> >Kansas Arrest Records

Kansas Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kansas?

Yes, arrest records are public in Kansas. This accessibility is established by the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq., which mandates that various government records, including arrest records, be available to the public. The Act aims to promote transparency and accountability within governmental operations by granting citizens the right to access these documents. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-217(g)(2), criminal investigation records may become public once a case is closed, though certain exemptions apply to protect ongoing investigations and individual privacy in specific circumstances.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-221, which outlines exceptions to disclosure for confidential information such as social security numbers, medical details, and information that might compromise an ongoing investigation.

How to Look Up Kansas Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Kansas arrest records in 2025, individuals can utilize several methods to search for and access these documents. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state. Options available include:

Visiting local law enforcement agencies such as the police department or sheriff's office where the arrest occurred to request records in person.
Accessing the Kansas Criminal History Record Check portal, which allows users to search the state's criminal history database for a fee.
Utilizing KASPER (Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository) for information on individuals under supervision of the Kansas Department of Corrections.
Submitting written requests to the Records Bureau of the relevant law enforcement agency, such as the Wichita Police Department Records Bureau.
Checking county-specific resources like the Douglas County Court Records portal for case information.

Kansas Bureau of Investigation
1620 SW Tyler Street
Topeka, KS 66612
(785) 296-8200
Official Website

When requesting records, individuals must provide specific information such as the full name of the subject, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-220, agencies may charge reasonable fees to cover the cost of providing records, which typically range from $10-$25 per record request.

Contents of a Kansas Arrest Record

A Kansas arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's interaction with law enforcement. Standard elements included in these records are:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
Detailed description of the alleged offense and corresponding Kansas statute violations
Identifying information of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking photographs (mugshots) and fingerprint records
Personal identifiers including date of birth, physical descriptors (height, weight, distinguishing marks), and last known address
Case disposition information, if available
Warrant information, if applicable
Custody status

The Riley County Police Department and other local agencies maintain these records in accordance with K.S.A. § 22-4701, which establishes requirements for criminal history record information. The level of detail may vary between jurisdictions, with some agencies like the Parsons Police Department providing more comprehensive information than others.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Kansas

In Kansas, individuals may petition to have their arrest records expunged under specific circumstances outlined in K.S.A. § 22-2410. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Kansas include:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
Arrests where no charges were filed within the statute of limitations
Successful completion of diversion agreements
Convictions followed by the statutorily required waiting period (varies by offense type)
Demonstration of rehabilitation and absence of subsequent criminal activity

The expungement process requires filing a petition in the court where the case was handled. Forms for this purpose are available through the Wichita Municipal Court, Salina Municipal Court, and other local courts throughout Kansas. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2410(d), the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that their circumstances meet the statutory requirements for expungement.

Upon granting an expungement, the court orders all related records to be sealed, including those held by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, local police departments such as the Spring Hill Police Department, and other criminal justice agencies. The practical effect is that the arrest no longer appears in standard background checks, though certain government agencies and licensing boards may still access the information under specific circumstances outlined in K.S.A. § 22-2410(f).

Legal Restrictions on Kansas Arrest Records

Access to arrest records in Kansas is subject to certain legal restrictions designed to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights. The Kansas Open Records Act establishes several exemptions under K.S.A. § 45-221 that may limit access to arrest information in specific circumstances:

Records containing information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
Records pertaining to juvenile offenders (governed by separate statutes)
Information that might compromise an ongoing investigation
Records protected by other specific statutory provisions

Law enforcement agencies like the Wichita Police Department must carefully review record requests to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Additionally, the Louisburg Municipal Court and other judicial entities maintain specific procedures for requesting public records that reflect these statutory limitations.

Individuals seeking arrest records should be aware that while the records themselves may be public, certain information within them might be redacted prior to release. This commonly includes social security numbers, medical information, and details about confidential informants or victims of certain crimes.