Official Government Sources
Fort Smith Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Fort Smith, Arkansas government websites.
About Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith, Arkansas is known for its rich history and its role in the settling of the American West. It is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, its outdoor recreation opportunities, and its proximity to the Arkansas River. The city council of Fort Smith is composed of seven members, each elected to a four-year term. The council is responsible for setting the city's budget, enacting ordinances, and appointing members to various boards and commissions.
Fort Smith, Arkansas Public Records & Government Resources
Fort Smith Arkansas Archives and Genealogy
Arkansas State Archives genealogy and historical records for Fort Smith.
Fort Smith Arkansas Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Eastern & Western Districts of Arkansas for Fort Smith.
Arkansas Judiciary – Fort Smith Court Records
Arkansas Courts case information for Fort Smith.
Fort Smith Arkansas Vital Records
Arkansas Department of Health vital records for Fort Smith.
Fort Smith Arkansas Inmate Search
Arkansas Department of Correction inmate search for Fort Smith.
Fort Smith Arkansas Missing Persons
Arkansas Crime Information Center missing persons for Fort Smith.
Fort Smith Arkansas Most Wanted
Arkansas State Police most-wanted persons including Fort Smith area.
Fort Smith Arkansas Sex Offender Registry
Arkansas Crime Information Center sex offender registry for Fort Smith.
Fort Smith Arkansas Criminal Background Check
Arkansas State Police criminal background checks for Fort Smith residents.
Fort Smith Arkansas Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Fort Smith.
City of Fort Smith
Directory of Fort Smith city records and information
Fort Smith Police Department
100 South 10th Street Fort Smith, AR 72901 phone number (479) 785-4221 email address Info@FortSmithPD.org
Fort Smith Fire Department
Phone: 479.783.4052 E-mail Us: firedept@fortsmithar.gov
Fort Smith Mayor and Board of Directors
P.O. Box 1908 / 72902 479-784-2437 Email Address: mayor@fortsmithar.gov
Fort Smith City Clerk
Recorded documents 623 Garrison Avenue 3rd Floor, Room 303 Phone: 479.784.2208 Fax: 479.784.2256 E-mail: cityclerk@FortS
Fort Smith Parks & Recreation
Look into recreation within the city Phone: 479.784.1006 Fax: 479.784.2480
Fort Smith City Administration
Research, analysis, and recommendations on policy 623 Garrison Avenue, Room 315 Fort Smith, AR 72901 479-784-2201 479-7
Fort Smith Public Schools
Education and school information services PO Box 1948 3205 Jenny Lind Road Fort Smith, Arkansas 72902 479-785-2501
Fort Smith Newspaper
Searchable newspapers and archives Street Address: 3600 Wheeler Avenue Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901 Phone: 479-785-7700
Fort Smith Convention Center
55 South 7th Street Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 788-8932 Fax: (479) 788-8930
Fort Smith Public Library
Research using library resources 3201 Rogers Avenue Fort Smith, AR 72903 Phone: 479-783-0229 Fax: 479-782-8571
Fort Smith Transit
City Bus System, METRO Transit and more 6821 Jenny Lind Rd. P.O. Box 1908 Fort Smith, AR 72902 Phone: 479.783.6464 Toll
Fort Smith Airport
Flight status and information 6700 McKennon Blvd., Suite 200 Fort Smith, AR 72903 479-452-7000 admin@fortsmithairport.c
Fort Smith Arkansas Official Criminal History Background Check
1 State Police Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209. 501-618-8500 cora.gentry@asp.arkansas.gov
Fort Smith Planning and Zoning
623 Garrison Avenue, Room 331 Fort Smith, AR 72901 Phone: (479) 784-2216 Fax: (479) 784-2462 e-mail: planning@FortSmith
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Fort Smith Inmate Search
Arkansas Department of Correction P.O. Box 8707 Pine Bluff, AR 71611-8707 870-267-6999 or via e-mail info@arkansas.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Fort Smith, Arkansas, you will be transported to the Sebastian County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Sebastian County Court. Under Arkansas law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Arkansas State Police. The Sebastian County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://apps.ark.org/inmate_info/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for City of Fort Smith, Arkansas?
The Fort Smith Public School District serves the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Education, the district had an overall performance score of 68.7 out of 100 for the 2019-2020 school year. The district's graduation rate was 84.2%, and the district's average ACT score was 19.1.
3
What are the school district and education performance data for Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas?
The Fort Smith Public School District serves the city of Fort Smith and Sebastian County, Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Education, the district had an overall performance score of 68.7 out of 100 for the 2019-2020 school year. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, student growth, and college and career readiness.
4
What are the crime statistics for City of Fort Smith, Arkansas?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Fort Smith, Arkansas had a total of 4,845 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes and 3,000 property crimes. The violent crime rate was 645.3 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 2,945.7 per 100,000 people.
5
What are the crime statistics for Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas?
According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program, Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas had a total of 4,845 reported crimes in 2019. Of those, there were 1,845 violent crimes (38.1 per 1,000 residents) and 3,000 property crimes (62.2 per 1,000 residents).
6
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the City of Fort Smith Arkansas Library?
The Fort Smith Public Library in Sebastian County, Arkansas provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Arkansas government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which governs access to government documents in Arkansas. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Fort Smith Arkansas Archives and Genealogy at https://www.ark-ives.com/. Contact the Fort Smith Public Library reference desk at (479) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
7
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas Library?
The Fort Smith Public Library in Sebastian County, Arkansas provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Arkansas government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which governs access to government documents in Arkansas. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Fort Smith Arkansas Archives and Genealogy at https://www.ark-ives.com/. Contact the Fort Smith Public Library reference desk at (479) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
8
Where is the City of Fort Smith, Arkansas Public Library located?
The Fort Smith Public Library is located at 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903.
9
Where is the Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas Public Library located?
The Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas Library is located at 3201 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903.
10
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in City of Fort Smith, Arkansas?
Fingerprinting services in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas are available through the Fort Smith Police Department and the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office. Services are provided for employment background checks, licensing applications, immigration purposes, and personal record requests. You will typically need to bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where applicable, a completed fingerprint card from the requesting agency. Appointments can often be scheduled by calling (479) or by visiting the department's website. Fingerprints are submitted to the Arkansas State Police and the FBI for identity verification and criminal history review. Statewide criminal history checks can also be requested through the Arkansas State Police.
11
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas?
Fingerprinting services for Fort Smith, Arkansas residents are provided at the Fort Smith Police Department, which serves Sebastian County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Fort Smith Police Department at (479) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Arkansas State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Arkansas State Police at https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/cjis/.
12
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from City of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and what information is provided in the records?
The South Sebastian County Health Unit in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is the main office responsible for issuing vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates in this area.
In order to obtain vital records from the South Sebastian County Health Unit in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the following procedures must be followed:
1. Visit the South Sebastian County Health Unit in person, or contact them by mail, phone, or email.
2. Complete and submit an application form to request the vital record.
3. Pay the applicable fee. This fee may vary depending on the type of document requested.
4. Provide evidence of your identity with photo identification such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID.
Vital records from the South Sebastian County Health Unit in Fort Smith, Arkansas, include the following documents:
* Birth certificates
* Marriage certificates
* Death certificates
* Divorce decrees
* Adoption records
* Civil records.
In order to obtain vital records from the South Sebastian County Health Unit in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the following procedures must be followed:
1. Visit the South Sebastian County Health Unit in person, or contact them by mail, phone, or email.
2. Complete and submit an application form to request the vital record.
3. Pay the applicable fee. This fee may vary depending on the type of document requested.
4. Provide evidence of your identity with photo identification such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID.
Vital records from the South Sebastian County Health Unit in Fort Smith, Arkansas, include the following documents:
* Birth certificates
* Marriage certificates
* Death certificates
* Divorce decrees
* Adoption records
* Civil records.
13
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records for Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas, you can either visit the Sebastian County Archives and History Museum or apply at the state's division of health in Little Rock.
The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates. You will need to provide the full name of the person on the record, the date of the event, and the place of the event. If you are applying for birth or death records, you will need to provide proof of your identity, and if you are applying for marriage or divorce records, you will need to provide proof of your relationship to the person on the record.
The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce certificates. You will need to provide the full name of the person on the record, the date of the event, and the place of the event. If you are applying for birth or death records, you will need to provide proof of your identity, and if you are applying for marriage or divorce records, you will need to provide proof of your relationship to the person on the record.
14
About Police Reports
Police reports from Fort Smith, Arkansas can be obtained from the Fort Smith Police Department, located in Sebastian County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), most police reports are public records in Arkansas, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Fort Smith Police Department Records Division at (479) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/cjis/.
15
About background check
A background check in Fort Smith, Sebastian County, Arkansas typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Arkansas. Criminal background checks are processed through the Arkansas State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Arkansas residents. The Arkansas State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/cjis/. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.