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Jennings County, Indiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Jennings County, Indiana?

Arrest records are public documents in Jennings County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes the public's right to inspect and copy records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement records and arrest information. The statute specifically designates that records of arrests, including the name, age, and address of the person arrested, the charges, and information relating to the circumstances of the arrest shall be made available for public inspection.

The Indiana Access to Public Records Act serves multiple public interests, including:

  • Promoting governmental transparency
  • Ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies
  • Providing citizens with information about criminal activity in their communities
  • Supporting journalistic and research endeavors related to criminal justice

Requesters seeking arrest records in Jennings County are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request, as specified under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(a). However, certain portions of arrest records may be redacted if they contain confidential information as defined by state statute.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jennings County?

Jennings County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms in accordance with Indiana's public records laws. The Jennings County Government maintains digital records that may be accessed by members of the public through official county websites. Additionally, the Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase) system provides a centralized database where users can search for criminal cases, including arrest information.

Online accessibility of arrest records is subject to the following conditions:

  • Records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
  • Some historical records may not have been digitized
  • Certain sensitive information may be redacted from online versions
  • Technical limitations may affect the completeness of online records

The Indiana State Police also maintains databases that include arrest information, though these may require payment of statutory fees for comprehensive searches. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 10-13-3-30, the Indiana State Police may charge a processing fee for criminal history information.

How to Look Up Jennings County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Jennings County, each with varying levels of comprehensiveness and accessibility. Members of the public may utilize the following resources:

  • Online Database Searches: The Indiana Courts Case Search portal provides access to court records, including information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers.

  • Jennings County Sheriff's Office: Jennings County Sheriff's Office 925 S. State Street North Vernon, IN 47265 Phone: (812) 346-5111 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Jennings County Circuit Court Clerk: Jennings Circuit Court 24 North Pike Street, 2nd Floor P.O. Box 386 Vernon, IN 47282 Phone: (812) 352-3011 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Indiana Department of Correction: The Indiana Incarcerated Database Search provides information about individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated in state facilities.

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching for, copying, and certifying copies of public records. These fees shall not exceed the actual cost to the agency of providing the copy.

Contents of a Jennings County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Jennings County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. In accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5, these records generally include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable Indiana statutes
  • Booking photographs (mugshots)
  • Fingerprint records
  • Arresting agency and officer information
  • Incident report detailing the circumstances of the arrest
  • Bail or bond information
  • Detention facility location
  • Case number and court assignment information

It should be noted that pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b), certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including:

  • Medical information
  • Information that would identify confidential sources
  • Investigatory records that might compromise an ongoing investigation
  • Juvenile records, except under specific circumstances outlined in Indiana Code § 31-39-3

Expungement of Arrest Records in Jennings County

Indiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The Indiana Second Chance Law (Indiana Code § 35-38-9) establishes procedures through which individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest and conviction records.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Jennings County include:

  • Arrests that did not lead to conviction or were dismissed
  • Convictions for certain misdemeanors after a waiting period of 5 years
  • Certain non-violent felony convictions after waiting periods of 8-10 years
  • Completion of all terms of the sentence, including payment of fines and restitution
  • No pending criminal charges
  • No convictions for crimes that would disqualify the petitioner

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Jennings Circuit Court where the case was originally adjudicated. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9-8, once an expungement is granted, the records are sealed from public view, and the person may legally state they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense.

Law enforcement agencies and the courts retain access to expunged records for limited purposes, including consideration in subsequent criminal proceedings and for certain employment applications, such as those for law enforcement positions.

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