Arrest records are public documents in Neosho County, Kansas, pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq.). This legislation establishes that most records maintained by local and state government entities must be available for public inspection and copying. The Kansas Open Records Act serves to promote transparency in government operations, including those of law enforcement agencies and the judicial system. Arrest records maintained by the Neosho County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies fall under this public access mandate.
Members of the public may access these records for various legitimate purposes, including:
The Kansas Open Records Act does provide certain exemptions to protect sensitive information, such as ongoing investigations or juvenile records. However, standard adult arrest records are generally accessible to any requesting party without the need to demonstrate a specific purpose for the request.
Neosho County arrest records are available through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital access varies. The Neosho County Sheriff's Office maintains certain arrest information that can be accessed electronically. These online resources typically provide basic arrest data, including names, charges, and booking dates.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) offers a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest information from Neosho County. This resource allows users to conduct name-based searches of arrest records throughout Kansas, including those from Neosho County law enforcement agencies.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the following considerations:
Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-219, agencies may charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, including those available through online platforms.
Individuals seeking Neosho County arrest records have multiple official channels through which to obtain this information. Each method offers different advantages in terms of comprehensiveness, convenience, and cost.
The primary resources for obtaining Neosho County arrest records include:
Neosho County Sheriff's Office
212 S Lincoln Ave
Erie, KS 66733
Phone: (620) 244-3888
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains the most current arrest records for the county. Requestors may submit a written request in person or by mail, specifying the information sought. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-220, the Sheriff's Office must respond to requests within three business days.
Neosho County District Court
100 S Main St
Erie, KS 66733
Phone: (620) 244-3874
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
The District Court maintains records of arrests that have proceeded to court action. Court records may include additional information about case disposition not available in arrest records alone.
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
1620 SW Tyler St
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-8200
The KBI maintains the central repository of criminal history information for the state. Requestors may obtain certified criminal history records that include arrest information from Neosho County through the KBI's Criminal History Record Check system.
When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide:
Neosho County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2307, law enforcement agencies must maintain complete records of all arrests. These records must be preserved according to the state's record retention schedule, which typically requires permanent retention of felony arrest records and extended retention periods for misdemeanor arrests.
The information contained in arrest records is subject to certain privacy protections. For example, social security numbers, medical information, and certain victim information may be redacted before public disclosure in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-221.
Neosho County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances established by Kansas law. Expungement is the legal process through which arrest records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for certain purposes.
Kansas Statute K.S.A. § 22-2410 governs the expungement of arrest records and establishes the following eligibility criteria:
The waiting period before eligibility for expungement varies based on the severity of the offense:
Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Neosho County District Court. The petition must include:
The filing fee for an expungement petition in Neosho County is approximately $195, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners. Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing, and notice will be provided to the prosecuting attorney and any victims.
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the arrest record. However, expunged records may still be disclosed in certain circumstances, such as in subsequent criminal proceedings or for certain licensing and employment purposes as specified in K.S.A. § 22-2410(c).