Wichita Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Wichita, Kansas?
Arrest records are public documents in Wichita, Kansas, pursuant to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq. This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records shall be open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Wichita Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities within city limits. Members of the public may access these records through established procedures designed to balance transparency with privacy considerations.
The Kansas Open Records Act mandates that public agencies, including the Wichita Police Department, must provide reasonable access to records maintained in the performance of governmental functions. This access serves several public interests:
• Promoting governmental accountability • Enabling informed civic participation • Supporting public safety through awareness • Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
Certain portions of arrest 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 at the Wichita Police Department determines which information may be withheld based on statutory guidelines.
How to Look Up Wichita Arrest Records in 2025
The Wichita Police Department Records Bureau provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
• Online Portal Access: The WPD Arrest Reports Archive provides digital access to daily arrest reports. Users may search by date, name, or case number through the S.P.I.D.E.R. (Special Police Information Data Entry and Retrieval) system.
• In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Records Bureau located at the Wichita Police Department headquarters.
Wichita Police Department Records Bureau
455 N. Main Street
Wichita, KS 67202
(316) 268-4186
Records Bureau | Wichita, KS
• Written Requests: Standard KORA request forms may be submitted via mail or email. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-220, agencies must respond to requests within three business days.
• Municipal Court Records: Arrest records associated with municipal violations may be accessed through the Wichita Municipal Court.
Wichita Municipal Court
455 N. Main, 2nd Floor
Wichita, KS 67202
(316) 268-4611
Municipal Court | Wichita, KS
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-219, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing access to or copies of public records. The current fee schedule includes:
• Electronic copies: $0.25 per page • Paper copies: $0.50 per page • Certified copies: $5.00 per document • Research fee: $25.00 per hour after the first hour
Payment must be made by cash, credit card, or money order payable to the City of Wichita.
Contents of a Wichita Arrest Record
Wichita arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Kansas Administrative Regulations and Wichita Police Department policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:
• Demographic Information:
- Full legal name of arrestee
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Address of residence
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
• Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where arrest occurred
- Arresting officer identification
- Agency case number
- Booking number
• Criminal Charges:
- Statute or ordinance violations cited
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge description
- Incident report summary
• Procedural Information:
- Custody status
- Bail or bond amount
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition of charges (if available)
The Wichita Police Department maintains these records in accordance with the Kansas Criminal Justice Information System regulations and departmental retention schedules. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-4701 et seq., certain information within arrest records may be restricted based on the nature of the case, particularly those involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Wichita
Kansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2410, individuals may petition for expungement if:
• The arrest occurred but no charges were filed • Charges were dismissed • The defendant was acquitted at trial • The conviction was overturned on appeal • The requisite waiting period has elapsed following completion of sentence
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the court of jurisdiction where the case was handled. For Wichita arrests, petitions are typically filed with either:
Sedgwick County District Court
525 N. Main Street
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5800
Wichita Municipal Court
455 N. Main, 2nd Floor
Wichita, KS 67202
(316) 268-4611
Municipal Court | Wichita, KS
The petition must include specific information as required by statute, including the date of arrest, charges filed, case number, and disposition. Filing fees apply and vary based on the court of jurisdiction. Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement.
If granted, an Order of Expungement directs all criminal justice agencies to seal the records related to the arrest. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 22-2410(e), expunged records are not destroyed but are segregated from public access. Law enforcement agencies may access expunged records for limited purposes, including subsequent criminal investigations and prosecutions.
Expungement does not automatically remove records from private databases or third-party background check services. Additional steps may be necessary to address records maintained by non-governmental entities.
Search Arrest Records in Wichita
