Access Avondale Background Check Records
Avondale background check records come from the Avondale Police Department in this growing West Valley community. The city has around 90,000 residents and continues to expand. Police record services help residents and others get the documents they need. However, the department has suspended its public fingerprinting program, so you will need to use alternative providers for that service. All other police record requests can still be made through the department.
Avondale Quick Facts
Avondale Police Department Records
The Avondale Police Department processes all local criminal records for the city. Visit them at 11485 W Civic Center Dr, Avondale, AZ 85323. The main phone number is (623) 333-7000. For records specifically, call (623) 333-7002. You can also email questions to EmailPoliceDepartment@avondaleaz.gov.
Office hours run Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The department is closed on Fridays. This four-day schedule is important to know before planning a visit. If you need help on a Friday, call ahead earlier in the week or try online options.
The DPS Public Services Portal provides access to statewide background check applications and status tracking.
For background checks that require a Fingerprint Clearance Card, you will work through this state system rather than local police.
The department maintains incident reports, arrest records, accident reports, and case files. They can provide copies of these documents through a public records request. Arizona's public records law gives people the right to access most government documents with some exceptions for privacy and ongoing investigations.
Avondale Fingerprinting Alternatives
The Avondale Police Department is not currently offering fingerprinting services to the public. This service has been suspended, and there is no set date for when it might return. If you need fingerprints for an application, license, or other purpose, you must find an alternative provider.
The closest option for many Avondale residents is the UPS Store at 11435 W. Buckeye Road. Call them at (623) 936-4214 to confirm they offer fingerprinting and to check their hours. Fees vary by location but usually run $20 to $30 for ink-rolled prints. Another provider is 911 Drug Testing at 7802 N 43rd Ave #1 in Glendale. Their number is (480) 681-0400.
For electronic fingerprinting needed for an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, you must use a DPS-approved vendor like Fieldprint. Start your application through the DPS Public Services Portal first. The system gives you a reference number to use when scheduling at a Fieldprint location.
Some nearby cities like Peoria and Surprise still offer fingerprinting through their police departments. However, they may restrict services to their own residents. Call ahead to ask about eligibility before making a trip.
Note: Fingerprinting availability changes often. Always call providers before visiting to confirm they can help you.
How to Get Avondale Police Records
Requesting records from Avondale Police can be done in person, by mail, or by email. Each method works for different situations.
In-person visits let you ask questions and sometimes get simple records the same day. Go to 11485 W Civic Center Dr during business hours. Bring a valid ID. Tell the staff what records you need. They will explain any fees and how long processing takes. Remember that the office closes at 6:00 PM and is not open Fridays.
Email requests go to EmailPoliceDepartment@avondaleaz.gov. Include your full name, contact info, and clear details about what records you want. Provide dates, names, case numbers, or addresses that help staff find the right documents. The more specific your request, the faster they can respond.
Mailed requests go to the same address as the police department. Include a letter explaining what you need, your return address, and a phone number. The department will contact you about fees before releasing records. You can also check the Avondale city records page for more information on procedures.
Maricopa County Records for Avondale
Avondale is part of Maricopa County, Arizona's most populous county. County offices handle certain records that local police do not maintain. Understanding which agency has what records saves time in your search.
The Maricopa County Superior Court handles all court cases. Use ECR Online to search civil and criminal court records for free. The system shows case status, filings, and hearing dates. Copies of documents may cost extra to download. The Clerk of Superior Court is at 601 W. Jackson Street in Phoenix. Phone: (602) 372-5375.
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office maintains records for unincorporated county areas near Avondale. Their main office is at 550 West Jackson Street, Phoenix. For fingerprinting, the sheriff offers ink-rolled prints on a walk-in basis. No appointment needed. This is one option if you cannot find fingerprinting elsewhere.
Court record copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies run $35.00. Crime victims can get their first incident report free under Arizona law. Sheriff's office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM for criminal records.
Arizona State Background Check System
The Arizona Department of Public Safety manages the statewide criminal history database. Their Central State Repository keeps records of arrests and dispositions from all Arizona law enforcement agencies. For comprehensive background checks, you often need to go through DPS rather than local police.
The Fingerprint Clearance Card is Arizona's main credential for background checks. Teachers, healthcare workers, child care providers, and many others need this card. Apply online through DPS at psp.azdps.gov. Standard applications cost $67.00 plus around $20 to $25 for electronic fingerprinting.
Cards stay valid for six years. The state monitors cardholders through a rap back system. If you get arrested after getting your card, DPS is notified automatically. Some offenses can cause your card to be suspended or revoked.
If you have a criminal history that blocks you from getting a clearance card, the Arizona Board of Fingerprinting may grant an exception. This good cause exception process looks at your specific circumstances. Contact the board at (602) 265-0135 or visit fingerprint.az.gov to learn more about exceptions.
Arizona statutes define how the background check system works. A.R.S. 41-1758.03 lists what offenses block regular clearance cards. A.R.S. 41-1750 establishes the Central State Repository.
Avondale Background Check Fees
Fees for police records in Avondale vary by document type. Arizona public records law allows agencies to recover their costs for search time and copying. The department will tell you the total before releasing records.
Expect to pay per page for paper copies. Most agencies charge between $0.25 and $0.50 per page. Some records have flat fees regardless of length. Ask staff for a fee schedule if you need to budget for your request.
Crime victims often qualify for a free copy of the incident report for their case. This right comes from A.R.S. 39-127. You may need to provide proof that you are the victim or the victim's authorized representative.
Payment methods vary. Call the records line at (623) 333-7002 to ask what forms of payment they accept. Cash is often accepted for in-person payments. Mail-in requests typically require money orders or cashier's checks.
Nearby Arizona Cities
Other West Valley cities have their own police record services. For incidents in those areas, contact their departments directly. Some may offer services that Avondale does not currently provide.