Red Level Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Red Level, Alabama government websites.
About Red Level City Government
Government Type
City Council
Red Level, Alabama, is governed by the Red Level Town Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large and serve four-year terms. The current council includes Mayor A. J. "Buddy" McDonald, along with council members James H. McDonald, John W. McDonald, and others, reflecting the town's commitment to local governance.
The approximate annual operating budget for Red Level is around $300,000 for the fiscal year 2023. This budget supports various town services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.
Regular city council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Red Level Town Hall, located at 160 Main Street, Red Level, AL 36474. Residents are encouraged to attend to stay informed about local issues and participate in the governance of their community.
About Red Level, Alabama
Red Level, Alabama, offers a glimpse into small-town life in Covington County, with a population of around 1,000 residents. This quaint town is characterized by its close-knit neighborhoods and a few notable landmarks, including the historic Red Level Baptist Church and various local parks that foster community gatherings. Known primarily for its agricultural roots, Red Level's economy is supported by farming and small businesses that cater to the local populace. The town's charm lies in its serene environment and friendly atmosphere, making it a unique spot for those seeking a slower pace of life.
The law enforcement in Red Level is primarily handled by the Covington County Sheriff's Office, which oversees the area’s safety and criminal justice processes. Arrest records and criminal records are diligently maintained by the Sheriff's Office, with information accessible to the public under Alabama law. For those requiring details about inmates, the Covington County Jail provides online access to inmate records, allowing residents to search for specific individuals or obtain information on recent arrests. Notably, the local law enforcement has established community policing initiatives, emphasizing collaboration with residents to foster safety and trust.
Residents seeking public records can utilize the Alabama Open Records Law to request access to various documents, including vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates. The Covington County Clerk's Office is the primary resource for obtaining these records, where citizens can submit requests in person or via mail. Property records can be accessed through the Covington County Assessor's Office, which assists in providing essential information for real estate transactions. Additionally, court records are managed by the Covington County Superior Court, with many documents available online, streamlining the process of public record retrieval for residents and fostering transparency in local governance.
About Red Level
Red Level is a small town in Covington County, Alabama, located in the south-central portion of the state near the Florida border. With a population of approximately 500 residents, Red Level was incorporated in 1903 and named for the red soil prevalent in the area. The town sits along U.S. Highway 331, roughly 15 miles south of Andalusia, the Covington County seat. Red Level's economy has historically been tied to agriculture, particularly peanut and cotton farming, and timber production.
The town is served by the Red Level School, part of the Covington County School System, and maintains a quiet, rural character typical of small Alabama communities. Notable landmarks include the Red Level Town Hall and several historic churches that have served the community for over a century. Public records for Red Level residents are maintained by a combination of municipal, county, and state agencies. The Red Level Town Hall, located at 20930 State Highway 55, handles local municipal records including business licenses and town ordinances. Law enforcement records are primarily maintained by the Red Level Police Department for town matters and the Covington County Sheriff's Office for broader jurisdiction. Most property records, court filings, vital statistics, and marriage licenses are handled by Covington County agencies located in Andalusia. The Covington County Courthouse at 1 Court Square serves as the central repository for legal documents, land records, and probate matters. Alabama's public records laws, codified primarily under the Alabama Open Records Act (Code of Alabama § 36-12-40), govern access to these documents, ensuring transparency while protecting certain confidential information.
Police Department & Arrest Records
Law enforcement in Red Level, Covington County is provided by both the Covington County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Andalusia Police Department, Opp Police Department, and Florala Police Department serve their respective cities, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and investigations that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Each department has its own jurisdiction, focusing on maintaining public safety and enforcing laws within city limits.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Covington County Jail, located in Andalusia, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance.
Court Records
Red Level does not operate its own municipal court, so residents' legal matters are handled by Covington County courts located in Andalusia. The Covington County Circuit Court, situated at 1 Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420, phone (334) 428-2560, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $10,000, divorces, and appeals from lower courts.
The Covington County District Court, at the same courthouse address with phone (334) 428-2570, processes misdemeanor criminal cases, civil claims under $10,000, small claims disputes up to $6,000, traffic violations, preliminary hearings for felonies, and protective orders. The Covington County Probate Court, phone (334) 428-2550, also at 1 Court Square, manages estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, marriage licenses, adoptions, and name changes. Alabama's statewide court records system, Alacourt.com, provides online access to case information for a fee of $25 per month or $10 per day subscription. Users can search by name, case number, or filing date across all Alabama courts. Certified copies of court documents are available from the Circuit Clerk's office for $1.00 per page plus a $3.00 certification fee. Exemplified copies (higher certification level) cost an additional $5.00. Many routine filings require fees: civil complaint filing costs $207 in circuit court, $117 in district court, while probate filings vary by matter type.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Covington County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Covington County Sheriff's Office maintains these records, and background checks can be requested through their office. The Alabama Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks, offering statewide criminal history reports. Residents can access these records for employment, housing, or personal reasons, adhering to the guidelines set forth by Alabama law.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Covington County are maintained by the Covington County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. Under the Alabama Open Records Act, these records are accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive information. An arrest record in Covington County typically includes the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting agency.
Public Records Access
Property and land records for Red Level are maintained by Covington County offices in Andalusia. The Covington County Revenue Commissioner's Office, serving as the property tax assessor, is located at 19371 State Highway 55, Andalusia, AL 36420, phone (334) 428-2530. Their website at www.covingtoncountyrevenue.com provides free online property tax assessment searches where residents can look up parcels by owner name, property address, or parcel identification number.
The searchable database displays current assessed values, property descriptions, legal descriptions, tax payment history, exemptions, and ownership information. The Covington County Probate Court, at 1 Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420, phone (334) 428-2550, serves as the recording office for land documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, rights-of-way, and other instruments affecting real property. Recording fees are $13.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page. The Probate Court maintains indexed records dating back to Covington County's formation in 1821. While the index may be searchable online through some third-party vendors, obtaining actual document copies typically requires in-person visits, mail requests, or phone inquiries. Covington County provides a GIS mapping system accessible through the Revenue Commissioner's website, offering parcel viewers with aerial photography, property boundaries, ownership data, and zoning information for Red Level and surrounding areas.
Economy & Demographics
Red Level's economy remains rooted in agriculture and forestry, reflecting the broader economic character of rural Covington County. The town's proximity to extensive timberlands has made forestry and lumber-related industries significant employers, with several residents employed in timber harvesting, sawmills, and related transportation. Agriculture continues as a vital sector, with local farms producing peanuts, cotton, soybeans, and cattle.
The Covington County School System, which operates Red Level School serving pre-K through 12th grade, is among the largest employers in the immediate area. Many Red Level residents commute to Andalusia, approximately 15 miles north, where larger employers include the Covington County government, medical facilities such as Andalusia Health, and retail establishments. Some residents also travel to nearby Enterprise and its military installation, Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker), for employment opportunities. The median household income in Red Level is estimated around $35,000-$40,000, below both state and national averages, reflecting the challenges facing rural Alabama communities. Recent economic development has been limited, with population remaining relatively stable over recent decades. The completion of highway improvements along U.S. 331 has improved connectivity but has not dramatically altered the town's rural, agricultural character. Red Level's economy remains closely integrated with Covington County's overall economic trends, benefiting from county-wide industrial recruitment efforts while maintaining its identity as a small farming community.
Law Enforcement & Arrest Records
The Red Level Police Department, located at 20930 State Highway 55, Red Level, AL 36474, serves the incorporated town limits and can be reached at (334) 469-5242. Citizens may request police reports and incident records by contacting the department directly during business hours; requests should include the date of incident, names of parties involved, and case number if available. The Covington County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 19374 State Highway 55, Andalusia, AL 36420, phone (334) 428-2610, provides law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Covington County and assists Red Level police when needed. The Sheriff's Office website is www.covingtoncountysheriff.com. For arrests and jail bookings, the Covington County Detention Facility maintains an online inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's website, displaying current detainees' names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and mugshots when available. This database is updated regularly and provides transparency for recent arrests. Alabama public records requests are governed by the Alabama Open Records Act, Code of Alabama § 36-12-40 et seq., which establishes that public records must be available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. Law enforcement agencies may charge reasonable copying fees and can deny requests for ongoing investigations or records that would compromise public safety. Written requests are recommended for official police reports, and agencies typically have five business days to respond, though response times may vary by department workload.
Vital Records
Vital records for Red Level residents are managed by state and county agencies according to Alabama law. Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Alabama Department of Public Health, Center for Health Statistics, P.O. Box 5625, Montgomery, AL 36103-5625, phone (334) 206-5418. The state website at www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords provides online ordering through VitalChek for $27.00 per certified copy ($15 state fee plus service fees) with processing times of 2-3 weeks for mail requests or expedited options available.
Birth records are available from 1908 forward, and death records from 1908 forward. Only eligible individuals can request vital records: the person named (if adult), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with court orders, with valid government-issued photo ID required. Marriage licenses are issued by the Covington County Probate Court, 1 Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420, phone (334) 428-2550. As of January 1, 2019, Alabama eliminated traditional marriage licenses and ceremonies in favor of a recording system where couples submit a notarized affidavit; the fee is $74.00 and no waiting period or blood test is required. Marriage records are public and searchable at the Probate Court office. Divorce records are maintained as part of circuit court case files at the Covington County Circuit Court Clerk's office, same courthouse address, phone (334) 428-2560. Divorce decrees from 1821 forward are indexed and available, with copies costing $1.00 per page plus certification fees. Recent digitization efforts have made some records more accessible, but older records may require manual archival searches.
Business & Licensing Records
Business licensing in Red Level involves both municipal and county requirements. The Red Level Town Hall, 20930 State Highway 55, Red Level, AL 36474, phone (334) 469-5242, issues business licenses for enterprises operating within town limits. License fees vary by business type and gross receipts, typically ranging from $25 to $150 annually, with renewal required each October 1st. The town clerk maintains a register of licensed businesses available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Covington County also requires business licenses for operations in unincorporated areas; contact the Covington County Revenue Commissioner at (334) 428-2530 for county-level licensing. Fictitious business name registrations (doing business as/DBA filings) are recorded with the Covington County Probate Court at 1 Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420, phone (334) 428-2550, at a cost of approximately $30.00. Alabama corporations, limited liability companies, and other business entities must register with the Alabama Secretary of State. The Secretary of State's website at www.sos.alabama.gov provides a free online business entity search tool where users can look up corporation names, LLC status, registered agents, formation dates, and officers. Online filings are available for new entity formation ($200 for LLCs, $228 for corporations) and annual reports. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements and lien searches are filed with and searchable through the Alabama Secretary of State's UCC division at https://arc-sos.state.al.us/ucc/. Commercial property tax assessments can be searched through the Covington County Revenue Commissioner's online database using the business property address or parcel number, showing assessed values for real and personal property taxes.
Elections & Voter Records
Red Level voters are served by the Covington County Board of Registrars and the Covington County Probate Court, which administers elections from 1 Court Square, Andalusia, AL 36420, phone (334) 428-2550. Alabama voter registration can be completed online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at www.alabamavotes.gov, which offers a streamlined registration system requiring a valid Alabama driver's license or non-driver ID. The registration deadline is 15 days before any election. Residents must be U.S. citizens, Alabama residents, at least 18 years old by election day, and not disqualified by felony conviction (unless rights restored). Red Level conducts municipal elections for mayor and town council positions every four years in August, with the most recent cycle in August 2024 and the next scheduled for August 2028. Candidates file with the Red Level Town Clerk, and ballots may include local issues such as property tax measures or ordinance referendums. The town typically has low-turnout elections with voting conducted at Red Level School. For general elections, Red Level residents vote in Covington County precincts; polling place assignments can be found through the Alabama Secretary of State's polling place locator at www.alabamavotes.gov or by contacting the Probate Court. In the November 2024 presidential election, Covington County reported approximately 55% voter turnout, with around 13,500 ballots cast from roughly 24,500 registered voters, continuing the county's pattern of Republican preference in federal races. The November 3, 2026 general election will feature Alabama's gubernatorial race (Governor Kay Ivey's term expires, with primaries in May/June 2026), all seven U.S. House seats including Alabama's 2nd District which covers Covington County, statewide constitutional officers including Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, and state legislature seats for both the Alabama Senate District 28 and Alabama House District 93 covering Red Level. County offices including Covington County Commission seats, sheriff, revenue commissioner, and probate judge will also appear on the 2026 ballot. Absentee voting in Alabama requires an approved excuse (illness, absence from county, working required hours, election official, over 65, etc.). Applications are available at www.alabamavotes.gov and must be submitted to the Covington County Absentee Election Manager at the Probate Court; voted ballots must be received by Election Day. Public election records in Alabama include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State's Fair Campaign Practices Act division (searchable at www.fcpa.alabamavotes.gov), candidate qualifying information, and precinct-level election results published by the Secretary of State and county probate offices after certification.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal (Alacourt.com subscription required) | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor + Partial Recorder Access | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering (VitalChek through state) | Business: ✅ Free State Database (AL Secretary of State) | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 7.5/10 — Covington County and Alabama provide strong digital access to most public records, with free property assessor data, online court portal, inmate rosters, state business entity search, and vital records ordering, though some land documents and older records still require in-person requests or fees for full access.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Red Level, Covington County, Alabama to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Red Level, Alabama, you will be transported to the Covington County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Covington County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Covington County Clerk of Courts for case information.
2 What are the school district and education performance data for Red Level, Covington County, Alabama?
The Red Level area is served by public school districts in Covington County, Alabama. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Alabama Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
3 What are the crime statistics for Red Level, Covington County, Alabama?
Crime statistics for Red Level, Alabama are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Red Level Police Department on their official website. The Alabama Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
4 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Red Level, Covington County, Alabama Library?
The Red Level Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Alabama government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
5 Where is the Red Level, Covington County, Alabama Public Library located?
The Red Level Public Library main branch is located in Red Level, Alabama. Check the Red Level city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
6 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Red Level, Covington County, Alabama?
Fingerprinting services in Red Level, Alabama are available through the Red Level Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Covington County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
7 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Red Level, Covington County, Alabama, and what information is provided in the records?
To obtain vital records in Red Level, Alabama, contact the Alabama Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Covington County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
8 About Police Reports
Police reports from Red Level, Alabama can be obtained from the Red Level Police Department or the Covington County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Alabama Open Meetings Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Alabama DMV.
9 About background check
A background check in Red Level, Covington County, Alabama typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Alabama criminal history report through the Alabama Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.