person at the Circuit Clerk or Chancery Clerk offices during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
Mississippi does not have a statewide comprehensive online case search system for all county courts, though some appellate decisions are available through the Mississippi Supreme Court website.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Choctaw County, Mississippi are maintained by the Choctaw County Chancery Clerk's office, located at 112 Quinn Street, Ackerman, MS 39735, phone (662) 285-6329. The Chancery Clerk serves as the county's Register of Deeds and maintains comprehensive records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, UCC financing statements, and plat maps. These records are indexed by grantor/grantee and by legal description.
- Mississippi law requires real property conveyances to be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers; recording fees are established by state statute.
- The Chancery Clerk's office provides public access to land records during regular business hours, and staff can assist with record searches for a nominal research fee.
- Certified copies of recorded documents typically cost $1.00 per page plus a certification fee of approximately $3.00-5.00.
Online access to Choctaw County land records may be limited compared to larger Mississippi counties; citizens should contact the Chancery Clerk directly to inquire about any web-based search portals or digitization projects. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Choctaw County Tax Assessor's office, also located in the courthouse complex at 112 Quinn Street, Ackerman, MS 39735. The Tax Assessor maintains parcel information, ownership data, assessed values, exemptions (homestead, over-65, disability), and property characteristics.
Property taxes are collected by the Choctaw County Tax Collector. Some Mississippi counties participate in geographic information system (GIS) mapping portals that allow online parcel searches, tax payment history, and aerial imagery; availability of such systems in Choctaw County should be confirmed by contacting county offices.
Vital Records
Vital records for Choctaw County, Mississippi include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. Birth and death certificates from November 1, 1912 forward are maintained by the Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records office, with earlier records held at the county level where the event occurred. For Choctaw County births and deaths, the Choctaw County Chancery Clerk's office at 112 Quinn Street, Ackerman, MS 39735, (662) 285-6329, maintains historical records and can assist with pre-1912 vital records research.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests; expedited service may be available for an additional fee.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures with eligible requesters including immediate family members, legal representatives, and anyone with a demonstrated legal interest.
- Online ordering of state vital records may be available through VitalChek or similar authorized vendors for an additional service fee.
To obtain a certified birth certificate, eligible requesters (the registrant if 18 or older, parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or legal representatives) must complete an application form, provide valid government-issued photo identification, demonstrate their relationship to the registrant, and pay the required fee (currently $15.00 for the first copy, $7.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously). Applications may be submitted by mail or in person to the Mississippi State Department of Health, P.O. Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Choctaw County Chancery Clerk, requiring both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers. Mississippi has a three-day waiting period from application to issuance, and licenses are valid for 30 days. Marriage records (certificates of marriage) are maintained permanently by the Chancery Clerk and are public records.
Divorce decrees are filed with the Chancery Clerk following final judgment by the Chancery Court. Mississippi vital records law is codified at Miss. Code Ann.
§ 41-57-1 et seq.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Choctaw County, Mississippi are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. The Choctaw County Chancery Clerk's office at 112 Quinn Street, Ackerman, MS 39735, (662) 285-6329, handles certain local business filings including assumed name certificates (doing business as or DBA registrations) for businesses operating under names other than the owners' legal names. These filings are public records available for inspection during business hours.
For comprehensive business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and professional associations, the Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division maintains the statewide database. The Secretary of State's online Business Entity Search portal (sos.ms.gov) allows free searches by business name, registered agent, or filing number, providing information on entity status, formation date, registered office address, and annual report compliance. This is the authoritative source for formal business entity registrations in Mississippi.
Sales tax permits and seller's licenses are issued by the Mississippi Department of Revenue and are required for businesses engaged in retail sales or providing taxable services. Professional licenses (contractors, cosmetologists, healthcare providers, etc.) are issued by the respective Mississippi state licensing boards, not at the county level. Building permits, construction permits, and zoning compliance in unincorporated areas of Choctaw County are handled by the county's planning and zoning department or building inspector; incorporated municipalities issue their own permits.
Contact the Choctaw County Board of Supervisors office at (662) 285-6176 for information on county building permits and land use regulations. The Choctaw County area may be served by regional economic development organizations; interested parties should contact the county administrator's office for current Chamber of Commerce or economic development contact information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Choctaw County, Mississippi are administered by the Choctaw County Circuit Clerk's office, which serves as the county election commission. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at the Choctaw County Courthouse, 112 Quinn Street, Ackerman, MS 39735, and can be reached at (662) 285-6329 for voter registration and election inquiries. Voter registration in Mississippi requires applicants to be U.S.
- Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office no later than noon on the Saturday before the election (for mail ballots) or may be requested in-person during a specified period.
- The Circuit Clerk's office provides absentee ballot applications and instructions.
citizens, residents of Mississippi and Choctaw County for at least 30 days prior to the election, at least 18 years old by the date of the general election, not disqualified by a felony conviction (unless voting rights have been restored), and not adjudicated mentally incompetent. Mississippi offers online voter registration through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at yallvote.sos.ms.gov for citizens with a valid Mississippi driver's license or ID card. The voter registration deadline in Mississippi is 30 days before any election.
In-person registration is available at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours, and mail-in registration forms are accepted if postmarked by the deadline. To find your polling place in Choctaw County, registered voters can check their voter registration card, contact the Circuit Clerk's office, or use the polling place lookup tool on the Secretary of State's website. Election records that are public in Mississippi include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State and county election commission, candidate qualifying documents, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot applications (though voted ballots themselves are secret).
Election results for Choctaw County are canvassed by the county election commission and certified results are posted at the courthouse and reported to the Secretary of State. Voter turnout in Choctaw County typically ranges from 50-60% in presidential general elections and 25-40% in off-year and primary elections, reflecting patterns common to rural Mississippi counties. The next major election is November 4, 2025 (Mississippi state elections including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and state legislative seats), followed by November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives elections and potentially U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle. Absentee voting in Mississippi is available to voters who will be away from their county of residence on election day, are required to work on election day during polling hours, have a temporary or permanent physical disability, are 65 years or older, are a parent/caretaker/spouse of a dependent person with a disability, or are a member of the military or spouse/dependent living with them.
Mississippi does not have no-excuse absentee voting. Transparency in Choctaw County elections is supported by Mississippi's public records laws, which allow citizens to inspect voter rolls, observe ballot counting, and request copies of election-related documents, promoting accountability in the electoral process.
Economy & Demographics
Choctaw County, Mississippi has a predominantly rural economy based on agriculture, timber production, and manufacturing. The county's economic base has historically centered on forestry and forest products, with significant acreage devoted to pine plantations and hardwood forests. Timber harvesting and lumber mills have long been major employers. Agriculture remains important, with cattle ranching, hay production, and poultry operations (particularly broiler chicken production) providing farm income.
- The poultry industry, supported by processing facilities in neighboring counties, contributes significantly to the local economy through contract growers.
- Census Bureau estimates, Choctaw County's median household income is approximately $36,000-40,000, below both the state and national medians, reflecting the county's rural character and limited industrial base.
- Highway 15 and State Highway 12 provides transportation access, though the absence of interstate highways limits industrial development potential.
- Agricultural diversification and value-added agricultural processing represent potential growth areas.
According to recent U.S. The poverty rate is above state averages, and the county faces economic challenges common to rural Mississippi communities including out-migration of younger residents and limited employment opportunities. Major employers include the Choctaw County School District, county government, healthcare facilities, retail establishments in Ackerman, and small manufacturing operations.
French Camp Academy is a significant institutional employer and economic contributor. The Natchez Trace Parkway attracts tourists and supports hospitality-related businesses. Economic development efforts focus on industrial recruitment, tourism enhancement, downtown revitalization in Ackerman, and support for small business development.
The county's location along U.S. Unemployment rates in Choctaw County typically track several percentage points above state averages. Recent initiatives have included broadband expansion to support remote work and business development, though rural internet access remains challenging.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Access | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone Inquiry | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone | Overall Score: 4/10 — Choctaw County maintains required public records but offers limited digital access; most records require in-person visits or phone calls to county offices in Ackerman.
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Cities & Towns in Choctaw County
Explore public records for 3 cities and communities in Choctaw County, Mississippi.
Nearby Counties
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