About Scott County
Scott County is located in the central portion of Mississippi, encompassing approximately 610 square miles of rolling hills and pine forests. The county seat is Forest, Mississippi, situated along U.S. Highway 80 and Interstate 20. Established in 1833, Scott County was named after Abram M. Scott, the last Governor of the Mississippi Territory. The county's population is approximately 28,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
Scott County is divided into five supervisory districts and is served by a traditional county government structure including the Scott County Board of Supervisors, the Chancery Clerk, Circuit Clerk, Tax Assessor, Tax Collector, and Sheriff. The county is home to several notable communities including Forest, Morton, Lake, and Sebastopol. The area's economy has historically been anchored by timber, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The Bienville National Forest covers portions of the northeastern section of the county, providing recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Scott County is also notable for its diverse population, with significant Native American heritage from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, whose reservation overlaps with portions of the county. The Scott County Complex is located at 100 East Main Street in Forest, housing many county offices.
The county's central location along the I-20 corridor between Jackson and Meridian has made it an attractive location for industrial development and distribution facilities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Scott County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. The office handles patrol duties, processes arrests, and manages the county jail. It also maintains criminal records and works closely with other local law enforcement agencies. The sheriff's office is known for its community outreach programs and initiatives aimed at reducing crime through education and collaboration with residents.
Police Departments
Scott County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Scott County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Forest and Morton. The Forest Police Department and Morton Police Department handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. These agencies coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and regional issues, ensuring comprehensive coverage and response throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Scott County Sheriff's Office, located at 104 East First Street in Forest, Mississippi 39074, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (601) 469-1511 and maintains a detention facility adjacent to the main office. Inmate information for the Scott County Detention Center can be obtained by calling the facility directly or visiting the office in person during business hours, as the county does not currently maintain a comprehensive online inmate roster.
- Arrest records requests should be submitted in writing to the Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department, and requesters may be charged reasonable fees for copies.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Mississippi and can be requested from the Sheriff's Office, though the county does not provide an online searchable database.
- Processing times for records requests typically range from several days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Arrest records and booking information are maintained by the Sheriff's Office and can be requested under the Mississippi Public Records Act, codified at Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq., which provides that public records shall be available for inspection and copying by any citizen during regular business hours. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Forest Police Department, which serves the county seat, and the Morton Police Department, which serves the Town of Morton. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians also maintains its own Choctaw Police Department with jurisdiction on tribal lands within Scott County.
For recent arrests, local media outlets and the Scott County Times often publish arrest reports and booking information.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Scott County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registrations. The Scott County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records. Residents can request background checks through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history information. The bureau's services are essential for employers and individuals seeking detailed background information.
- The sex offender registry is also accessible to the public, providing information on registered offenders in the area.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Scott County are maintained by the Scott County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. The Mississippi Public Records Act governs the release of such information, ensuring transparency while protecting sensitive data. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges, and the arresting officer's details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Scott County Detention Center, located in Forest, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested in the county. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the sheriff's office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance. The bond and bail process follows Mississippi state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Scott County are taken and retained by the Scott County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. While Mississippi does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges. Mugshots are often used in conjunction with arrest records for identification and legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Scott County is served by the Chancery Court and Circuit Court, both located in the Scott County Courthouse at 100 East Main Street in Forest, Mississippi 39074. The Circuit Court, part of the Eighth Circuit Court District, handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $200,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Circuit Clerk's office can be reached at (601) 469-1922 and maintains records for both criminal and civil circuit court proceedings.
- Scott County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil matters up to $3,500, and evictions.
- The Circuit Clerk's office charges fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- While some Mississippi counties offer online case search portals, Scott County primarily requires in-person or written requests for court record searches.
- Interested parties can visit the respective clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, to inspect court files and request copies.
The Scott County Chancery Court handles domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, estate and probate matters, property disputes, guardianships, and civil cases involving equity. The Chancery Clerk's office, which also serves as the county's primary recording office, can be reached at (601) 469-1255. There are five Justice Court judges corresponding to the five supervisor districts.
Municipal courts in Forest and Morton handle violations of city ordinances and minor traffic offenses within city limits. Court records in Mississippi are generally public under Mississippi Code § 25-61-5, though certain records involving juveniles and sealed cases are restricted.
Property & Public Records
The Scott County Chancery Clerk serves as the county's Register of Deeds and maintains all land records, property transactions, deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, plat maps, and other real property documents. The Chancery Clerk's office is located at 100 East Main Street, Forest, MS 39074, and can be reached at (601) 469-1255. All real property instruments recorded in Scott County are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, with records dating back to the county's establishment in 1833.
- Interested parties must visit the Chancery Clerk's office in person or submit written requests to search land records.
- Recording fees vary based on the type and length of the document, with standard deeds typically costing $18.00 for the first two pages and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Certified copies can be obtained for an additional fee.
- Requests for certified copies of deeds and other recorded instruments should be directed to the Chancery Clerk's office with specific information about the property or parties involved.
The office maintains both physical record books and has begun digitizing more recent documents, though a comprehensive online search portal is not currently available to the public. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Scott County Tax Assessor's office, also located in the county complex at 100 East Main Street. The Tax Assessor can be contacted at (601) 469-1314 and maintains current ownership information, assessed values, and parcel data for all real property in the county.
Property tax payment records are handled by the Scott County Tax Collector. While Scott County does not currently offer a public-facing GIS or online parcel viewer system, the Assessor's office can provide property information during regular business hours.
Vital Records
Vital records for births and deaths occurring in Scott County, Mississippi are maintained at both the county and state level. Birth certificates for births occurring in Scott County can be requested from the Scott County Circuit Clerk's office at 100 East Main Street, Forest, MS 39074, phone (601) 469-1922, or from the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office in Jackson. The state vital records office is generally the more comprehensive source, maintaining records from 1912 to present.
- Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and can be obtained from either the county Circuit Clerk or the State Department of Health.
- Processing times for vital records requests are typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and can be same-day or next-day for in-person requests at the state office.
- The marriage license fee is $21.00, and there is no waiting period in Mississippi.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10.00 each.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Scott County Circuit Clerk's office, and couples must apply in person with valid photo identification. Divorce records are maintained by the Chancery Clerk's office where the divorce was filed and granted. Mississippi vital records law is codified at Mississippi Code § 41-57-1 et seq., which establishes who may obtain certified copies of vital records.
Generally, only the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order may obtain certified copies of birth and death certificates. The Mississippi State Department of Health offers online ordering of vital records through VitalChek, though additional processing fees apply for this convenience service. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate their eligibility to receive certified copies.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Scott County, Mississippi operates through multiple levels of government. Local business licenses and permits are administered by the respective municipalities, with the City of Forest and Town of Morton each maintaining their own business licensing requirements. The Scott County Chancery Clerk's office at 100 East Main Street in Forest handles the filing of trade names and fictitious business names (doing business as or DBA filings) for businesses operating in the county.
- This database is free to search and provides comprehensive information about all businesses registered to operate in Mississippi.
- The Scott County Chamber of Commerce, serving both Forest and Scott County, provides resources for businesses and maintains information about the local business community.
These filings are public records and can be searched by visiting the Chancery Clerk's office in person or by calling (601) 469-1255. For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other registered entities, businesses must file with the Mississippi Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://business.sos.ms.gov where the public can look up registered business entities, view annual reports, registered agents, and corporate status information.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, and cosmetologists are issued by the relevant Mississippi state licensing boards, not at the county level. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits in unincorporated Scott County are handled by the Scott County Planning and Zoning Department, while incorporated municipalities handle their own permitting.
Economic development initiatives are coordinated through the Scott County Development Foundation, which works to recruit new businesses and support existing enterprises in the county.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Scott County, Mississippi are administered by the Scott County Election Commission and the Circuit Clerk, who serves as the county's primary election official. The Circuit Clerk's office is located at 100 East Main Street, Forest, MS 39074, and can be reached at (601) 469-1922 for election-related inquiries.
- Mississippi law requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election in order to be eligible to vote in that election.
- The Mississippi Secretary of State's office maintains statewide campaign finance disclosure records searchable online.
- In the November 2024 general election, Scott County saw voter turnout of approximately 58-62 percent of registered voters, consistent with typical Mississippi county turnout for presidential elections.
Voter registration in Scott County can be completed in person at the Circuit Clerk's office, by mail using the Mississippi Voter Registration Application, or online through the Mississippi Online Voter Registration system at https://www.ms.gov/sos/voter_registration. Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their assigned polling place by using the polling place locator on the Mississippi Secretary of State's website or by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office directly. Scott County operates multiple precinct polling locations throughout the county on election day, with specific locations determined by voter residence address.
Election records that are public in Mississippi include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted for privacy), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political action committees, candidate qualifying information, and official election results by precinct. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, and will include U.S. House of Representatives races for Mississippi's four congressional districts, potential U.S.
Senate races depending on the election cycle, and various state legislative seats. Mississippi does not have partisan registration, so all voters receive the same ballot in general elections. Absentee voting in Scott County is available for qualified voters who meet specific criteria under Mississippi law, including being away from the county on election day, having a temporary or permanent physical disability, being 65 years or older, being a parent or caretaker of a dependent with a disability, or being required to work during polling hours.
Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office, and voted ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on election day to be counted. Mississippi does not offer universal no-excuse absentee voting or widespread mail-in voting. Under Mississippi's public records laws, citizens may request copies of election materials, precinct results, and other election-related public documents through the Circuit Clerk's office, subject to reasonable copying fees.
Economy & Demographics
Scott County's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from manufacturing, timber, agriculture, and gaming enterprises. The county's location along Interstate 20 has made it attractive for distribution and logistics operations. Major employers in Scott County include several manufacturing facilities, including automotive parts manufacturers and food processing plants. The poultry industry maintains a significant presence, with processing facilities providing hundreds of jobs.
- The median household income in Scott County is estimated at approximately $42,000, which is below the state median, reflecting the county's rural character.
- This tribal economic activity provides significant employment and tax revenue benefits to the region.
The timber industry remains important to the local economy, with both private and National Forest lands providing sustainable harvest opportunities. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and row crops, continues as a traditional economic sector. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians operates several economic enterprises within the county, including the Pearl River Resort, which features two casino hotels (Golden Moon and Silver Star), a championship golf course, and entertainment venues.
The Choctaw Health Center and tribal government operations also contribute substantially to employment. Unemployment rates in Scott County have historically tracked slightly higher than state averages but have shown improvement with industrial recruitment efforts. Recent economic development has focused on attracting advanced manufacturing and distribution centers that can take advantage of the county's interstate highway access and available workforce.
The Scott County Development Foundation actively markets available industrial sites and buildings. Retail and service sectors are concentrated in Forest and Morton, serving both local residents and interstate travelers. Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and government operations round out the employment base for the county's approximately 28,000 residents.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone Required | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or State Portal | Business: ✅ State Online (local in-person) | Elections: ✅ State Online Resources | Overall Score: 5/10 — Scott County maintains traditional in-person public records access with limited online services, though state-level portals provide some digital options.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Scott County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Scott County, Mississippi.
Nearby Counties
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