Arrest records in Erie, Kansas are considered public information pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq.). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by the Act. Law enforcement agencies in Erie maintain these records as part of their official duties, and members of the public may access them subject to certain statutory limitations.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) serves as the central repository for criminal history record information throughout the state, including arrests made in Erie. Under K.S.A. § 22-4701, these records are defined as documentation of arrests, detentions, indictments, or other formal criminal charges and any disposition arising from those actions.
Public access to these records promotes transparency in the criminal justice system while allowing citizens to remain informed about public safety matters in their community. However, requesters should note that certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-221.
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Erie, Kansas. Individuals seeking such information should be prepared to provide specific identifying details about the subject of their inquiry to facilitate accurate record retrieval.
The primary resources for accessing Erie arrest records include:
Neosho County Sheriff's Office
212 S Lincoln Street
Erie, KS 66733
Phone: (620) 244-3888
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Erie Police Department
101 N Main Street
Erie, KS 66733
Phone: (620) 244-3456
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Neosho County District Court
100 S Main Street
Erie, KS 66733
Phone: (620) 244-3874
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
1620 SW Tyler Street
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-8200
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Requesters may submit applications in person, by mail, or in some cases, through online portals. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-218, agencies may require written requests and proof of identity before releasing records. Additionally, reasonable fees may be assessed for search, retrieval, and copying services as authorized by K.S.A. § 45-219.
Standard arrest records maintained by Erie law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and subsequent processing. These records are created in accordance with Kansas Administrative Regulations (K.A.R. 10-9-1) governing the collection and maintenance of criminal justice information.
A typical Erie arrest record contains the following elements:
Biographical Information
Arrest Details
Processing Information
Case Disposition
Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain sensitive information from public arrest records when disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations, compromise intelligence gathering, or endanger individuals, as permitted under K.S.A. § 45-221(a)(10).
The State of Kansas provides statutory mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained in Erie and throughout the state. Expungement proceedings are governed by K.S.A. § 22-2410, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
Upon granting an expungement order, the court directs all relevant agencies to seal the records and remove them from public access. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2410(e), expunged records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies for specific purposes, including:
The Kansas Judicial Branch maintains standardized forms for expungement petitions, which are available at the Neosho County District Court Clerk's Office or through the Kansas Judicial Council website.
While arrest records in Erie are generally public, Kansas law establishes important limitations on their accessibility and use. These restrictions serve to balance transparency with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice process.
Statutory exemptions under K.S.A. § 45-221 permit agencies to withhold:
Additionally, the commercial use of arrest record information is regulated under K.S.A. § 45-230, which prohibits:
Violations of these provisions may result in civil penalties of up to $500 per violation, as well as potential criminal charges for more serious misuse of official records.