Find Yuma Background Check Records

Yuma background check services are provided by the Yuma Police Department in this southwestern Arizona city. With a population around 100,000, Yuma serves as the county seat and largest city in Yuma County. The police department offers a unique benefit that few other Arizona cities provide: free fingerprinting services on certain days. This makes Yuma an excellent option for residents and nearby individuals who need prints for various purposes or licensing.

Yuma Police Department Records

The Yuma Police Department handles all local law enforcement records for the city. Their main address is 1500 South 1st Avenue, Yuma, AZ 85364-1436. The general phone number is (928) 373-4700. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Records requests can be submitted by email to YPDFOIArequests@yumaaz.gov. This is the Freedom of Information Act request line for the department. Include details about what records you need, such as dates, names, and case numbers if known. Staff will respond with information about availability and any fees.

The Arizona DPS fingerprint clearance system processes background checks for positions requiring state certification.

For positions requiring an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card, you will need to apply through DPS even though you get the actual prints done locally in Yuma.

The department maintains incident reports, arrest records, accident reports, and other law enforcement documents. Most records are public under Arizona law. Some records involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or sensitive matters may have restrictions on access. Staff can explain what is available when you make your request.

Free Yuma Police Fingerprinting

The Yuma Police Department offers free fingerprinting as a complimentary service to the community. This is a rare benefit in Arizona, where most agencies charge anywhere from $5 to $20 or more for fingerprints. Taking advantage of this service can save you money on licensing or clearance card applications.

Fingerprinting is available most Wednesdays at two times. The morning session runs from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. The afternoon session runs from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. These are limited windows, so plan ahead. The service is not available every single Wednesday, so calling ahead is important.

You must bring your own fingerprint cards. The police department does not provide them. Fingerprint cards are available from the agency or organization requesting your background check. You can also buy blank FBI fingerprint cards from office supply stores or online. Make sure you have the right type of card for your purpose.

To confirm fingerprinting is available on a specific Wednesday, call the police department at (928) 373-4700 before making the trip. Sessions can be canceled or moved due to staffing or other needs. This quick call ensures you do not waste time driving there when the service is not offered that day.

Note: Free fingerprinting is ink-rolled only. For electronic prints needed for some DPS clearance card applications, you will need a Fieldprint or other approved vendor.

Yuma County Records Services

Yuma city sits within Yuma County. County-level records are handled by different offices than city police. Understanding which agency has what records helps you get what you need faster.

The Yuma County Sheriff's Office maintains records for unincorporated county areas. Their records department is at 160 S. 3rd Avenue, Suite B, Yuma, AZ 85364. Phone: (928) 329-2254. The sheriff offers fingerprinting by appointment only at their main office and Foothills Substation. Fee is $3.00 per card.

County court records go through the Yuma County Superior Court. This includes civil cases, criminal cases, family court matters, and probate. The court's public access system lets you search case information online. For copies of documents, contact the Clerk of Court directly.

The county sheriff provides several records free of charge. Adult arrest records cost nothing. Booking photos are free. Letters of no record are also free. This is unusual compared to many Arizona counties that charge for these services. Case reports cost $3.00 and incident reports cost $1.00.

How to Request Yuma Police Records

Getting records from Yuma Police can be done by email, in person, or by mail. The method you choose depends on your timeline and what you need.

Email is the easiest way to start. Send your request to YPDFOIArequests@yumaaz.gov. Write a clear description of what records you want. Include your full name, phone number, and mailing address. Provide any case numbers, incident dates, or other details that help staff find your records quickly.

In-person visits work well when you want to pick up records or need help figuring out what to request. Go to 1500 South 1st Avenue during business hours. Bring a valid ID. Staff can look up your case and tell you what documents exist. Some records may be ready the same day for simple requests.

For mailed requests, send a letter to the same address. Include all the details mentioned above plus a return envelope. The department will notify you of any fees. You will need to pay before receiving your records. Processing times vary based on how busy staff are and how complex your request is.

Arizona State Background Check System

The Arizona Department of Public Safety operates the statewide criminal history system. Their Central State Repository holds arrest and disposition records from all law enforcement agencies in Arizona. For most background checks tied to licensing, you will work through DPS.

A Fingerprint Clearance Card from DPS is required for many positions. Teachers, healthcare workers, childcare providers, security guards, and others need this card. Apply online at psp.azdps.gov. The standard fee is $67.00 plus fingerprinting costs. Cards last six years.

Even with free fingerprints from Yuma Police, you may need electronic prints for your clearance card application. This depends on what submission method you choose. Ink cards can be mailed to DPS, while electronic prints go directly into the system. Ask your licensing board or agency which they prefer.

The Arizona Board of Fingerprinting handles denials and exceptions. If a past offense blocks your clearance card, you may qualify for a good cause exception. Contact them at (602) 265-0135 or visit fingerprint.az.gov to learn about the appeals process.

State law defines how background checks work. A.R.S. 41-1758.03 covers clearance card requirements and precluding offenses. A.R.S. 41-1750 establishes the Central State Repository that maintains criminal records.

Yuma Background Check Fees

The Yuma Police Department charges fees for certain record copies. Arizona public records law lets agencies recover their costs for search time and copying. However, fingerprinting is free at this department.

Document fees vary by type. Simple records may have minimal charges. Complex requests with many pages cost more. Crime victims often get their first incident report free under A.R.S. 39-127. Ask staff about this waiver if you are a crime victim.

The county sheriff has a clear fee schedule. Case reports cost $3.00. Incident reports cost $1.00. Traffic accident reports cost $3.00. Fingerprinting there costs $3.00 per card if you do not use the free city police service. Adult arrest records and booking photos are free from the sheriff.

Payment methods vary by agency. Call ahead to confirm what forms of payment are accepted. Most offices take cash for in-person payments. Money orders and cashier's checks work for mailed requests. Some agencies now accept cards online.

Nearby Arizona Cities

Yuma is somewhat isolated in the far southwest corner of Arizona. The closest major cities are in the Phoenix metro area, more than 180 miles away. For records from those areas, contact their police departments directly.