About Selma

Law enforcement in Selma is primarily managed by the Selma Police Department, which maintains public safety and enforces the law within the city limits. Arrest records and criminal records are systematically documented and accessible to the public, reflecting the department's commitment to transparency. For people seeking to obtain information about inmates or criminal history, the Dallas County Jail offers resources to search inmate records and request background checks. The Selma Police Department has implemented community policing strategies to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and residents, thereby enhancing public trust and safety. Under the Alabama Open Records Law, residents can request public records through various local offices, for public access. The Dallas County Clerk's office is the go-to destination for vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, where requests can be made in person or by mail. Property records can be accessed through the Dallas Revenue Commissioner’s office, while court records are available at the Dallas County Circuit Court, which provides both in-person and online access to relevant documents. For added convenience, the county has developed online portals that help with easy searching of essential records, helping residents manage their documentation needs efficiently.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Selma

Selma Police Department

Selma Police Department 1300 Alabama Avenue Selma, AL 36703

https://selma-al.gov/departments/police-department/

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Selma

Municipal Court - The City of Selma Alabama

Mayor Johnny “Skip” Moss, III welcomes you to the Dallas County seat in the largest contiguous historic district in the State of Alabama. The City is best known for the 1960s Selma Voting Rights Movement and the Selma to Montgomery marches of 1965. “Queen City of the Black Belt” · Departments · Building Inspector · City Clerk · City Attorney · Cemetery · Finance · Fire Department · Inert Landfill · Information Technology · Municipal Court ·

🔗 https://selma-al.gov/departments/municipal-court/

🏠 Property & Public Records in Selma

Dallas County Probate Judge

Property records for Selma, Alabama are maintained by the Dallas County Probate Judge. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Dallas County, including Selma.

Public Records & Services in Selma

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Selma, Dallas County, Alabama are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Alabama Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Selma, Dallas County, Alabama is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting the Selma police department or the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Selma Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Dallas County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Selma, Alabama residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Dallas County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Selma Police Department or Dallas County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.

About Selma — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Dallas County Jail in Selma is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within Dallas County. Once brought to the facility, detainees go through a standard booking process that includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording of personal information. Visitation at the facility operates under specific rules, typically requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance.

Arrest Records

The Dallas County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest, the charges filed, and personal information about the arrestee. Anyone seeking these records - whether residents or attorneys - can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Such requests often require a formal application under the Alabama Open Records Act. The records themselves typically include the date of arrest, specific charges filed, and which agency made the arrest, offering a complete picture of the incident.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Dallas County covers a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which offers statewide criminal history information. The sex offender registry is publicly accessible, allowing residents to stay informed about offenders in their area.

Vital Records

The Dallas County Health Department, headquartered at 900 Alabama Avenue, Selma, AL 36701, is the primary resource for accessing vital records in the Selma area. This department maintains and provides copies of birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses For people within the 36703, 36701, and 36702 ZIP code areas. Residents can contact the Health Department at (334) 874-2550 to request these important documents or to inquire about the process for obtaining them.

Business & Licensing Records

The City of Selma's Department of Economic Development, located at 222 Broad Street, Selma, AL 36701, handles business licenses, zoning permits, and other documentation required for commercial activities within city limits. The department assists local businesses with the necessary paperwork and approvals to operate legally, while also supporting broader economic growth and development initiatives. Anyone interested in establishing or expanding a business presence in the area can contact the Department of Economic Development at (334) 874-2100 for guidance through the process.

Economy & Demographics

Selma's economy has historically been driven by a range of industries, including manufacturing, commerce, and agriculture. Major employers in the city include International Paper, Hyundai Mobis, and Sysco Foods, all of which contribute to the local workforce. The city's annual events, such as the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, also play a significant role in attracting visitors and generating revenue for the community. According to the U.S.
Census Bureau, the median household income in Selma is $28,746, slightly lower than the statewide average, underscoring the need for continued economic development and job creation initiatives in this Alabama city.

Elections & Voter Records

The Dallas County Probate Office administers elections for Selma voters, serving as both the Board of Registrars and the local election authority. Located at 105 Lauderdale Street, Suite 107, Selma, AL 36701, the office can be reached at 334-874-2511 or through dallascountyal.gov. Alabama residents can register to vote online through the Alabama Secretary of State website at alabamainteractive.org/sos/voter_registration, or submit a paper application directly to the Dallas County Board of Registrars.
State law requires registration at least 14 days before an election, and online registration requires a valid Alabama driver's license or non-driver ID number. Municipal elections in the city follow a four-year cycle for the mayor and nine council members. The most recent municipal elections took place in August 2024, when residents elected their mayor and council, which means the next round won't occur until 2028. Voters who need to find their assigned polling location can use the lookup tool on the Alabama Secretary of State website at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov by entering their name and date of birth, or they can contact the Dallas County Probate Office directly. Election records available to the public include voter registration lists with certain personal information redacted, campaign finance reports filed with the Alabama Secretary of State's Fair Campaign Practices Act division, candidate qualifying information, and certified election results broken down by precinct. Alabama's absentee voting process requires voters to request an absentee ballot application from the Dallas County Absentee Election Manager. Applications can be submitted by mail, and completed ballots must be returned with signatures from two witnesses or a notary. Early voting takes place at the Probate Office beginning several days before election day.

Public Records Resources for Selma, Alabama

Official government websites for Selma, Alabama and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.

  Nearby Cities in Dallas County, Alabama

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City Info
StateAlabama
CountyDallas
Population17,442
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Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Selma, Alabama, residents can register online through the Alabama Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Dallas 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 Selma, contact the Dallas County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Selma, Alabama are maintained by the Dallas Revenue Commissioner's Office and the Dallas County Probate Judge's Office. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Dallas County, including parcels in Selma. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Dallas 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 Dallas County Revenue Commissioner handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
Birth, death, and marriage records for Selma, 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 Dallas County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Dallas 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.