Fort Smith Public Records
Public records in Fort Smith are maintained by city offices and Sebastian County agencies in western Arkansas. The city clerk, police department, district court, and county offices each hold separate sets of documents. This page explains how to find and request public records in Fort Smith, from police reports and court cases to FOIA requests and permits. Several online tools make it possible to search without a trip to the courthouse.
Fort Smith Records Overview
Fort Smith City Clerk Records
The Fort Smith City Clerk's Office is at 623 Garrison Ave., Room 303, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Phone: 479-784-2208. Fax: 479-784-2256. Email: sgard@fortsmithar.gov. City Clerk Sherri Gard manages the office.
The Clerk keeps all official city records. That covers ordinances, resolutions, Board of Directors meeting agendas and minutes, contracts, agreements, and deeds. The office also maintains cemetery deeds and burial records for Oak Cemetery. The Clerk coordinates the agenda process for Board meetings, records proceedings, and keeps records in the city archive. All ordinances are codified and published through Municode, where the Fort Smith Municipal Code is available online.
Council records and other public city documents can be requested from the City Clerk by email or in person at room 303 in city hall. Most routine records are available without a formal FOIA request. For more sensitive or complex records, a written FOIA request directed to the FOIA Division is the proper channel.
Fort Smith FOIA Procedures
Fort Smith has a dedicated FOIA portal at www.fortsmithar.gov/foia. Email contact: FOIA@fortsmithar.gov. The Deputy City Administrator handles all FOIA requests for the city.
You can submit a request online through the portal, by email, or verbally, though written requests are preferred. To file a proper request, include your full legal name, address, email, phone number, and a specific description of the records you need. Vague requests may result in delays or incomplete responses. Under Arkansas Code 25-19-105, the city has three business days to respond. Copy fees are charged at actual cost, and payment is required before records are released.
Note: Fort Smith's FOIA portal allows you to track the status of your request online, which is more convenient than calling or emailing for updates.
Fort Smith Police Department Records
The Fort Smith Police Department (FSPD) is at 100 S 10th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Non-emergency line: 479-709-5000. Public Information Officer: Aric Mitchell; Phone: 479-709-5004; Email: aric.mitchell@fortsmithpd.org.
Accident reports are available through the Arkansas State Police Crash Report Online Purchase System. Fees are $10 for involved parties and $25 for non-involved third parties. The FSPD also maintains a Citizen Services Portal that lets you file online reports, submit crime tips, and view crime maps. Arrest records created by Fort Smith officers are public under Arkansas FOIA and can be requested through the department's records unit.
The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) manages the statewide criminal history database. That is the proper resource for formal background checks on individuals. The Arkansas Department of Corrections inmate search is free online for state prison records.
The screenshot below is from Arkansas CourtConnect, the statewide court case portal that includes Fort Smith district and circuit court cases.
CourtConnect is free and searchable by name or case number. It covers district and circuit courts across all Arkansas counties, including Sebastian County cases tied to Fort Smith.
Fort Smith District Court
The Fort Smith District Court is at 901 South B Street, Suite 103, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Phone: 479-784-2420. Fax: 479-441-1398. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
This court has exclusive jurisdiction within Fort Smith city limits over traffic violations, misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary felony cases, civil cases up to $5,000, small claims, and city ordinance violations. An online fine payment service is available for eligible cases. Court records are searchable at Arkansas CourtConnect for cases handled here.
Permits and Licensing Records
Fort Smith runs the CityView Portal for online permitting and licensing. Through CityView, you can apply for building, safety, and planning permits; register or renew business or contractor licenses; pay permit fees; submit neighborhood services requests; and track application status.
Permit types include single family and duplex building permits, commercial permits, sign permits, and floodplain development permits. The process requires submitting a site plan, uploading construction plans, completing an application, paying the permit fee, scheduling inspections, and receiving a Certificate of Occupancy. Permit records are public and accessible through the portal once filed.
Sebastian County Records for Fort Smith
The majority of formal records for Fort Smith residents are held by Sebastian County. The Sebastian County Circuit Clerk maintains civil, criminal, and domestic relations court records. The County Clerk holds probate records, marriage licenses, and county government documents. Property records are managed by the Sebastian County Assessor.
Property data is searchable for free through ARCountyData.com by parcel number, owner name, or address. Marriage licenses for Sebastian County are issued at the County Clerk's office in Fort Smith. Divorce and custody records are held by the Circuit Clerk. For statewide court searches, CourtConnect covers most Sebastian County circuit and district court cases.
Online Tools for Fort Smith Records
Arkansas CourtConnect is free and covers circuit and district court cases across Sebastian County, including Fort Smith. Search by party name or case number. The portal includes most active cases and many older filings. No account is needed for basic searches.
For property records tied to Fort Smith addresses, ARCountyData.com gives free access to Sebastian County assessor data. Business entity records and UCC filings for Fort Smith businesses are searchable at the Arkansas Secretary of State website. The Arkansas Sex Offender Registry is searchable by name or city at no cost. These tools can often answer basic questions without a formal records request.
Nearby Qualifying Cities
Van Buren is the main neighboring city in the area with a public records page on this site.