Arrest records are public documents in Adams County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible for public inspection and duplication unless specifically exempted by statute. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to documentation of law enforcement activities within the county.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4. The Adams County Sheriff's Department maintains these records in compliance with state regulations governing record retention and public accessibility.
Adams County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Adams County Sheriff's Department provides electronic access to certain arrest information through their official website. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Correction maintains a searchable database of individuals currently incarcerated within the state system.
Online accessibility is subject to the following provisions:
The Indiana Judicial Branch also provides access to court records related to arrests through their case management system. Users should be aware that online records are subject to the same legal restrictions as physical records, and certain information may be unavailable due to statutory exemptions.
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Adams County as of 2025. Interested parties may utilize the following procedures to access these public documents:
Adams County Sheriff's Department
313 S. 1st Street
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5345
Adams County Sheriff's Department Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Adams County Clerk's Office
112 S. 2nd Street, Room 106
Decatur, IN 46733
Phone: (260) 724-5309
Adams County Clerk's Office Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Access the Indiana Department of Correction online offender database for information on individuals currently incarcerated following arrest and conviction.
Utilize public access terminals available at the Adams County Courthouse to search court records related to arrests.
Submit a written request pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3 specifying the records sought with reasonable particularity.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information such as the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other pertinent details to facilitate record location. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8.
Standard arrest records maintained by the Adams County Sheriff's Department contain specific information as required by Indiana state law. These records typically include:
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6, the record may also contain information regarding the probable cause determination made by a judicial officer. Records pertaining to juveniles may be subject to additional confidentiality provisions under Indiana Code § 31-39-3.
Law enforcement agencies in Adams County maintain these records in accordance with state-mandated retention schedules. The completeness of individual records may vary based on the circumstances of the arrest and subsequent case processing.
Indiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by Indiana Code § 35-38-9, which establishes multiple categories of expungement based on the nature of the arrest and subsequent case disposition.
Individuals seeking expungement in Adams County must file a petition with the court that handled the original case. The petition must comply with statutory requirements including:
The Adams County Superior Court or Circuit Court reviews petitions for expungement and determines eligibility based on statutory criteria. If granted, an expungement order requires the sealing or redaction of arrest records from public access. However, certain government agencies may retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by statute.
Individuals with arrests in multiple Indiana counties may need to file separate petitions in each jurisdiction. The expungement process typically requires adherence to strict procedural requirements, and outcomes depend on individual case circumstances and statutory eligibility criteria.