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Junction Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Junction, Kansas?

Arrest records are public in Junction, Kansas, pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that all governmental records shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by the Act. The Kansas Open Records Act mandates transparency in governmental operations, including law enforcement activities. Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Junction City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Geary County, subject to certain statutory exemptions that may apply to ongoing investigations or juvenile records.

The public nature of these records serves multiple governmental and societal interests, including:

Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
Providing transparency in the criminal justice system
Enabling citizens to be informed about public safety matters
Supporting legitimate background check processes for employment and housing

How to Look Up Junction Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Junction, Kansas. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-220, governmental bodies must provide reasonable access to public records during regular business hours. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:

In-Person Requests at the Junction City Police Department: Individuals may submit requests for arrest records at the Records and Communications Division of the Junction City Police Department.

Junction City Police Department
700 N. Jefferson Street
Junction City, KS 66441
Phone: (785) 762-5912
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Geary County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests made within its jurisdiction.

Geary County Sheriff's Office
826 N. Franklin Street
Junction City, KS 66441
Phone: (785) 238-2261
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Geary County District Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the district court.

Geary County District Court
200 East 8th Street
Junction City, KS 66441
Phone: (785) 762-5221
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Online Access: The Kansas District Court Public Access Portal provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests in Junction City.
Written Requests: Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-220(b), requests may be submitted in writing to the appropriate records custodian. The agency must act upon requests within three business days.

Contents of a Junction Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Junction City law enforcement agencies typically contain specific information as prescribed by Kansas Administrative Regulations and departmental policies. Standard arrest records include the following components:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory violations and charges filed
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Fingerprint records
Arresting officer information
Case or incident number
Custody status information
Bond amount, if applicable
Court appearance dates

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-4701 et seq., certain identifying information in arrest records is considered public information. However, personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and medical information are generally redacted from public records to protect individual privacy.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Junction, Kansas is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. The following statutes and regulations establish the parameters for public access:

Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-215 through § 45-223): Establishes the presumption of openness for government records while providing specific exemptions.
Criminal History Record Information Act (K.S.A. § 22-4701 et seq.): Regulates the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history record information.
Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS) Regulations: Establishes protocols for the secure handling and sharing of criminal justice information.

Requestors should be aware that certain records may be exempt from disclosure under K.S.A. § 45-221, particularly if they:

Interfere with ongoing investigations
Constitute clearly unwarranted invasions of personal privacy
Reveal confidential informant identities
Disclose juvenile offender information protected under K.S.A. § 38-2309

Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Junction

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-219, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records. The Junction City Police Department and other local agencies have established the following fee schedule for arrest record requests:

Standard arrest record: $15.00 per record
Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
Research fee: $25.00 per hour (first hour may be waived)
Expedited processing: Additional $10.00 per request

Payment methods accepted include cash, money order, and credit/debit cards. Fees may be waived or reduced if the request is determined to be in the public interest, as provided in K.S.A. § 45-219(c).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Junction

Under Kansas law, specifically K.S.A. § 22-2410, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under certain circumstances. Expungement effectively seals the record from public view, though the information remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes. The following conditions may qualify an individual for expungement in Junction:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Cases that were dismissed
Acquittals at trial
Completion of diversion agreements
Satisfaction of sentence requirements followed by a waiting period

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Geary County District Court. Petitioners must:

Complete the appropriate petition form
Pay the filing fee of $195.00
Provide notice to the prosecuting attorney
Attend a scheduled hearing before the district judge

If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the arrest record. The Junction City Municipal Court and Geary County District Court can provide guidance on the expungement process for cases within their respective jurisdictions.

Limitations on Use of Arrest Records

Kansas law imposes certain restrictions on how arrest records may be used, particularly in employment contexts. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-4710, employers may not inquire about arrests that did not result in conviction unless the position involves particular security concerns. The following limitations apply to the use of arrest records:

Employers may not use arrest records as the sole basis for employment decisions unless the charges are pending or directly related to the position
Housing providers face similar restrictions under fair housing regulations
Financial institutions must comply with additional federal regulations regarding the use of arrest information
Educational institutions have specific guidelines for considering arrest records in admissions decisions

Violations of these provisions may result in civil liability under various state and federal anti-discrimination laws.