About Decatur
The Decatur Police Department is key to maintaining safety and order within the city, with a dedicated team of law enforcement officers focused on community policing and proactive crime prevention. Arrest records and criminal records are carefully kept by the department. The Morgan County Jail, located just outside the city limits, houses individuals awaiting trial or serving short sentences, and the facility provides resources for families and individuals seeking information about inmates. For those interested in conducting background checks or searching inmate records, the Decatur Police Department offers guidance on the necessary processes, including filling out requests and identifying appropriate channels. Under the Alabama Open Records Law, residents can request access to various public records, including vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates through the Morgan County Clerk's Office. This office is vital for people needing to obtain these essential documents, with staff available to assist in the application process. Property records can be accessed through the Morgan Revenue Commissioner’s office, which provides detailed information on land ownership and property tax assessments. For court records, residents can visit the Morgan County Circuit Court, where they can request documents relating to legal proceedings. Many services are available online, making it easier for residents seeking public records and enhancing accessibility to important information.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Decatur
Morgan County Sheriff's Office
Offering community resources including offender information, employment, services, and more for Morgan County, Alabama
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Decatur
Record Requests - City of Decatur, Alabama
Individual record requests may be filed directly with the Decatur Municipal Court by completing the Record Request Form and emailing it to the Court at: court@decatur-al.gov or by visiting us in person at our Municipal Court Annex located at.
🔗 https://www.cityofdecatural.com/departments/municipal-court/record-requests/
🏠 Property & Public Records in Decatur
Morgan County Probate Judge
Property records for Decatur, Alabama are maintained by the Morgan County Probate Judge. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Morgan County, including Decatur.
About Decatur — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Morgan County Jail in Decatur is the primary detention facility for arrestees throughout Morgan County. Upon arrival, individuals go through booking procedures that include photographing and fingerprinting. The facility maintains an online inmate lookup system that allows the public to search for current detainees. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and the facility enforces strict guidelines about visitor conduct and permissible items.
Arrest Records
The Morgan County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments maintain detailed arrest records for all individuals taken into custody. These documents capture the circumstances surrounding each arrest, charges filed, and booking details. Residents and legal representatives seeking arrest records can submit formal written requests to the Sheriff's Office or use available online portals. A typical arrest record includes the date of arrest, specific charges, and identifying information about the arrestee.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Morgan County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which offers reports on criminal history. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, providing information on registered offenders residing in Morgan County.
Vital Records
Decatur's vital records, including birth certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce certificates, are managed by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Residents can obtain copies of these important documents through the state's Vital Records portal at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/. The website also offers information on requesting death certificates and other vital statistics related to this Alabama city.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Decatur operates a website at https://www.decaturalabamausa.com/ that serves the local business community. Entrepreneurs and established businesses can find guidance on obtaining business licenses, understanding zoning regulations, and securing operational permits. The site outlines economic development initiatives and profiles major employers, offering insight into the business scene of this 57,525-person city and the opportunities available to those looking to establish or expand operations here.
Economy & Demographics
Decatur's thriving economy is driven by a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Major employers in the city include Ascend Performance Materials, Nucor Steel, and Calhoun Community College, among others. The city's strategic location, skilled workforce, and pro-business initiatives have contributed to its reputation as a regional economic hub. Decatur's Census data, available at https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/decaturcityalabama, offers detailed insights into the community's economic profile and demographic trends.
Elections & Voter Records
The Morgan County Probate Judge's Office administers all elections for Decatur voters from the Morgan County Courthouse at 302 Lee Street NE, Decatur, AL 35601, with staff available at 256-351-4670. The office manages voter registration, absentee voting, poll worker coordination, and election operations for residents throughout the city. Alabama residents can register online through the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/register-to-vote or submit paper applications directly to the Probate Judge's office.
Registration closes 15 days before any election, and applicants must provide an Alabama driver's license or non-driver ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Municipal elections in Decatur operate on a different calendar than county and state contests. The city elects a mayor and five council members, typically holding elections in August with October runoffs when necessary. The next municipal elections are scheduled for 2024, placing subsequent contests in 2028. Candidate information and details on local ballot measures are available from Decatur City Hall at 256-341-4700 or through www.decatur-al.gov. Residents can locate their assigned polling place through the Alabama Voter Information Center at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov by entering their name and date of birth, or by contacting the Morgan County Probate Judge's office. Alabama provides public access to certain election records. Voter registration lists with addresses redacted are available for purchase from county probate offices. Campaign finance reports can be reviewed through the Alabama Secretary of State's Electronic Fair Campaign Practices Act Reporting System at fcpa.alabamavotes.gov. Precinct-level results are published on the Secretary of State's website following certification. No U.S. Alabama voters qualify for absentee ballots if they will be absent from the county on election day, are ill or infirm, work a required shift that conflicts with polling hours, serve as election workers, or meet other specified criteria. Absentee ballot applications are available at www.sos.alabama.gov/sites/default/files/voter-pdfs/AbsenteeBallotApplication.pdf and must reach the Morgan County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Judge's office no later than 5 days before the election. Photo ID is required for all in-person voting throughout Alabama.
Official Government Resources
Decatur Alabama Missing Person and Children
Community resource for missing children or persons in Decatur.
Decatur Alabama State Police, Highway Patrol
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Highway Patrol information for Decatur.
Decatur Alabama Property Records
Search property and parcel records online for Decatur Alabama.
Decatur Alabama Genealogy and Archives
Search Alabama Department of Archives and History genealogy records for Decatur.
Decatur Alabama Bankruptcy Court
Northern District bankruptcy court information for Decatur Alabama.
Alabama Judicial System, Decatur Court Records
Information for searching or obtaining court records in Decatur Alabama.
Decatur Alabama Divorce Records
Search online public records of divorces granted in Decatur from 1950 to present.
Decatur Alabama Marriage Records
Free online search for public record of marriage in Decatur from 1936 to present.
Decatur Alabama Birth Records
Obtain birth certificates for Decatur residents from the State of Alabama.
Decatur Alabama Vital Records, Birth, Marriage, Death
Alabama Department of Public Health, Vital Records for Decatur.
Decatur Alabama Fugitives and Most Wanted
View postings of the most wanted criminals in Decatur Alabama.
Decatur Alabama Sex Offenders Registry
View registered sex offenders living or working near Decatur.
Decatur Alabama Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Decatur.
City of Decatur
Directory of Decaturcity records and information
Decatur Police Department
402 Lee St. N.E. first floor Decatur, AL 35601-1928 (256) 341-4600 (256) 341-4605 fax
Decatur Fire Department
Fire & Rescue 4119 Old Highway 31SW Decatur, AL 35603 256-341- 4862 256- 351-7643
Decatur City Clerk
Public Records 402 Lee St. N.E. first floor Decatur, AL 35601-1928 (256) 341-4500 (256) 341-4537 fax
Decatur Alabama Criminal Records Search and Depository
Alabama State Bureau of Investigation Department of Public Safety P.O. Box 1511 Montgomery, Alabama 36192-0511 Phone: 334-242-
Decatur Alabama Official Criminal History Background Check
Resource for qualifying employers to search criminal records of potential employees. Phone: 1-866-740-4762 or 334-517-24
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Inmate Search and Community Corrections
Search for inmates, parole violators, death row inmates and more. Alabama Department of Corrections 301 S. Ripley Street
Nearby Cities in Morgan County, Alabama
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Decatur, Alabama?
To register to vote in Decatur, Alabama, residents can register online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Morgan County elections office. Alabama 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 Alabama Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Decatur, contact the Morgan County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Decatur, Alabama?
Property records for Decatur, Alabama are maintained by the Morgan Revenue Commissioner's Office and the Morgan County Probate Judge's Office. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Morgan County, including parcels in Decatur. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Morgan County Probate Judge's Office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Alabama counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Morgan County Revenue Commissioner handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Decatur, Alabama?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Decatur, Alabama residents are available through both county and state offices. The Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, located in Montgomery, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Alabama. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Morgan County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Morgan 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.