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Overland Park Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Overland Park, Kansas?

Arrest records are public documents in Overland Park, Kansas, pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made within the jurisdiction. The Kansas Open Records Act operates under the presumption that all government records shall be open for inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This framework ensures transparency in law enforcement operations and maintains accountability of public agencies to the citizens they serve.

Members of the public may request and review arrest records maintained by the Overland Park Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies. However, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-221, which provides exemptions for personal privacy, ongoing investigations, and juvenile records. The custodian of records is required to respond to requests within three business days, though complex requests may require additional processing time.

How to Look Up Overland Park Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Overland Park provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These methods have been established to accommodate various needs and preferences while ensuring compliance with the Kansas Open Records Act. The following options are available for obtaining arrest records:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Overland Park Police Department Records Division to submit requests for arrest records. Staff members are available to assist with the completion of necessary forms and to answer questions regarding the request process.

Overland Park Police Department - Records Division
12400 Foster Street
Overland Park, KS 66213
Phone: 913-895-6300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Official Website

Online Portal Access: The Overland Park Police Department's online records system allows for electronic submission of record requests. Users must create an account and provide specific information about the record being sought.
Written Requests: Standard mail requests are accepted when submitted on the official Records Request Form, available on the department's website. All written requests must include the requestor's contact information and specific details about the record being sought.
Johnson County District Court: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be accessed through the Johnson County District Court.

Johnson County District Court
100 N. Kansas Avenue
Olathe, KS 66061
Phone: 913-715-3300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-219, fees may be assessed for the reproduction of records. The current fee schedule includes charges for physical copies, certified documents, and staff time required for extensive searches. Payment must be made at the time of request fulfillment.

Contents of an Overland Park Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Overland Park Police Department contain standardized information as required by Kansas state law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, and any known aliases or identifiers
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the agency responsible for the arrest
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Kansas state law or Overland Park municipal code for which the individual was arrested
Booking Information: Fingerprints, booking photographs (mugshots), and processing details
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether the individual was released on bail, bond amount if applicable, and court appearance dates
Incident Report: Brief narrative describing the circumstances leading to the arrest
Property Inventory: List of personal items taken into custody during the booking process

In accordance with K.S.A. § 22-4701 et seq., certain information may be restricted from public disclosure, particularly in cases involving ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or juvenile offenders. Additionally, records related to arrests that did not result in charges or convictions may have limited accessibility under specific circumstances.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The accessibility of arrest records in Overland Park is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances public transparency with individual privacy rights. The Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-215 through § 45-223) establishes the foundational principles for public access to governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests.

Under K.S.A. § 45-217(g)(1), public records are defined as "any recorded information, regardless of form, characteristics or location, which is made, maintained or kept by or is in the possession of any public agency." The Overland Park Police Department, as a public agency, is required to maintain and provide access to arrest records in accordance with this statute.

Several key provisions affect the availability of arrest records:

K.S.A. § 45-221(a)(10) permits the withholding of criminal investigation records if disclosure would interfere with prospective law enforcement proceedings
K.S.A. § 38-2209 restricts access to records concerning juvenile offenders
K.S.A. § 22-4707 governs the dissemination of criminal history record information

The Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS) regulations further delineate protocols for the management and dissemination of criminal justice information. Law enforcement agencies in Overland Park adhere to these regulations when processing requests for arrest records.

Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally accessible to the public, certain limitations and restrictions apply to protect privacy interests and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The following categories of information may be subject to redaction or withholding:

Juvenile Records: Pursuant to K.S.A. § 38-2310, records pertaining to juvenile offenders are not publicly accessible without a court order
Sealed or Expunged Records: Records that have been legally sealed or expunged by court order are not available for public inspection
Ongoing Investigations: Information that could compromise active investigations may be temporarily withheld
Victim Information: Personal identifying information of crime victims, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses or domestic violence
Medical Information: Details regarding an arrestee's medical condition or treatment
Confidential Informants: Information that could reveal the identity of confidential informants

The Overland Park Police Department Records Division reviews all requests for arrest records to ensure compliance with these restrictions. Requestors may be required to provide identification and state the purpose of their request when seeking certain types of records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Overland Park

Kansas law provides a mechanism for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2410, individuals may petition the court to have records of arrests, diversions, and certain convictions expunged from public access. The expungement process in Overland Park requires the following steps:

Determination of eligibility based on statutory criteria
Filing of a Petition for Expungement with the appropriate court
Payment of filing fees (currently $195 for district court filings)
Notification to the prosecuting attorney and law enforcement agencies
Court hearing (if required by the judge)
Issuance of an Order of Expungement if approved

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the nature of the offense and typically include:

Completion of all terms of the sentence, including probation and payment of fines
A waiting period after case disposition (ranging from 1 to 5 years for most offenses)
No pending criminal cases or charges
Evidence that the expungement is consistent with public welfare

Upon successful expungement, the Overland Park Police Department and other agencies are required to seal the records and remove them from public access. However, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.