HARPERSVILLE, Ala. (AP) -- Investigators have seized municipal court and police records from Harpersville City Hall as part of an investigation.

The Birmingham News reports the probe may be related to issues raised in a lawsuit over probation practices in the city.

The Shelby County Sheriff's office said Friday that the records will be reviewed by investigators.

It did not offer additional details.

On Thursday, a Shelby County judge ordered the city and a private probation company, Judicial Correction Service, to retain records related to the city's municipal court system and police department.

The order came as part of a 2010 lawsuit that alleged Harpersville Municipal Court violated the legal rights of defendants.

Last month, a judge shut down what he termed a "debtors prison" run by the Harpersville's court and the company.

------ Information from: The Birmingham News, http://www.al.com/birminghamnews

AP-WF-08-11-12 1741GMT