Indiana Arrest Records

Is Indiana an Open Arrest Records State?

Indiana is classified as an open arrest records state pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified under Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This designation signifies that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies are considered public records and are generally accessible to members of the public. The State of Indiana maintains this policy to promote transparency in governmental operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. The public's right to access these records is fundamental to ensuring that law enforcement actions remain subject to public scrutiny, thereby supporting the principles of open governance and democratic oversight.

Under Indiana law, public agencies are required to maintain and provide access to arrest records, though certain exceptions may apply in cases involving ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy as specified in IC § 5-14-3-4. The Indiana Public Access Counselor, established under IC § 5-14-4, serves as a resource for citizens and public officials regarding questions about public access laws.

How to Look Up Indiana Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking to obtain Indiana arrest records may utilize several established methods, each with specific procedures and requirements as outlined by state regulations:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the relevant law enforcement agency or courthouse in person to submit a request for arrest records. Proper identification is typically required, and fees may apply for document reproduction.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate agency. Such requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.
Online Access: The Indiana State Police Criminal History Services provides a digital platform for requesting limited criminal history information. Additionally, many county sheriff departments maintain online databases of current inmates and recent arrests.
Court Records: The Indiana Judicial Branch maintains a public access system called mycase.in.gov where court cases, including those resulting from arrests, can be searched.

Indiana State Police
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N302
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-8263
Indiana State Police Criminal History Services

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time, excluding state holidays.

Contents of an Indiana Arrest Record

Indiana arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by IC § 35-33-1-6, which mandates the documentation of specific details during the arrest process. These records typically include:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest, as well as the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including both the Indiana Code citation and the common name of the offense.
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction.
Booking Information: Fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and unique identifying numbers assigned to the individual within the criminal justice system.
Bail or Bond Information: Amount set, whether posted, and conditions of release if applicable.

It should be noted that pursuant to IC § 10-13-3-27, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving confidential informants, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure could compromise public safety.

Understanding the Indiana Open Records Act

The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), established under IC § 5-14-3, serves as the legal framework governing public access to governmental records, including arrest documentation. This legislation embodies the state's commitment to governmental transparency while balancing privacy concerns and operational necessities.

Key provisions of the APRA relevant to arrest records include:

Presumption of Openness: Under IC § 5-14-3-1, all records of public agencies are presumed to be accessible unless specifically exempted by statute.
Response Timeframes: Public agencies must respond to requests within specified timeframes—24 hours for in-person requests and 7 days for written requests, as stipulated in IC § 5-14-3-9.
Reasonable Fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and, in some cases, for search time, though the first two hours of search time must be provided at no cost per IC § 5-14-3-8.
Exemptions: Certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure, including investigatory records of law enforcement agencies that might interfere with enforcement proceedings or deprive a person of a fair trial as outlined in IC § 5-14-3-4(b)(1).

The Indiana Public Access Counselor serves as a resource for resolving disputes regarding access to public records and provides advisory opinions on the application of public access laws.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Indiana

Indiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under the Second Chance Law, codified in IC § 35-38-9. This process allows eligible individuals to petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records, thereby limiting public access to this information.

Eligibility criteria and procedures for expungement include:

Waiting Periods: Depending on the offense category, waiting periods range from one year for arrests without charges to 5-10 years for certain felony convictions.
Petition Requirements: Petitions must be filed in the court where the arrest or conviction occurred and must include specific information as required by IC § 35-38-9-8.
Notification: The prosecutor's office must be notified of the petition and has the right to object within 30 days.
Judicial Determination: The court will consider factors such as the nature of the offense, the petitioner's character, and whether the expungement serves the best interests of justice.

Upon successful expungement, pursuant to IC § 35-38-9-10, the records are sealed from public view, and the person may legally state on applications for employment, licenses, or other civil rights that the expunged arrest did not occur.

Marion County Clerk's Office
200 East Washington Street, Suite W122
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-4740
Marion County Clerk's Office

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time.

How to Find Local Arrests in Indiana?

Information regarding local arrests in Indiana is maintained by various county and municipal agencies, each with established protocols for public access:

County Sheriff Departments: Each of Indiana's 92 counties maintains records of arrests within their jurisdiction. Many sheriff departments publish daily arrest logs on their websites or make them available at their offices.
Municipal Police Departments: City and town police departments document arrests within their jurisdictions and may provide access to these records upon request.
County Clerk's Offices: Court records related to arrests are maintained by county clerks and may be accessed through courthouse terminals or, in many counties, through online portals.
Local Jail Rosters: Many counties publish current inmate information, which includes recent arrests, through online jail rosters.

For example, the Tippecanoe County Court Records system provides public access to non-confidential court case information, including cases resulting from arrests within the county.

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
18100 Cumberland Road
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 773-1282
Hamilton County Courts

Hours of Operation: Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time.