Latimer County

Latimer County is located in southeastern Oklahoma, established in 1902 and named after James S. Latimer, a delegate to the Oklahoma Constitutional Convention. The county seat is Wilburton, a town situated along U.S. Highway 270 and home to Eastern Oklahoma State College. Latimer County spans approximately 729 square miles and has a population of around 10,000 residents according to recent census estimates.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Latimer County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of the county. This office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, executing warrants, and serving legal documents. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office manages the Latimer County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records for the county. The office also runs various community programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education.

Police Departments

In addition to the Latimer County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments in cities such as Wilburton and Red Oak. The Wilburton Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of Wilburton, focusing on local ordinances and community safety. These agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Together, they work to ensure public safety and respond to emergencies throughout Latimer County, maintaining a collaborative approach to law enforcement.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Latimer County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Latimer County, headquartered at 109 North Central Avenue in Wilburton, Oklahoma 74578. The Sheriff's Office operates the Latimer County Detention Center, which houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving short sentences. Inmate information and jail rosters can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly at (918) 465-2882 or visiting the facility in person during business hours.

• § 24A.1 et seq.), arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports are generally considered public records and can be requested from the respective law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
• Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office, though some agencies may charge reasonable copying fees for physical or digital copies.
• Processing times vary but requests are generally fulfilled within a few business days.
• Citizens seeking arrest records should be prepared to provide valid identification and may need to submit requests in writing.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Latimer County encompass a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Latimer County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal history reports through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which offers comprehensive background checks for a fee.

• These checks include information on arrests, convictions, and any registered sex offenders residing in Latimer County.
• The process is governed by state laws ensuring the confidentiality and proper use of criminal records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Latimer County are maintained by the Latimer County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the arrest, including the date, charges, and arresting officer. Residents and attorneys can request copies of arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, these records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Latimer County Jail, located in Wilburton, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process at the jail involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.

• The bond and bail process follows Oklahoma state regulations, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Latimer County are taken and retained by the Latimer 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 potentially through third-party websites that aggregate such data. To search for mugshots, individuals can contact the Sheriff's Office directly or check their official website for any online databases.

Latimer County is served by the District Court of Latimer County, part of Oklahoma's 16th Judicial District, located at 109 North Central Avenue, Wilburton, OK 74578. The District Court has general jurisdiction over civil, criminal, juvenile, probate, and domestic relations matters. Court information can be obtained by contacting the Court Clerk's office at (918) 465-2011.

• The Latimer County Court Clerk maintains official court records and can provide certified copies for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
• Probate matters are handled by the District Court, and adoption records are sealed but can be accessed under limited circumstances with court order.
• Fees for document copies and searches are established by state statute and county resolution.

Property and land records for Latimer County are maintained by the Latimer County Clerk, who serves as the Register of Deeds, located at 109 North Central Avenue, Wilburton, OK 74578, phone (918) 465-2901. The County Clerk's office records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, rights-of-way, oil and gas leases, and plat maps. These records are public under Oklahoma law and can be searched in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

• Recording fees are established by state statute, with deeds typically costing around $15 for the first page and $2 for each additional page, plus applicable filing fees.
• Citizens seeking property information should contact the Assessor or County Clerk offices directly to inquire about available online search tools or GIS mapping systems.
• Certified copies of recorded documents can be obtained from the County Clerk for statutory fees.

Vital records for Latimer County are handled through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Latimer County can be requested from the Latimer County Court Clerk at 109 North Central Avenue, Wilburton, OK 74578, phone (918) 465-2901. However, the Oklahoma State Department of Health Vital Records Service, located at 123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Suite 1002, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, maintains centralized records and is often the more efficient option for obtaining certified copies.

• Birth certificates cost $15 for the first copy and death certificates cost $15, with additional copies ordered at the same time typically $10 each.
• Processing time is generally 2-4 weeks by mail or faster for in-person requests at the State Health Department.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.ok.gov/health/Birth_and_Death_Certificates, though convenience fees apply.

Business records and licensing in Latimer County involve both county and state-level offices. The Latimer County Court Clerk at 109 North Central Avenue, Wilburton, OK 74578, phone (918) 465-2901, accepts filings for trade names (DBA - doing business as) and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating in the county. For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and other statutory entities, businesses must file with the Oklahoma Secretary of State.

• The Secretary of State provides a free online business entity search at www.sos.ok.gov where users can look up registered businesses, view filing history, registered agents, and corporate status.
• The Wilburton Chamber of Commerce, accessible through local business networks, provides resources for new and existing businesses including networking opportunities and economic development information.
• Contractor licensing, health permits for food establishments, and alcohol licensing involve additional state agencies with specific application procedures and fees.

Elections in Latimer County are administered by the Latimer County Election Board, located at the Latimer County Courthouse, 109 North Central Avenue, Wilburton, OK 74578. The Election Board can be reached at (918) 465-3245 for questions about voter registration, polling locations, and election procedures. Oklahoma voters can register online through the Oklahoma Voter Portal at www.oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the County Election Board, tag agencies, or certain government offices.

• Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place through the OK Voter Portal by entering their name and date of birth or by contacting the County Election Board directly.
• Under Oklahoma Open Records Act and election statutes, citizens can request precinct-level results, poll worker lists, and other election administration records, promoting transparency in the electoral process.

Latimer County's economy is diverse but centered on traditional rural sectors including agriculture, forestry, education, government services, and tourism. Major employers include Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton, which provides both educational services and employment for hundreds of residents, and the Latimer County government itself. The county's location within the historical Choctaw Nation means tribal government and enterprises contribute significantly to the local economy, with tribal members representing a substantial portion of the population.

• Median household income in Latimer County is estimated at approximately $38,000-$42,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the rural nature and limited industrial base.

Court Records: ✅ Online (OSCN) | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online, In-Person Available | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Office | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 6/10 — Latimer County provides access to most public records though digital access is limited compared to urban counties; many requests require in-person visits or phone contact.

Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Latimer County, Oklahoma.