Records Unit
The Records Unit is under the direct supervision of Captain Jerry Harvell and consists of 5 clerks and 1 supervisor. This Unit is responsible for the data entry and maintenance of all reported offenses for our City.
The Records Unit customer service counter is located in the lobby of the Police Department.
- Accident Reports
- Clearance Letter
- Permits
- Sex Offender Registration
- Alarm Service & Registration
- Fingerprinting
- Request for Reports
Accident Reports
Accident reports are usually available the next business day; however the officer has up to 10 business days to turn in a report. Accident reports cost $6 or can be purchased online for $8 through the CRIS Website.
Clearance Letter
A clearance letter is a local criminal history check within the Odessa City limits. Clearance letters cost $2.
Requirements to Obtain
What is required to obtain a clearance letter?
The individual must present a Driver's License or any type of photo ID card (the ID must show the date of birth of the individual seeking the clearance letter) at the time of the request. Other forms of acceptable identification are:
- Immigration card
- Military Identification
- Passport
Individual Not Present
If an individual is not present and wants a clearance letter, that person must provide a notarized letter giving another person permission to have his/her background checked. A copy of his/her driver's license or any type of photo ID card (the ID must show the date of birth of the individual seeking the clearance letter) and Social Security card must be included with the letter.
The Records Unit processes permits for:
- EZ Rider
- Limo
- Parade / Special Events
- Peddler/Vendor
- Pool Hall/Temporary Beer License/Dance Hall
- Taxi
For more information on obtaining any of these permits, visit our Records Unit Permits page.
To register as a sex offender in the City of Odessa, the offender must come to the Odessa Police Department's Front Desk, sign in, and wait for Detective Branch.
Contact Information
Sex Offender Line: 432-335-4986
Investigator: 432-335-4931
Email: odessaPDRSO@odessa-tx.gov
Appointments
Effective October 1, 2010, to effectively process status changes and decrease wait time, you must schedule an appointment. Appointments can be scheduled Monday through Friday, from 8 am to noon and 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
To schedule an appointment please contact Detective Whitney Branch at 432-335-4931.
Search For Offenders
Search for sex offenders in your area by visiting the Texas Public Sex Offender website.
Alarm Registration
In February of 1994, Odessa, Texas established an alarm ordinance to regulate alarm calls to the Police Department. This ordinance requires that all alarms, both residential and commercial be registered through the Police Records Unit.
A registration form may be obtained at the Police Department or online. Failure to register an alarm system or operating an alarm system after registration has been revoked is a class 'C' misdemeanor subject to a fine up to $500.
To review the relevant alarm ordinance information and register online, visit the Alarm Registration / Renewal page.
False Alarms
All alarm calls which result in the dispatch of an officer are tracked. Any calls which are considered by the officer to be a false alarm (defined as being not weather related or due to a criminal act or attempted criminal act), are attached to the appropriate registered holder.
A person or business will be allowed 5 false criminal-type alarms and 2 false fire or emergency medical services (EMS) alarms in any 365 day period. The owner/operator will be assessed a $50 administrative fee for each subsequent false alarm (6 or more criminal or 3 or more fire or EMS alarms) in the 365 day period.
Alarm Service Companies
Any agreements between alarm service companies and the users of their services (the registered holder) are between them as businesses and their customers.
The Police Department will answer an alarm call when requested, however cannot mediate any disputes as to the responsibility for the payments of fees, the condition and proper functioning of alarm equipment, etc.
Fingerprinting
Fingerprints services are available through IdentoGo or at the Odessa Police Department.
Available Dates & Times for the Police Department
Tuesday through Thursday from 9 am to 11 am, and 1 pm to 3 pm.
No appointment is necessary for fingerprinting services through the Police Department.
Fee(s) for the Police Department
The fees for fingerprinting services at the Police Department are:
- $10 for up to 2 cards
- $5 for each additional card
You must present valid photo identification.
Acceptable Identification for the Police Department
- Driver's License/Identification Card
- Immigration Card
- Military Identification
- Passport
Request for Reports
Most requests for information from the public are handled first through the Records Unit. Under the Texas Statute Open Records Act certain information may be obtained from the Odessa Police Department.
For more information, visit the Open Records Request page.