FAQ - Pima County Sheriff's Department

Where is the Pima County Sheriff’s Department located?
Department Headquarters is located at 1750 East Benson Highway, Tucson, Arizona. There are 6 District offices and 3 Substations located throughout Pima County to better serve the community. Please go to the District Offices page for these additional locations.

How has the Sheriff's Department been able to meet the ever-changing needs of the community?
The Sheriff's Department prides itself on being innovative and flexible. There have been numerous changes throughout its history and, in particular, during the past 24 years. These changes reflect the Department's commitment to providing the best, most up-to-date practices and principles of law enforcement and correctional facilities. A recent publication from the Department, Pima County Sheriff's Department Overview 2008, highlights many of the changes during that period.

How do I obtain information about becoming a Deputy Sheriff or Corrections Officer?
Applications for Deputy Sheriff and Corrections Officer positions are only available and accepted during an open process. Please visit the Careers with PCSD page for in-depth information regarding job descriptions, minimum qualifications, benefits, and training, and to complete a job interest card to be notified prior to the start of the next open process.

I have received a traffic ticket - what do I do?
If the charge is D.U.I., Drag Racing, Reckless Driving, or Driving on a Suspended License, you must appear in Court on the appearance date listed on the complaint and go before a Judge. If you are a juvenile, a parent or guardian must accompany you.

For all other traffic offenses, you may:

Plead “no contest” and pay the fine. The fine may be paid in-person, by mail, or on-line at the Pima County Consolidated Justice Courts.
Plead “not responsible” and request a hearing. A hearing may be requested in-person or by mail at the Pima County Consolidated Justice Courts.
Attend a Defensive Driving Course. You must enroll on or before the Court appearance date on your traffic ticket and complete the course within 30 days after your Court appearance date.

For traffic tickets issued in Ajo, Arizona or the Green Valley area, fines and court appearances are at the following locations:

Pima County Justice Court JP#3
111 La Mina Avenue
Ajo, Arizona
(520) 387-7684

Pima County Justice Court JP#7
601 N. La Canada Drive
Green Valley, Arizona 85614
(520) 648-0658

If your ticket was issued by an agency other than the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, please refer to the issuing agency for instruction.

How do I obtain an Order of Protection or Injunction Against Harassment?
Orders of Protection and Injunctions Against Harassment may be issued by any court in the State of Arizona. This answer will only refer to the four major courts within Pima County.

A petition or injunction may be filed at the following courts Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm:

Tucson City Court
103 E. Alameda Street
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(520) 791-4216

Pima County Consolidated Justice Courts
115 N. Church Avenue, 2nd Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(520) 740-3171

Pima County Juvenile Court, Clerk’s Office
2225 E. Ajo Way
Tucson, Arizona 85713
(520) 740-2000

Pima County Superior Court, Clerk’s Office
110 W. Congress, 1st Floor
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(520) 740-4200

After 4:30pm weekdays, or at any time on a weekend or holiday, an Emergency Order of Protection can be requested by contacting the Tucson Police Department (520-741-4441) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (520-351-4900). In case of an emergency, call 9-1-1.

How do I obtain a VISA/Immigration Clearance Letter?
Requests for a VISA/Immigration Clearance Letter may be made in person or by mail at the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Records Maintenance Unit. The Records Maintenance Unit is located at:

1650 E. Benson Highway, Suite C
Tucson, Arizona 85714-1758
Phone (520) 351-8550

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department prepares VISA/Immigration Clearance Letters for the purposes of international travel only. No letters are issued for purposes of employment or housing. Responses to requests submitted by mail will be forwarded directly to the consulate, not the requestor.

Research for visa letter requests is limited to a search of the Sheriff's Department's original records for the past 10 years. Research does not include a query of other agencies' records or databases.

All requests for a VISA/Immigration Clearance Letter concerning a juvenile must be made at the Pima County Juvenile Court Center.

The fee for a VISA/Immigration Clearance Letter is $5.00.

How are unsolved homicide cases reviewed and how is it determined which cases are actively investigated?
These cases are reviewed by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s Cold Case Homicide Unit and the Pima County Attorney’s Office to determine the solvability of the case. Several different factors are considered during this review. If the case is assigned to a detective, the case is thoroughly reviewed, all individuals associated with the case are re-interviewed, the evidence is re-examined and possibly submitted for modern testing.

How do I visit someone in jail?
If you know which facility and pod the person is housed in, refer to that facility’s visitation schedule. If you only know that the individual is currently at the Pima County Jail, go to the Jail and Inmate Look-Up page to search, by the person’s name, for their location. An inmate must be in custody for 24 hours or have made their first court appearance before visitation privileges are authorized. Inmate’s serving disciplinary sanctions do not have visitation privileges.

Main Jail Complex Visitation Schedule

Minimum Security Visitation Schedule

What is personal property tax?
Personal property is defined as all types of tangible and intangible property that is not considered real property (A.R.S. 42-11001). Personal property taxes are based on the assessed value of personal property.

Where do I pay my personal property tax and what if they are delinquent?
Personal property taxes are to be paid at the:

Pima County Treasurer’s Office
115 N. Church Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85701
(520) 740-8341

Checks are to be made payable to the Pima County Treasurer’s Office. Please include your reference number on all payments. Delinquent payments must be paid in the form of cash, cashier’s check, or money order. DO NOT SEND CASH!

If you are delinquent in paying your personal property taxes, your property may be seized and sold to satisfy your tax debt, to include interest and fees. It is in your best interest to pay your personal property taxes on-time.

I am interested in establishing a Neighborhood Watch in my area, who should I contact?
Thank you for voicing an interest in our country’s most successful crime prevention program - Neighborhood Watch. The Neighborhood Watch program encourages neighbors to join together to detect and deter crime in their communities. Simply contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department Auxiliary Volunteers in your area, listed below, and the resources needed to start the program in your neighborhood will be forwarded to you.

Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteers of Tucson, Inc.
1650 E. Benson Highway, Suite B
Tucson, Arizona 85714-1758
Phone (520) 351-4903

Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteers of Green Valley, Inc.
601 N. La Canada Drive
Green Valley, Arizona 85614-3440
Phone (520) 625-0139

Sheriff's Auxiliary Volunteers of Ajo, Inc.
1249 Ajo Well Road
Ajo, Arizona 85321-9701
Phone (520) 547-8511

Online Reporting

What do I do if on-line reporting is not right for me?
If your incident is an emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency incidents, call (520) 351-4900.

What if this happened in a city or another county? Can I file a report using the on-line incident citizen reporting system?
No. If a crime took place outside the jurisdiction of the Pima County Sheriff's Department, please call the law enforcement agency responsible for the incident location in question.

What if this happened on an Arizona State freeway?
If the incident is a hit and run that took place on an Arizona State roadway, please contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety. If the incident is a theft, vandalism, or lost property that took place on an Arizona State roadway, you may proceed with on-line reporting if it meets all the other requirements.

What is a known suspect?
A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in.

How to I obtain copies of a police report?

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department maintains a state of the art computerized records maintenance system. The Records Maintenance Unit manages public law enforcement records originated by the Department. Records originating in other jurisdictions are not maintained or released by the Department. Requests for records may be submitted in person or by mail to:

Pima County Sheriff’s Department
Attn: Records Maintenance
1650 E. Benson Hwy, Suite C
Tucson, AZ 85714-1758
(520) 351-4650

When making a records request the following information is required:
• Requestor’s name, address, and telephone number
• Case number or date and location of the incident

Release of case information may be subject to review and authorization by the case investigator. This process and transcribing of the report may delay immediate release of information. Restricted access cases may not be released if the content of the record would hinder an ongoing investigation or bring harm to individuals related to the case. Crime victim information will only be released to the victim or his/her designated representative.

Fees for Services

Public Service Desk Requests

Incident Reports (15 pgs.) Over 15 pages	$5.00 each $0.25 per page
Notary Service	$2.00 per page
Video Tapes	$10.00 each
Audio Tapes	$5.00 each
Reproduction Fee	$15.00 per hour
Standard Photographs	$1.00 each

Photo Radar Enforcement

What is a Speed Camera Enforcement Program?
Speed Camera Enforcement is a traffic safety program in which a municipality uses a state-of-the-art digital camera and violation detection system installed at mid-block placement on streets where speeding is a consistent problem. The purpose is to decrease the number of speeding violations and reduce collisions.

Fixed-site speed camera systems use the same core technology and hardware as red-light cameras at intersections. Both use high-resolution, digital color photography. The Fixed-Site Speed Camera system is designed for a high level of accuracy.

How it Works
A speeding vehicle crosses sensors embedded in the pavement just before entering the speed camera zone. If the speed of the vehicle is excessive, (11 mph and greater over the posted limit), the cameras will initiate and record the speed violation.

If a vehicle meets or exceeds the speed criteria established by the county, the system captures a front shot of the vehicle, the driver, and a back shot of the vehicle showing the license plate.

With each image, the system records relevant violation data such as the location, date, time (in tenths of seconds), the speed of the vehicle, and the posted speed limit.

The system also records a 12-second video clip of each violation.

Trained processors, as agents of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, review and compare the images, data, and video confirming the speed violation and authorize issuance of citations.

Why are the speed cameras used?
Speeding is a leading cause of urban crashes and often causes injury and death. Local governments install the system to improve public safety by deterring speeding. (insert collision statistics here for major roads where cameras will be located)

When will the speed cameras be active in Pima County?
The warning period began (will begin) April 13 at the locations below. There is a seven-day warning period in which violators will only receive a warning notice. The first phase of cameras go live on April 20. At that time, violators will receive a Citation.

Phase Two is scheduled for warning notices to begin May 1, and enforcement begins May 8.

Where will the speed cameras be located in Pima County?
Phase One speed cameras are currently installed at the following locations:

Northbound and southbound N. La Cholla at W. Sunset Road
Northbound and southbound S. Mission Road at W. Nebraska Street
Eastbound and westbound E. Ina Road at N. Camino de Las Candelas
Northbound and southbound N. Swan Road at E. Calle Barril

In the near future, Phase Two speed cameras will be installed at these locations:

Northbound and southbound Alvernon Way near Station Master Drive
Eastbound and westbound Valencia Road near Camino De La Tierra
Eastbound and westbound Valencia Road near Wilmot Road
Eastbound and westbound River Road near Country Club Road
Northbound and southbound Ruthrauff Road near Rillito Street
Northbound and southbound Nogales Highway near Hermans Road

Who receives the citation?
Citations are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle.

What is the amount of the fine?
Fines for speed violations are tiered based on how many miles per hour the violator is traveling over the posted speed:

MPH Over Posted
11 thru 15	$183.00
16 thru 20	$202.00
21 thru 25	$222.00
26 thru 30	$235.00
31 over	$356.00

An automation fee in the amount of $18.50 and a photo enforcement fee of $14.75 will be assessed on each citation pursuant to local county ordinance.

I just had my picture taken by a speed camera. How long does it take before I receive the citation?
The citation is mailed ten days after the event.

What if the registered owner was not driving the vehicle at the time of the citation?
The owner should read and submit the Affidavit of Non-Responsibility found (Option “B” found on page one of the citations received in the mail), within 30 days of the Issue Date of the Notice of Violation. If it is the affidavit of non-responsibility is confirmed the violation will be taken out of the registered owners name and the citation will be re-issued to the correct violator.
If the car has been reported stolen at the time of the violation, the owner must submit a copy of the filed police report with a signed Affidavit of Non-Responsibility.

Can I receive citations for other offenses as a result of my speed camera citation?
No. Drivers who receive photo citations are cited for speed violations. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has chosen not to assign multiple violations.

Where do I mail my payment?
The citation will indicate the location of the specific court. Mail your check or money order, payable to the court listed on the citation:

Pima County Consolidated Justice Court
115 N. Church Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701-1199

Or

Green Valley Justice Court
601 N. La Canada Dr.
Green Valley, AZ 85614
Include the tear-off coupon, Option A, in the enclosed envelope, making sure the payment side shows through the envelope window. Do Not Mail Cash. Write your Notice Number on the check.

Can I pay my fine in person?
You may also pay in person at the designated Court on your citation. The two possibilities are:

Pima County Consolidated Justice Court
115 N. Church Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701-1199

Or

Green Valley Justice Court
601 N. La Canada Dr.
Green Valley, AZ 85614

The courts are open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding holidays.

Can I pay my fine on-line?
The Pima County Consolidated Justice Court will accept on-line payments. The web address is http://jp.pima.gov.

Can I attend Defensive Driving School?
You may attend defensive driving school, Option D on the coupon, if you meet the eligibility requirements. Contact the automated Defensive Driving School information line toll free at 1-888-334-5565 or on-line at www.supreme.state.az.us/driveschoolinfo for more information.

Can I request a hearing?
You may contest the citation and request a hearing by completing the tear-off coupon, Option C, and mailing it to the designated court.

Where do I mail my Affidavit of Non-Responsibility?

Mail Option B to:
Violation Processing Center
Pima County Enforcement Program
P.O. Box 59995
Phoenix, AZ 85076

Where can I get help with my Citation?
Customer service can be reached toll free: Monday thru Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.  by calling 866-790-4111.

What company provides the red-light camera program in Pima County?
Pima County has contracted with American Traffic Solutions Inc. (ATS) to provide the Automated Speed Camera Enforcement program. ATS will install and maintain all equipment related to this program and process violations captured by the equipment. ATS is a leading provider of technology and business solutions that support electronic toll and traffic management programs worldwide. More information about ATS is at www.atsol.com.

Public Safety Information

How do I request a Criminal History Check?

Individuals requiring background or criminal history information may obtain a Sheriff’s Certificate of Immigration Letter from:

Records Maintenance Unit
1650 E. Benson Hwy, Suite C
Tucson, AZ 85714-1758
(520) 351-4650

Please note the certificate will only include information reference Pima County Sheriff’s Department contacts. Other background and criminal history checks may be obtained from each individual agency or contact:

Arizona Department of Public Safety
(602) 223-2222

Visa letters providing date, charge and disposition of felony convictions are prepared for requesting adults
for the purpose of international travel only. No letters are issued for purposes of employment or housing. Responses to requests submitted by mail will be forwarded directly to the consulate. Research for visa letter requests is limited to a search of the Department’s original records for the past 10 years. Research does not include a query of other agencies’ records or databases. Requests may be made in person or by mail to the Records Maintenance Unit.

Requests for certificates or letters must include:

Full name and date of birth
Social security number
Home address
Picture identification (in person requests)
Consulate information (mailed requests)
Payment for service

Requests for juveniles must be made at the Pima County Juvenile Court Center.

Where is the Pima County Adult Detention Center?

1270 W. Silverlake Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85713
(520) 547-8111

How do I find out if I have a Warrant for my arrest?

If you suspect that a warrant exists for your arrest you should contact the court of jurisdiction. Individuals seeking information about the status of a court case or final case disposition must contact the court of jurisdiction.

Pima County Justice Courts
115 N. Church Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 740-3171

Pima County Juvenile Court Center
2225 E. Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ 85713
(520) 740-2000

Pima County Superior Courts
110 W. Congress St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 740-3200

State of Arizona, Court of Appeals
400 W. Congress St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 628-6954

Tucson City Courts
103 E. Alameda Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 791-4216

United States District Court
405 W. Congress St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 205-4200

How do I contact my Arizona State Prosecutor?

Pima County Attorney’s Office
32 N. Stone Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 740-5600

State of Arizona, Attorney General
400 W. Congress St., Suite 315
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 628-6504

United States Attorney
405 W. Congress St., Suite 4800
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 620-7300

I am required to register as a sex offender, how do I do this?

In Arizona, sheriff’s departments are responsible for providing registration services to convicted sex offenders and disseminating information to the Arizona Department of Public Safety for the statewide registry. For those individuals residing in Pima County, registration shall be completed at our Forensic Unit located at:

Pima County Sheriff’s Department
Forensic Unit
1650 E. Benson Hwy, Suite D
Tucson, AZ
(520) 351-4982

Offenders may register Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, during the hours of 9:00AM – 11:30AM and 12:30PM – 3:00PM

How can I find out about sex offenders living in my neighborhood?
The Arizona Department of Public Safety is responsible for maintaining a state-wide database of level 2 and level 3 sex offenders. Visit the Sex Offenders InfoCenter for additional information. Searches can be performed by zip code, address, or offender name.

Does PCSD perform public fingerprinting?
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers provide fingerprinting services for employment, licensing, or immigration applications for a fee of $8.00 (cash only) per card. Government-issued photo identification cards are required for fingerprinting services. These services are available Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, during the hours of 10:00am and 1:45pm at:

1650 E. Benson Highway, Suite B
Tucson, Arizona 85714-1758
Phone: (520) 351-4680

Where can I obtain information about a concealed weapons permit?
Contact the Arizona Department of Public Safety at (602) 223-2000 or visit their Website. Applications for a concealed weapons permit must be made to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

How do I recover seized or found property?

Individuals seeking information about the release of seized, recovered, or found property should contact the Evidence Unit at (520) 351-4724.

A deputy confiscated my property, how do I get it back?
You must contact the assigned case officer and request that the items be authorized for release. After the officer advises you that the property is authorized for release, contact the Evidence Unit at (520) 351-4724 to make arrangements (date and time) to pick-up your property. Bring identification and verification of ownership with you. Please be advised that Evidence personnel cannot authorize the release of confiscated property.

Contact our Records Unit at (520) 351-8550 to obtain the name and phone number of the assigned case officer.

What is the contact information for other Law Enforcement Agencies?

Federal Bureau of Investigation
1 S. Church Ave., Suite 600
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 623-4306

Marana Police Department
13291 N. Lon Adams
Marana, AZ 85653
(520) 616-0539

Oro Valley Police Department
11000 N. La Canada Dr.
Oro Valley, AZ 85737
(520) 229-4934

South Tucson Police Department
1601 S. 6th Ave
South Tucson, AZ 85713
(520) 622-3307

State of Arizona Department of Public Safety
6401 S. Tucson Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85706
(520) 746-4500

Tucson Police Department
270 S. Stone Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 791-4444

How do I obtain crime statistics or crime maps?
To obtain monthly and annual crime statistics, including a breakdown of Part I and Part II statistics, please visit the Crime Statistics page. Additionally, the Pima County Sheriff's Department now provides interactive crime mapping via CrimeReports.com. Through these maps, the public can search for a specific location/area or address, and view information in nine different crime categories. This is a very useful tool for general public and realtor inquiries. These maps only display data for incidents reported to the Pima County Sheriff's Department including Ajo and Green Valley, and the towns of Sahuarita, Marana, and Oro Valley. CrimeReports.com also provides basic statistical information through their use of analytics.

For general public and realtor inquiries, please contact our Community Resources Unit at (520) 351-4615, or e-mail your request to pcsd@pimasheriff.net. Please provide specific location (address and/or cross streets), timeframes, and the reason for your request. Please enter “Crime Statistics Request” in the subject line.

Law enforcement inquiries should be directed to the Grants and Planning Section at (520) 351-6240, or e-mail your request to pcsd@pimasheriff.net.