About Sharkey County
Sharkey County is located in the Mississippi Delta region of northwestern Mississippi, bordered by the Mississippi River to the west. Established in 1876, the county was named after William L. Sharkey, a provisional governor of Mississippi during Reconstruction. The county seat is Rolling Fork, situated approximately 60 miles northwest of Jackson. With a total area of 437 square miles, Sharkey County is one of the smaller counties in Mississippi by land area. The 2020 Census recorded a population of approximately 3,800 residents, making it one of the least populated counties in the state.
The county's geography is dominated by rich alluvial soil characteristic of the Mississippi Delta, with flat terrain ideal for agriculture. Major landmarks include the Issaquena National Wildlife Refuge along the Mississippi River and historic downtown Rolling Fork. The county economy has historically been agricultural, with cotton and soybeans as primary crops.
The Sharkey County Courthouse, located at 400 Locust Street in Rolling Fork, houses most county offices including the Chancery Clerk, Circuit Clerk, Tax Assessor, and Tax Collector. The Sharkey County Board of Supervisors maintains administrative oversight of county operations. Notable historical events include the devastating tornado that struck Rolling Fork in March 2023, which brought national attention to this small Delta community.
The county's population has declined significantly since its peak in the mid-20th century due to agricultural mechanization and economic migration patterns common throughout the Mississippi Delta region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Sharkey County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also engages in community policing efforts and may have specialized divisions focusing on narcotics, investigations, and community outreach to enhance public safety.
Police Departments
In addition to the Sharkey County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by municipal police departments, including the Rolling Fork Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crime, and working closely with the sheriff's office on larger investigations. The Rolling Fork Police Department focuses on law enforcement within the city limits, while the sheriff's office covers the broader unincorporated areas of the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Sharkey County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 161 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in Rolling Fork, Mississippi, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (662) 873-2051 and maintains jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of Sharkey County as well as operating the county detention facility. Inmates housed at the Sharkey County Jail can be located by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours, as the county does not currently maintain a public online inmate roster.
- The Rolling Fork Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services within the city limits of Rolling Fork and can be contacted at (662) 873-6221.
- Written requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Sharkey County Sheriff's Office, and agencies have fourteen business days to respond under state law.
Anguilla, the only other incorporated county in Sharkey County, maintains limited police services coordinated with the Sheriff's Office. Mississippi public records law, specifically Mississippi Code § 25-61-1 et seq. (Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983), grants citizens the right to access arrest records and booking information.
Mugshots and booking photographs are considered public records in Mississippi and can be obtained through formal public records requests to the Sheriff's Office, though response times may vary based on staffing and resources. The county jail is a small facility primarily used for short-term detention of arrestees awaiting initial appearances and those serving misdemeanor sentences. Felony offenders are typically transferred to regional or state facilities.
There are no tribal police jurisdictions in Sharkey County. The Mississippi Highway Patrol also maintains jurisdiction over state highways and interstates passing through the county.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Sharkey County encompass a range of documents, including felony and misdemeanor charges, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. The Sharkey County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Mississippi Public Records Act. Residents can conduct background checks by contacting these offices or utilizing state resources like the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides broader access to statewide criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Sharkey County are maintained by the Sharkey County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, such as the date, charges, and arresting officer. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office directly, often requiring a formal request under the Mississippi Public Records Act. Arrest records typically contain information about the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and any court proceedings related to the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Sharkey County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process at this facility involves recording the individual's personal information, charges, and taking a mugshot. Inmates can be located through an inmate lookup system, which is often available online or by contacting the detention center directly. Visitation rules at the Sharkey County Detention Center typically require scheduling in advance, and visitors must adhere to strict guidelines regarding conduct and dress code.
- The bond and bail process follows Mississippi state laws, allowing arrested individuals to be released pending trial upon payment of bail, which can be arranged through the sheriff's office or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Sharkey County are taken and retained by the Sharkey County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or potentially through online databases that compile public records. To search for mugshots, individuals may need to submit a formal request to the sheriff's office, as these images are considered part of the public record.
Courts & Case Records
Sharkey County is served by the Tenth Chancery Court District and the Fourth Circuit Court District of Mississippi. The Sharkey County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $75,000, and appeals from lower courts. The Sharkey County Chancery Court handles matters including divorce, child custody, estate administration, guardianships, and property disputes. Both courts convene at the Sharkey County Courthouse, 400 Locust Street, Rolling Fork, MS 38755.
- The Sharkey County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, small claims up to $3,500, and civil matters up to $7,500.
- Case searches can be conducted through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system at courts.ms.gov, which provides online access to circuit and chancery court dockets and case information for Sharkey County.
- Justice Court records typically require in-person requests at the Justice Court Clerk's office.
- Some case types may require additional research fees.
Municipal courts in Rolling Fork and Anguilla address city ordinance violations and traffic citations within their respective jurisdictions. Mississippi Code § 9-1-43 and § 25-61-9 establish the public's right to access court records, though certain sealed records and juvenile matters are restricted. Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee of $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee through the Sharkey County Circuit Clerk's office at (662) 873-2755 or the Chancery Clerk's office at (662) 873-2755.
The county participates in the statewide case management system, though remote access capabilities may be limited compared to larger Mississippi counties.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Sharkey County are maintained by the Sharkey County Chancery Clerk, who serves as the county's Register of Deeds. The Chancery Clerk's office is located at 400 Locust Street, Rolling Fork, MS 38755, and can be reached at (662) 873-2755. Available records include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage releases, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, rights-of-way, plat maps, and subdivision records. The office maintains an indexed record system dating back to the county's formation in 1876.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- The Tax Assessor provides property valuations, ownership information, and parcel identification numbers.
- While Sharkey County does not maintain a publicly accessible online GIS mapping system, parcel information can be requested in person.
Property records searches can be conducted in person during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sharkey County does not currently offer a comprehensive online property records search system, though the Mississippi Land Records Management Division is working to digitize records statewide. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Sharkey County Tax Assessor's office at the same courthouse address, phone (662) 873-2761.
Tax payment records and delinquent tax information are available through the Sharkey County Tax Collector's office. Researchers seeking historical property records may need to visit the courthouse in person, as older records may not be digitized.
Vital Records
Vital records for Sharkey County are managed through the Sharkey County Chancery Clerk's office and the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records division. Birth certificates for births occurring in Sharkey County can be requested through the Chancery Clerk's office at 400 Locust Street, Rolling Fork, MS 38755, phone (662) 873-2755. The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $15.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Death certificates are also available through the Chancery Clerk's office for deaths occurring in the county, with the same fee structure.
- Processing time for vital records requests at the county level is typically 3-5 business days, though this may vary based on record age and office workload.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Sharkey County Circuit Clerk's office at the same courthouse location, with a fee of $21.00.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at msdh.ms.gov/vitalrecords with additional processing fees.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all in-person vital records requests.
Mississippi law requires a three-day waiting period between license issuance and the ceremony unless waived for good cause. Divorce records are maintained by the Chancery Clerk as part of the court record system. For records that cannot be obtained locally or for expedited service, the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office provides statewide access at 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive, Jackson, MS 39216, phone (601) 576-7981.
Mississippi Code § 41-57-1 et seq. governs vital records access, with birth records restricted to immediate family members and death records available to the public.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing information in Sharkey County are available through multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. The Sharkey County Chancery Clerk's office at 400 Locust Street, Rolling Fork, maintains records of fictitious business names (DBA filings) and certain local business registrations. The fee for filing a fictitious business name is approximately $25.00.
- The online business entity search is free and provides information on business formation dates, registered agents, principal addresses, and entity status.
- Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use approvals in unincorporated Sharkey County are processed through the Sharkey County Board of Supervisors office at the courthouse, phone (662) 873-2211.
For comprehensive business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and registered business names, the Mississippi Secretary of State Business Services Division maintains the official statewide database accessible at sos.ms.gov/business-services. Professional licenses including attorneys, medical professionals, contractors, and other regulated occupations are managed by their respective Mississippi state licensing boards rather than at the county level. Sales tax permits and revenue-related business registrations are handled by the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Municipalities handle their own business licensing and permit requirements within city limits. The Mississippi Delta Council serves the economic development interests of the Delta region including Sharkey County and can be reached at msdeltacouncil.com. While Sharkey County does not maintain a traditional chamber of commerce, regional economic development resources are available through Delta regional organizations.
Business owners should contact the Board of Supervisors office to determine specific local licensing requirements.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Sharkey County is managed by the Sharkey County Circuit Clerk's office, which serves as the county's election commissioner. The office is located at 400 Locust Street, Rolling Fork, MS 38755, and can be reached at (662) 873-2755 for election-related inquiries. Voter registration in Mississippi is available online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at yallvote.sos.ms.gov, where eligible citizens can register, check registration status, and update voter information.
- The 2024 general election saw turnout in Sharkey County consistent with typical Mississippi Delta patterns, generally ranging between 50-60% of registered voters in presidential election years.
- Absentee ballot applications are available from the Circuit Clerk's office and must be requested in writing.
- Election transparency in Sharkey County allows citizens to request election-related public records under the Mississippi Public Records Act, though voter-specific information is protected by privacy statutes.
Registration applications must be received at least 30 days before an election for the applicant to be eligible to vote in that election. In-person registration is available at the Circuit Clerk's office during regular business hours. Mississippi requires voters to present an acceptable form of photo identification at the polls, including Mississippi driver's licenses, U.S.
passports, government employee ID cards, student IDs from accredited Mississippi institutions, tribal photo IDs, or Mississippi Voter Identification cards available free from Circuit Clerk offices. Voters can locate their assigned polling place by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office or using the polling place lookup tool at yallvote.sos.ms.gov. Public election records in Mississippi include voter registration rolls (with certain personal information redacted), precinct-level election results, candidate qualifying information, and campaign finance reports for local candidates.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, and various Mississippi state and local offices.
Absentee voting in Mississippi requires voters to meet specific criteria including being away from the county on election day, having a temporary or permanent physical disability, being 65 or older, being a parent or caretaker of a dependent with a disability, or being required to work during polling hours. Mississippi Code § 23-15-625 governs absentee voting procedures.
Economy & Demographics
Sharkey County's economy is predominantly agricultural, with row crop farming serving as the primary economic driver. The county's rich Delta soil supports extensive cotton, soybean, corn, and rice production on large-scale farming operations. Agriculture accounts for the majority of employment and economic output, with mechanized farming techniques dominating production methods. Major employers include large agricultural operations, farm equipment suppliers, crop dusting services, and agricultural chemical distributors.
- The median household income in Sharkey County was approximately $26,900 according to recent Census estimates, significantly below the Mississippi state median and among the lowest in the nation.
The poverty rate exceeds 40%, reflecting economic challenges common throughout the Mississippi Delta region. Manufacturing has a limited presence in the county, with most industrial activity concentrated in larger Delta communities. The service sector includes local government, schools, healthcare clinics, retail establishments, and restaurants primarily serving local residents.
Rolling Fork serves as the commercial center with grocery stores, gas stations, dollar stores, and other essential services. The devastating March 2023 tornado that struck Rolling Fork created both immediate economic disruption and longer-term reconstruction opportunities, with federal and state disaster recovery funding supporting rebuilding efforts. Unemployment rates in Sharkey County typically exceed state and national averages, with seasonal agricultural employment patterns creating fluctuation.
Economic development efforts focus on agricultural diversification, small business support, infrastructure improvement, and workforce development. The county's location along the Mississippi River historically provided transportation advantages, though modern economic activity relies primarily on highway access. Tourism is minimal, though Delta heritage tourism and outdoor recreation along the river offer limited potential for economic diversification.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ Limited Online (MEC System) | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: ❌ No Online Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Mail | Business: ✅ Online (State Level) | Elections: ✅ Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 4/10 — Sharkey County relies heavily on in-person record access with limited digital infrastructure for local records searches.
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Cities & Towns in Sharkey County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Sharkey County, Mississippi.
Nearby Counties
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