Dale County mugshots offer a transparent window into recent arrests, booking procedures, and inmate status within one of Alabama’s most active law enforcement jurisdictions. The county’s digital booking system updates every six hours, ensuring that records such as the August 10, 2022 detention of 34-year-old Patrick Stewart from Ozark appear quickly and accurately. Stewart was processed at the Dale County Detention Center after an intrusion report on Oak Avenue, charged with criminal trespass, and assigned incident number AL0260100. His fingerprint card, background check via the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), and $5,000 bail were all logged before a digital mugshot was captured and published for public review. This level of detail reflects the county’s commitment to accountability and real-time information sharing.
Each week, more than 150 new bookings flow into the Dale County online portal from agencies including the Ozark Police Department, Dale County Sheriff’s Office, and neighboring towns like Level Plains and Daleville. Users can search by name, booking date, or charge type using intuitive filters. Every record includes high-resolution mugshots, exact intake times, full charge descriptions, and inmate ID numbers. The database now holds over 12,000 verified entries linked directly to the Alabama Department of Corrections. For immediate assistance, the public can call the 24-hour hotline at 334-774-2335 or email tips@dalesheriff.org. Third-party services like GoLookUp and JailBase enhance access by offering background checks and historical data dating back to 1998.
How Dale County Mugshots Are Created and Published
When someone is arrested in Dale County, officers follow a strict booking protocol that ensures both legal compliance and public transparency. First, the individual is taken to the Dale County Detention Center located at 1200 South Main Street, Ozark, AL 36360. There, trained staff collect biometric data including fingerprints and a digital photograph—the mugshot. This image is not just a snapshot; it becomes part of an official record tied to case files, court proceedings, and ALEA databases. The photo is captured under standardized lighting and background conditions to maintain consistency across all entries.
After the mugshot is taken, staff verify the person’s identity, log their personal details (name, age, address), and input the primary charge(s) into the county’s secure digital system. Each booking receives a unique identifier, such as Booking #463 for Tommy Banks on August 9, 2022. The system automatically timestamps the entry and links it to the arresting agency—whether it’s Ozark PD, the Sheriff’s Office, or another municipal department. Within fifteen minutes, the record appears on public-facing portals like daleso.com and jailbase.com. This rapid update cycle ensures that family members, attorneys, and researchers have near real-time access to critical information.
Searching Dale County Mugshots: Tools, Filters, and Public Access
Residents and researchers can locate Dale County mugshots through multiple official and third-party platforms. The primary source is the Dale County Sheriff’s Office website, which hosts a live inmate roster updated every six hours. Users can sort by booking date, name, or charge category. For example, filtering by “narcotics” might reveal a June 2025 arrest in Level Plains involving controlled substances. Each result displays the inmate’s photo, age, booking time, and bond amount. Clicking “View Profile” opens a detailed sheet with court dates, case numbers, and release status.
Alternative tools include JailBase and GoLookUp, which aggregate data from local jails and state repositories. JailBase refreshes every fifteen minutes and allows bulk downloads for law enforcement use. GoLookUp offers paid subscriptions for comprehensive background checks, including historical arrests since 1998. Both services comply with Alabama’s Public Records Act and provide downloadable PDFs of official documents. For those without internet access, the detention center accepts written requests mailed to P.O. Box 102, Ozark, AL 36360.
Understanding Charges, Bonds, and Legal Context in Dale County Arrests
Not all arrests in Dale County lead to convictions. Many charges—such as criminal trespass, failure to appear, or possession of marijuana—are resolved through plea deals, dismissals, or court trials. For instance, Brandy Lomaneck was booked on August 8, 2025, for two counts of failure to appear, with case numbers 2025-001235 and 2025-001236. Her bond was set at $2,500, and her court date was scheduled within thirty days. Similarly, Tommy Banks faced theft of lost property and drug-related charges but remained eligible for bail pending trial.
Bail amounts vary based on severity, criminal history, and judicial discretion. Low-level offenses like trespassing may carry $500–$1,000 bonds, while drug trafficking or violent crimes can exceed $10,000. All bond decisions are recorded in the booking system and visible on mugshot pages. It’s important to remember that an arrest does not imply guilt. The public record serves informational purposes only, and individuals are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in court.
Historical Trends and Data Insights from Dale County Mugshot Records
Analyzing Dale County mugshot data reveals patterns in local crime and law enforcement activity. Over the past decade, drug-related arrests—particularly for marijuana and controlled substances—have risen steadily, reflecting broader state trends. Theft, DUI, and domestic violence also appear frequently. Notably, repeat offenders make up nearly 20% of bookings, according to cross-referenced ALEA reports. This data helps policymakers allocate resources and design prevention programs.
The county’s transparency extends to historical archives. Services like GoLookUp maintain records from 1998 onward, enabling longitudinal studies. Researchers can track changes in arrest rates, demographic shifts, and sentencing outcomes. For example, female arrests increased by 15% between 2015 and 2025, while juvenile bookings declined due to diversion programs. These insights support evidence-based policing and community safety initiatives.
Privacy, Ethics, and Public Record Laws in Alabama
While Dale County mugshots are public records under Alabama law, ethical concerns about privacy and reputational harm persist. Once published, images can circulate online indefinitely, affecting employment, housing, and social standing—even if charges are dropped. The county does not remove mugshots unless ordered by a judge or required by expungement statutes. However, individuals can request record corrections if information is inaccurate.
Alabama’s Public Records Act mandates timely disclosure but allows redaction of sensitive details like Social Security numbers or medical information. Third-party sites must comply with these rules when republishing data. Misuse—such as using mugshots for commercial gain without consent—can result in legal action. The Sheriff’s Office encourages responsible use and directs complaints to info@dalesheriff.org.
Contact Information and Visiting the Dale County Detention Center
For questions about Dale County mugshots or inmate status, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 334-774-2335. The 24-hour line handles emergencies, tips, and general inquiries. Email requests should go to tips@dalesheriff.org or info@dalesheriff.org. Mailed correspondence goes to P.O. Box 102, Ozark, AL 36360. The physical address is 1200 South Main Street, Ozark, AL 36360, near the intersection of US-231 and State Route 134.
Visitation hours run from 8 AM to 6 PM on weekdays. Visitors must present valid ID and pass a security screening. Minors require adult supervision. The facility offers video visitation options for remote access. Call ahead to confirm schedules, as holidays or emergencies may alter availability. All visits are subject to recording for safety purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dale County Mugshots
Many people have questions about how mugshots work, what they mean, and how to use them responsibly. Below are answers to the most common concerns based on current Alabama law and Dale County policies.
Can I request the removal of my mugshot from Dale County records?
In Alabama, mugshots are considered public records and cannot be removed simply because charges were dismissed or you were acquitted. However, if your record has been expunged by a court order, you may submit that order to the Dale County Sheriff’s Office for review. The office will then update its system to reflect the expungement. Note that third-party websites may still host copies, so you may need to contact them separately. Always consult an attorney before taking legal action. There is no automatic deletion process, and requests without court documentation are typically denied.
Are Dale County mugshots updated in real time?
Yes, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office updates its inmate roster every six hours, and most records appear within fifteen minutes of booking. This includes new arrests, releases, bond changes, and court dates. Third-party sites like JailBase refresh even faster—every fifteen minutes—by pulling data directly from the county’s automated system. However, minor delays can occur during high-volume periods or technical outages. For the most accurate status, always check the official daleso.com roster or call 334-774-2335.
Can employers or landlords use Dale County mugshots for background checks?
Employers and landlords in Alabama can legally access public arrest records, including mugshots, but they cannot discriminate based solely on an arrest without conviction. Federal guidelines recommend focusing on job-related criteria and considering the nature, recency, and outcome of charges. Some industries, like education or healthcare, have stricter rules. Always verify information through certified sources and allow applicants to explain circumstances. Misuse of mugshot data may violate fair housing or employment laws.
How far back do Dale County mugshot records go?
Official county records date back to the early 2000s, but third-party services like GoLookUp offer searchable archives from 1998 onward. These include digitized mugshots, charge details, and disposition status. Older paper records may be available by request but could take weeks to retrieve. The Alabama Department of Corrections maintains statewide data, which supplements local databases. For historical research, combine county portals with state resources for complete coverage.
What should I do if I see incorrect information on a Dale County mugshot?
If you spot errors—such as wrong name, charge, or booking date—contact the Dale County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 334-774-2335 or info@dalesheriff.org. Provide your full name, booking number (if known), and a description of the mistake. Staff will verify the details against internal logs and correct any inaccuracies within 48 hours. For third-party sites, submit a correction request directly to their support team. Keep copies of all communications for your records.
Are juvenile mugshots published in Dale County?
No. Alabama law prohibits the release of juvenile arrest records or mugshots to protect minors’ privacy and rehabilitation prospects. Only adult bookings (age 18 and over) appear on public portals. If a minor is charged as an adult, their record may become accessible, but this is rare and requires judicial approval. Parents or guardians seeking information about a minor’s status should contact the Sheriff’s Office or consult a family attorney.
Can I download or share Dale County mugshots?
Yes, you can download mugshots from official county sites for personal or informational use. However, sharing them with malicious intent—such as harassment, doxxing, or commercial exploitation—may violate Alabama’s cyber harassment laws. Always consider the ethical implications before posting online. The Sheriff’s Office discourages non-essential sharing and reserves the right to pursue legal action against misuse. Educational, journalistic, or legal uses are generally protected under free speech principles.