Dodge Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Dodge, Kansas?
Arrest records are public documents in Dodge, Kansas, accessible to all citizens under the provisions of the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. 45-215 et seq. This state legislation establishes the presumption that all government records shall be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. Law enforcement agencies in Dodge County, including the Dodge City Police Department and Ford County Sheriff's Office, maintain these records as part of their official duties. The public nature of these documents serves multiple civic purposes, including:
• Ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system • Facilitating public oversight of law enforcement activities • Providing necessary information for background checks • Supporting journalistic reporting on matters of public interest • Enabling research on criminal justice trends and patterns
Pursuant to K.S.A. 45-218, any person may make a request to inspect or obtain copies of public records during regular business hours. Agencies may require written requests but cannot inquire into the requester's identity or intended use of the records except in limited circumstances as specified in K.S.A. 45-220.
How to Look Up Dodge Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for members of the public to access arrest records in Dodge, Kansas. The Ford County Sheriff's Office and Dodge City Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the records division of the appropriate law enforcement agency during regular business hours. Staff will assist with locating relevant records upon completion of a standard request form. Proper identification may be required.
Ford County Sheriff's Office 11311 E. Comanche, Suite 200 Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 227-4501 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dodge City Police Department 110 W. Spruce Street Dodge City, KS 67801 (620) 225-8126 Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to either agency. Requests must include: • Full name of the subject • Date of birth (if known) • Approximate date of arrest • Case number (if available) • Requester's contact information • Signature and date
Online Access: The Ford County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic arrest details. Access is available through the official county website.
Third-Party Aggregators: Commercial services compile public records from multiple jurisdictions. While these services may offer convenience, the information provided may not be as current or comprehensive as official sources. Users should verify information obtained through these channels with official records.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with K.S.A. 45-219 and may vary based on the number of pages requested and search time required.
Contents of a Dodge Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Dodge, Kansas contain specific categories of information as mandated by Kansas Administrative Regulations and departmental policies. These records typically include:
Biographical Information: • Legal name of the arrested individual • Known aliases or previous names • Date of birth • Gender • Race/ethnicity (as categorized by booking procedures) • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks) • Residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details: • Date and time of arrest • Location where the arrest occurred • Arresting agency and officer identification • Statutory authority for the arrest • Booking number and processing information • Detention facility information
Criminal Charges: • Specific charges filed • Kansas Statute citations for alleged violations • Classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, etc.) • Case numbers assigned by the court • Disposition information (if available)
Identification Records: • Booking photographs (mugshots) • Fingerprint impressions • Other biometric data collected during processing
Pursuant to K.S.A. 22-4701 et seq., certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public release, particularly details that might compromise ongoing investigations or violate privacy protections established by state or federal law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Dodge
The expungement process in Dodge, Kansas provides a legal mechanism for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as authorized by K.S.A. 22-2410. When an arrest record is expunged, it is removed from public access, though it remains available to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes.
Eligibility Requirements: Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records if: • The arrest resulted in no charges being filed and the statute of limitations has expired • Charges were dismissed • The individual was acquitted at trial • The case was resolved through diversion and all requirements were successfully completed • The conviction was for certain eligible offenses and the required waiting period has elapsed
Statutory Waiting Periods: • Most misdemeanors: 3 years after completion of sentence • Most felonies: 5 years after completion of sentence • Certain serious felonies: 10 years after completion of sentence • Some offenses are ineligible for expungement under Kansas law
Application Process: The petitioner must file a formal request with the Ford County District Court, located at 100 Gunsmoke Street, Dodge City, KS 67801. The petition must include: • Complete personal identification information • Date of arrest and charges • Case number and arresting agency • Statement that the petitioner satisfies all statutory requirements • Filing fee as established by the court
Upon receipt of a petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility. The prosecuting attorney and victims (if applicable) receive notification and may present objections. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records.
Expunged records remain accessible to: • The petitioner or their attorney • Law enforcement agencies for specific purposes • Courts for sentencing in subsequent cases • Certain licensing boards and agencies as specified by statute
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