Cleveland Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Cleveland, Mississippi government websites.
About Cleveland, Mississippi
If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process begins at the local police records unit, which provides access to public records related to police activity. In Mississippi, the state criminal repository, managed by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the State Police, offers full background checks, which can be requested online or in person. For online inquiries, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's website hosts a portal where individuals can search for certain records, providing a convenient resource If you want to access public criminal information. Cleveland falls under the jurisdiction of the Bolivar County Circuit Court, which handles a variety of civil, criminal, and family law matters. Requests for court records can be made either online or in person at the Clerk of Court's office, which maintains records of all proceedings, including civil lawsuits and criminal cases. For vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents should contact the Bolivar County Clerk-Recorder, or alternatively, reach out to the Mississippi State Department of Health for statewide vital records. Property records can be accessed through the Bolivar Tax Assessor's office, which provides information on property values and taxes, as well as through the Chancery Clerk’s office for deeds and other property related documents. For broader public records requests, individuals can refer to the Mississippi Public Records Act, which allows residents to obtain access to a wide range of public documents; typical response times for these requests are usually between five and ten business days, for public access.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Cleveland operates through a coordinated network that includes the municipal police department and the Bolivar County Sheriff's Office. The Cleveland Police Department handles day-to-day policing within city limits, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and community-oriented initiatives. Meanwhile, the Rosedale Police Department serves that municipality. When major crimes or emergencies exceed what one agency can handle, these departments coordinate with the Sheriff's Office to pool resources and expertise.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Bolivar County Regional Correctional Facility is the main detention center for arrestees from across Bolivar County. When someone is booked into the facility, staff complete fingerprinting, photographing, and documentation of personal information. Families and attorneys can locate current detainees through inmate lookup services available to the public. Visitation requires advance scheduling and compliance with security protocols established by the facility. Mississippi law allows for bond or bail to secure temporary release pending trial, with specific conditions determined by the court.
Arrest Records
The Bolivar County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records documenting all arrests within Bolivar County. These records detail the charges filed, the agency that made the arrest, and identifying information about the arrestee. Residents and legal representatives seeking arrest records typically must submit a formal request under the Mississippi Public Records Act by contacting the Sheriff's Office. Each arrest record generally includes when and where the arrest occurred, what charges were filed, and any bail or bond conditions imposed.
Court Records
Cleveland's judicial matters flow through several courthouses. The Bolivar County Chancery Court and Circuit Court hear everything from real estate disputes and probate matters to felony criminal charges. Case filings, judgments, and transcripts are accessible through the Bolivar County Circuit Clerk's Office or the Mississippi Electronic Courts website at https://courts.ms.gov/. For local misdemeanor cases and traffic violations, the Cleveland Municipal Court maintains its own records covering matters within city jurisdiction.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Bolivar County cover a range of documentation, including felony and misdemeanor records, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Sheriff's Office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, which offers statewide criminal history reports.
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation assists with more complex inquiries, particularly those involving multiple jurisdictions. Access to criminal records is governed by state laws, making sure of both transparency and privacy protection.
Public Records Access
Public records in Cleveland are divided between municipal and county offices. The City Clerk's Office maintains municipal government documents, meeting minutes, and administrative records, with access available through the office directly or the official Cleveland website at https://www.clevelandms.org/. County-level records, property deeds, tax assessments, and court filings, are housed with the Bolivar County Chancery Clerk's Office and can also be accessed through the Bolivar County website at https://www.bolivarcounty.net/.
Vital Records
Birth, death, and marriage records for Cleveland and Bolivar County are maintained by the Mississippi Department of Health. Residents can request copies of these vital records by contacting the Bolivar County Health Department or visiting the Mississippi Vital Records website at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/resources/81.html. The Cleveland Municipal Court also keeps records of local court proceedings, including traffic citations and misdemeanor cases.
Business & Licensing Records
The Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce is the central resource for information about local businesses, economic development, and community events. The chamber's website at https://www.clevelandbolivarchamber.com/ features a business directory, event calendar, and resources for People. Those needing access to the city's business license registry or zoning records can find them through the City Clerk's Office.
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Cleveland, Mississippi, is driven by a diverse mix of industries, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and tourism. Major employers in the area include Delta State University, North Sunflower Medical Center, and several manufacturing and distribution companies. Economic development data, such as employment statistics, tax revenue, and business incentives, can be found on the City of Cleveland's website at https://www.clevelandms.org/economic-development and the Bolivar County Economic Development website at https://www.bolivarcounty.net/economic-development.
Elections & Voter Records
The Bolivar County Election Commission and Circuit Clerk's Office oversee elections for Cleveland voters from two locations: the main office at 200 East Cypress Street, Rosedale, MS 38769 (phone: 662-759-3022) and 200 South Chrisman Avenue, Cleveland, MS 38732 (phone: 662-843-2071). The Circuit Clerk serves as voter registrar and maintains registration records for all residents. Mississippi voters can register online through the Mississippi Online Voter Registration system at yallvote.sos.ms.gov using a Mississippi driver's license or state ID.
Registration must be completed at least 30 days before an election, and photo identification is required at the polls under Mississippi law. Municipal elections for mayor and city council (Board of Aldermen) follow Mississippi municipal election law, typically occurring in June of odd-numbered years. The next regular elections are scheduled for June 2025, when the mayor and all aldermen positions will be on the ballot. The city operates under an aldermanic form of government. Candidate qualifying information and local ballot measures are posted at City Hall and on the city website. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by contacting the Circuit Clerk or using the lookup tool at yallvote.sos.ms.gov. Public election records in Mississippi include voter registration lists (available for purchase by qualified requesters under Miss. Code Ann. § 23-15-47), campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State and local election commissions, candidate qualifying documents, and precinct-level results. These are accessible through the Mississippi Secretary of State Elections Division at sos.ms.gov/elections or through county election offices. In the November 2024 presidential election, Bolivar County reported approximately 10,500 ballots cast from roughly 19,000 registered voters, representing approximately 55% turnout. On November 3, 2026, voters will participate in state and federal elections. Mississippi does not hold gubernatorial elections in 2026, the next gubernatorial election is 2027. However, the ballot will include U.S. Senator Roger Wicker's seat (Class I, up for election in 2026), Mississippi's U.S. House sefor the 2nd Congressional District (which includes Cleveland), and various state legislative races for the Mississippi House and Senate if redistricting places the area in contested districts. County offices including Bolivar County Sheriff, Tax Assessor, Circuit Clerk, and Chancery Clerk may also appear depending on term schedules. Mississippi voters can request absentee ballots for specific qualifying reasons (age 65+, temporary or permanent disability, required absence from county on election day, election official, or required absence due to Mississippi Guard/military service) by submitting an application to the Circuit Clerk at least five business days before the election. Applications are available at the Circuit Clerk's office or online at sos.ms.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Cleveland, Bolivar County, Mississippi, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Cleveland, Bolivar County, Mississippi including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Mississippi State Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Bolivar County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Cleveland, Mississippi?
To register to vote in Cleveland, Mississippi, residents can register online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Bolivar County elections office. Mississippi 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 Mississippi Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Cleveland, contact the Bolivar County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Cleveland, Mississippi?
Property records for Cleveland, Mississippi are maintained by the Bolivar Tax Assessor's Office and the Bolivar County Chancery Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Bolivar County, including parcels in Cleveland. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Bolivar County Chancery Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Mississippi counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Bolivar County offices at the county courthouse. The Bolivar County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Cleveland, Mississippi?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Cleveland, Mississippi residents are available through both county and state offices. The Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Jackson, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Mississippi. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Bolivar County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Bolivar County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
Robinson-Carpenter Memorial Library
104 South Leflore Avenue, ZIP 38732 • (662) 843-2774
Source: IMLS Public Libraries Survey FY2022
Source: IMLS Public Libraries Survey FY2022