Sheriff's Office

Residents searching for information about the Maricopa County AZ Sheriff's Office are often looking for very specific answers: how to find an inmate, how to report a crime, how civil papers get served, how delinquent taxes or pawn licenses are handled, or what to do about adult business permits and federal firearms forms. This guide walks through the major duties, services, and specialized units of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), explains when and how everyday residents interact with the office, and points you to the official resources that help you get things done quickly and correctly.

Get Oriented: What the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Actually Does

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is the county’s primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and several contract cities. Headed by an elected Sheriff serving a four-year term, the office combines traditional patrol work, jail and custody operations, investigations, and a number of specialized enforcement and administrative units.

Maricopa County covers about 9,224 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in the United States. Because of that size, the Sheriff’s Office has to function almost like a large, multi-agency system: patrol districts, a major jail system, civil enforcement, tax collection support, licensing, and specialized task forces all operate under the same umbrella.

Residents can always start with the official Maricopa County Sheriff's Office site at Maricopa County Sheriff's Office to find detailed, current information, forms, and online tools.

Understand the Sheriff's Office Mission, Vision, and Values

Mission and vision guide every division

The Sheriff’s Office sums up its mission in a clear statement: “Working Together to Safeguard our Communities.” The vision focuses on ensuring that MCSO is a leading law enforcement agency, united with the community. That “working together” language matters, because many of the services described below depend on cooperation between residents, the courts, other county departments, and deputies.

Core values residents will notice in practice

MCSO lists several core values that shape how staff are expected to perform their duties:

Honesty – Being truthful in words and actions
Humility – Staying open to learning and focused on service
Perseverance – Pursuing excellence and following through
Respect – Embracing the diversity of Maricopa County communities
Trust – Treating trust as the foundation of all relationships
Unity – Working together toward common public safety goals

When you interact with deputies, detention officers, clerks, or administrative staff—whether about an inmate visitation, a civil paper, or a licensing question—these values are meant to show up in how they communicate and problem-solve with you.

For an overview of the agency and its structure, including facts and figures, you can review MCSO at a Glance at MCSO at a Glance.

Use the Sheriff's Office for Custody, Jail, and Inmate Services

One of the first reasons people search for the Maricopa County AZ Sheriff's Office is to locate someone in custody or navigate jail-related issues.

Find inmates and key custody information

The Sheriff’s Office operates the county jail system, which includes several facilities such as 4th Avenue, Towers, Watkins, Estrella, Lower Buckeye, the Intake/Transfer/Release facility, and others. Through the Custody Services and Inmate Information sections, you can:

Look up whether someone is currently an inmate
Get general jail information by facility
Learn about self-surrender instructions
Understand inmate rights under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA)
Read about tablet programs and inmate accounts

If you need to confirm whether someone is in custody or check jail-related details, start with Inmate Information at Inmate Information and Custody Services.

Handle inmate accounts, phone calls, and visitation

Custody Services pages provide step-by-step guidance for:

Depositing money into an inmate’s account

Understanding how the inmate telephone system works

Reviewing visitation rules, including video visitation requirements and suspension appeal processes

Finding information for families in both English and Spanish

Because rules can change for security or operational reasons, checking the official pages shortly before your visit or transaction is the best way to avoid surprises.

Navigate Patrol Services, Districts, and Special Operations

Another major role of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is patrol—deputies responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, handling incidents on lakes, and working specialized enforcement details.

Find your patrol district and local office

Outside incorporated cities that operate their own police departments, MCSO deputies handle calls and patrols. The office divides the county into several patrol districts (Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, plus Lake Patrol and others), each covering a specific geographic area.

To see which patrol district covers your home, business, or property, use the Patrol District Locator at Patrol District Locator. This tool helps you:

Identify your district
Find contact details for the district office
Better understand who responds to calls in your area

Knowing your district can be helpful when you’re following up on a report, attending a community meeting, or coordinating with deputies about neighborhood concerns.

Understand specialized crime and enforcement units

Within its patrol and special operations structure, the Sheriff’s Office operates specialized units to address more complex or serious issues, including:

Homicide investigations
Sex offender enforcement and registration updates
Jail crimes committed inside detention facilities
Vehicular crimes, including serious traffic collisions
Special Victims investigations
CAST, HIDTA, and other task forces related to gangs, drugs, and complex investigations
Animal cruelty investigations
TOU / K9 / EOD teams (tactical operations, canine units, and explosive ordnance disposal)

These specialized teams are typically activated through patrol deputies, other law enforcement agencies, or court orders—not directly by residents—but understanding they exist can help explain why multiple units may appear during certain investigations.

Report Crimes, Send Tips, and Request Records

Knowing when and how to contact the Sheriff’s Office is key for public safety and for protecting your rights.

When to call 911 vs. when to use other options

Emergencies and in-progress crimes – Call 911 immediately if there is a life-threatening situation, a crime in progress, or an urgent need for police, fire, or medical response.

Non-emergencies and questions – For non-urgent matters, residents typically use non-emergency numbers or online forms linked from the MCSO site, rather than 911.

Crime tips – If you have information about a crime but are not in immediate danger, the Sheriff’s Office offers ways to send a tip, either anonymously or with your contact details.

Online, you can use the How to report a crime and Send A Tip tools accessible via the main navigation on the Sheriff’s Office website.

Requesting reports, warrants checks, and criminal records

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office also manages a variety of records and requests, including:

Requesting incident or accident reports related to cases handled by MCSO
Looking up warrants connected to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office cases
Requesting criminal records or other public records through the proper channels
Updating offender registration information when required

If you need to submit a records request, the site provides clear forms and instructions under Criminal Records and public records sections. For general questions or to connect with the correct unit, the Contact Us page is a practical first stop: Contact the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office.

Get Help as a Crime Victim or Family Member

Many residents contact the Sheriff’s Office during difficult times—after a crime, an arrest, or a sudden change in a family member’s situation.

Victim Services support and rights information

The Victim Services division focuses on supporting those affected by crime. Through this program, victims can:

Learn about crime victim rights and the office’s mission in this area
Get help understanding initial appearances and early court hearings
Prepare and submit an impact statement
Opt in to notifications about a defendant’s status
Learn about protective orders and other safety options
Access resources and frequently asked questions for victims

To explore these services, visit About Victim Services at Victim Services Information.

Information for families of people in custody

Families often have urgent questions when a loved one is jailed. The Sheriff’s Office offers:

Information for families about what to expect when someone is in jail
Spanish-language versions of key information for families
Details on visitation, phone calls, deposits, and self-surrender
A clinical liaison form (hosted by the county) for reporting inmate medical conditions

These resources help families navigate the system without guessing or relying on second-hand information.

Work Through Civil Papers, Judgments, and Court Orders

The Sheriff’s Office plays a formal role in civil process—serving court papers and carrying out certain types of court-ordered actions.

Civil Process Section for serving legal documents

The Civil Process Section handles service of process and enforcement of civil court orders, including:

Summons and complaints
Writs of execution, attachment, and replevin
Writs of restitution and possession
Garnishments and other civil enforcement paperwork

The office sets detailed deposit requirements, paperwork standards, and statutory fees for these services. For example, certain writs require a deposit, original or certified copies of court documents, and multiple conformed copies for each person to be served.

If you are an attorney, a self-represented litigant, or a judgment creditor, review the Civil Process page carefully before mailing or delivering paperwork: Civil Process Section.

The Civil Process Section operates from a downtown Phoenix location, and also references a Northeast Phoenix office for in-person business related to civil process work.

How civil fees and mileage work

Sheriff’s fees in civil actions are largely governed by Arizona Revised Statutes § 11-445. These statutory fees include charges for:

Serving summonses and notices
Levying writs of attachment, execution, and garnishment
Executing writs of restitution and possession
Posting, advertising, and conducting sales
Preparing affidavits of service and other documents
Collecting money on executions and distributing proceeds

There are also mileage charges for travel associated with service attempts, and potential commissions based on the amounts collected. Understanding these costs up front helps avoid delays and surprises when you ask MCSO to enforce a civil judgment.

Use the Sheriff's Office for Tax Collection, Pawn Licensing, and Business Permits

Beyond patrol and custody, the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office performs several important administrative roles that directly affect local businesses and property owners.

Tax Unit for delinquent personal property taxes

The Tax Unit is tasked by law with collecting delinquent personal property taxes issued by the Maricopa County Treasurer. When taxes on personal property (such as certain business assets) go unpaid long enough, the Treasurer issues accounts to the Sheriff’s Office, which can then:

Seize certain personal property
Conduct auctions of seized items
Apply proceeds to delinquent tax bills

For questions about accounts or upcoming auctions, the Sheriff’s Office provides a dedicated phone number through the Tax Unit. The unit also offers a link, through the official site, to lists of personal property tax sales. For more information, start at the Tax Unit section: Tax Unit Information.

Pawnshop Detail and adult business licensing

The Pawnshop Detail manages two major licensing responsibilities:

Pawnbroker licenses within Maricopa County
Adult business licenses and adult service manager/provider permits in unincorporated areas

For pawnbrokers, the Pawnshop Detail:

Issues and renews pawnbroker licenses as required by statute
Receives pawn tickets from county-area pawn shops
Conducts inspections to ensure compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes
Coordinates license suspension hearings when needed

For adult businesses in unincorporated county areas, the Sheriff’s Office:

Accepts applications for adult business licenses
Handles adult service manager and provider permits
Directs applicants to County Planning and Zoning for zoning requirements

Adult business and pawn licensing both involve forms, fingerprint cards, and fees, along with processing times that can run several months. The official Adult Business Licensing and Permits page explains the process in detail: Adult Business Licensing and Permits.

Federal firearms-related notifications and filings

The Sheriff’s Office also interacts with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on certain firearms licensing and registration matters:

Under ATF Final Rule 41F, some forms now require Chief Law Enforcement Officer (CLEO) notification rather than CLEO certification.

Applicants must forward copies of certain ATF forms (such as ATF Form 1, Form 4, and Form 5, along with Form 5320.23 for responsible persons) to the CLEO where they reside.

MCSO has an ATF Unit that receives these CLEO copies for residents under its jurisdiction.

The Sheriff’s Office does not furnish ATF forms and does not perform quality control on how those forms are filled out. Questions about completing federal forms or federal requirements must go directly to ATF. The ATF Unit’s role is to receive and file the CLEO copies for the locality.

For a concise overview of the ATF-related processes handled by MCSO, see Federal Firearms Applications: Federal Firearms Applications.

Crime Prevention, Financial Crimes, and Community Safety Tools

While patrol and investigations deal with crimes that have already occurred, other parts of the Sheriff’s Office focus on prevention and community awareness.

Financial Crimes Unit and fraud prevention

The Financial Crimes Unit and related crime prevention pages provide guidance on:

Common frauds and scams targeting individuals and businesses
How to recognize fraud attempts early
Prevention tips to reduce your risk of becoming a victim
Additional prevention resources residents can review

This information is especially useful for vulnerable populations, small business owners, and anyone handling finances for others. Reviewing these materials can save time, money, and stress.

Crime mapping and offender information access

Through its website, the Sheriff’s Office offers links to public crime information and tools that help residents:

View crime data reports that sync with county crime records
Sign up for email notifications about recent crimes in specified areas
Access offender information for certain jurisdictions covered by the Sheriff’s Office

Although some of the underlying mapping and offender alert platforms are hosted by outside providers, access is provided through the Sheriff’s Office site and includes clear disclaimers that the data may contain some level of error and should be treated as informational only.

Connect with Community Outreach, Programs, and Events

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office doesn’t just respond to calls; it actively invests in community-oriented programs.

Community outreach and education

Through its community outreach division, MCSO:

Hosts or attends community events across the county

Provides educational materials and presentations for schools, neighborhood groups, and civic organizations

Offers a Community Academy to help residents understand how the Sheriff’s Office works

Manages U Visa certification processes in specific cases to support cooperation from certain crime victims

You can read more about these efforts and see what programs are currently active at About Community Outreach on the official site.

Programs for youth and volunteers

The Sheriff’s Office also runs and supports:

The MCSO Cadet Program, aimed at young people interested in law enforcement careers

The Posse, an all-volunteer auxiliary force that supports deputies in a variety of assignments

Opportunities to hire an off-duty deputy for qualifying events or security needs

These programs build relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and residents, encourage future public safety careers, and extend the agency’s capacity in a cost-effective way.

Careers and Working with the Sheriff's Office

The size of the county and the scope of responsibilities mean that MCSO is one of the larger sheriff’s offices in the nation, with roughly 3,500 employees. That includes:

Deputy sheriffs
Detention officers
Civilian staff in administrative, finance, technology, and communications roles

Applying for jobs with MCSO

If you are interested in working for the Maricopa County AZ Sheriff's Office, you can explore openings and application requirements under the Careers section of the official site. There, you’ll find:

Current job postings for deputies, detention officers, and civilian roles
Specific hiring standards and physical testing requirements for deputy sheriff positions
Information on the Posse and volunteer opportunities

To start your search, visit Careers with the Sheriff’s Office: Careers at MCSO.

Find Answers to Common Questions Online

Because residents often have the same questions—about jail visits, deputies, records, and community programs—the Sheriff’s Office maintains a detailed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.

There you can learn, for example:

How to adopt an animal from the MCSO MASH program
How to donate to help animals in that program
How to find out if someone is in jail and how to contact them
How to get information about specific jails
How to learn more about community outreach efforts
How to submit comments or complaints about the office or its employees
How victim notifications and victim rights work within the justice system

Exploring the FAQ is one of the fastest ways to get oriented, especially if you’re new to interacting with the Sheriff’s Office. You can access it here: Frequently Asked Questions.

Key Maricopa County Sheriff's Office Contacts

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters – Address: 550 West Jackson, Phoenix Arizona 85003, United States – Phone: (602) 876-1000

Civil Process Section – Address: 201 West Jefferson, 2nd Floor, West Court Building, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 – Phone: (602) 876-1840

Pawnshop Detail / Adult Business Licensing and Permits – Address: 201 West Jefferson Street, 2nd Floor, West Court Building, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 – Phone: (602) 876-1844

ATF Unit (Federal Firearms Applications CLEO Notifications) – Address: 111 South 3rd Avenue, 2nd Floor, Phoenix, Arizona 85003 – Phone: (602) 876-5483

Tax Unit – Phone: (602) 876-1831

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office FAQs

How can I learn the basics about what the Sheriff’s Office does in Maricopa County?

If you want an official, big-picture overview—mission, vision, size of the agency, budget details, and how it fits into county government—the Sheriff’s Office provides a dedicated summary page. The “MCSO at a Glance” section explains the county’s size, the scope of services, staffing levels, unique units, and key facts about operations. You can explore this overview directly through the official MCSO at a Glance page.

Where do I find official inmate and jail information?

For custody-related questions, the Sheriff’s Office centralizes information in its detention and inmate portals. You can search for an inmate, review custody bureau details, see how inmate phone calls work, and read rules for visitation from the Inmate Information page. If you need details about specific jail facilities—such as which jails exist, their functions, and where different units are housed—those are outlined on the official jail information page.

How do I request criminal records or other public records from the Sheriff’s Office?

Public access to records is handled through designated records and public-records request pages. For background and arrest history maintained by the Sheriff’s Office, start with the official Criminal Records page. If you need other types of documents, such as reports or non-criminal records, you can follow the procedures described on the Requesting Other Public Records section linked from the same General Info area of the MCSO site.

Where can I see job openings and apply to work for the Sheriff’s Office?

All hiring and career opportunities—whether you’re interested in becoming a deputy, detention officer, or joining specialized units—are funneled through the county’s employment system. The Sheriff’s Office links directly to current openings, minimum qualifications, and application steps from its official Careers page, which routes you to the county’s job portal for online applications.