Arkansas Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Arkansas, Kansas?
Arrest records are public documents in both Arkansas and Kansas, pursuant to their respective state public record laws. In accordance with the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), government agencies are required to maintain transparency by making arrest records accessible to the public. These statutes establish the legal framework that enables citizens to access information about arrests made by law enforcement agencies within these jurisdictions.
The Arkansas FOIA, codified under Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq., specifically designates arrest records as public information that must be disclosed upon request, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or matters of public safety. Similarly, the Kansas Open Records Act, found in K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq., mandates that arrest records maintained by state and local law enforcement agencies be available for public inspection.
Public access to these records serves multiple purposes:
- Promotes governmental accountability and transparency
- Enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
- Provides information for background checks and public safety awareness
- Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
- Facilitates research on crime patterns and law enforcement practices
How to Look Up Arkansas Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Arkansas arrest records have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state. Individuals may access these records through the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit local police departments, sheriff's offices, or the ACIC headquarters to request arrest records. Proper identification is required, and fees may apply.
Arkansas Crime Information Center
322 South Main Street, Suite 615
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 682-7444
Arkansas Crime Information Center WebsiteOnline Access: The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts provides an online portal for searching court records, which often include information about arrests. This system, known as CourtConnect, allows users to search by name or case number.
County Sheriff Offices: Each county maintains records of local arrests. For example, in Cowley County, citizens may access the Sheriff Office Activity Reports or view the Current Inmate Roster.
Cowley County Sheriff's Office
311 E. 9th Avenue
Winfield, KS 67156-2843
Phone: 620-221-5444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pmWritten Requests: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, and any other identifying information to facilitate the search.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1008, requestors must pay applicable fees for record searches and copies. The standard fee for a criminal history check is $25, though this amount may vary based on the scope of the request and the agency providing the information.
Contents of an Arkansas Arrest Record
Arkansas arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies. In accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003, these records typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, any known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, the arresting agency, names and badge numbers of the arresting officers, and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Offense Information: Nature and classification of the alleged offense(s), including statutory citations, severity level (misdemeanor or felony), and a brief description of the circumstances leading to the arrest.
Booking Data: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and mugshot photographs taken during the booking process.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction, and any sentences imposed.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
The Arkansas Crime Information Center maintains these records in accordance with state and federal regulations. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1009, certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly when disclosure would compromise ongoing investigations or endanger individuals.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Arkansas
The state of Arkansas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed from public view, effectively removing them from public access. This process is governed by Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 through § 16-90-1419, which outlines eligibility criteria and procedures.
Individuals may qualify for expungement in the following situations:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
- First-time, non-violent offenses after completion of probation
- Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period (typically 5 years)
- Arrests that did not result in formal charges
- Successful completion of drug court or other diversion programs
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the court that handled the original case. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1413, the petition must include:
- Complete identification information of the petitioner
- Date of arrest and specific charges
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Disposition of the case
- Statement of eligibility under the applicable statute
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing where the prosecuting attorney may contest the expungement. If granted, the court issues an Order of Expungement directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. The Arkansas Municipal Court can provide guidance on local procedures.
Arkansas City Municipal Court
118 West Central Avenue
Arkansas City, KS 67005
Phone: (620) 441-4454
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
It is important to note that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes, including subsequent criminal proceedings and certain employment background checks for sensitive positions, as specified in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1416.
Search Arrest Records in Arkansas
