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Hammond Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hammond, Indiana?

Arrest records in Hammond, Indiana are classified as public records pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, including the Hammond Police Department, must be accessible to members of the public with certain statutory exceptions. The Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability while balancing privacy considerations for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

The public status of these records enables citizens, researchers, journalists, and other interested parties to access information regarding arrests made within Hammond's jurisdiction. However, certain information may be redacted in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which outlines specific exceptions to disclosure, particularly in cases involving juvenile offenders, ongoing investigations, or where disclosure might compromise public safety.

Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, they document only the fact that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Indiana law, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

How to Look Up Hammond Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for accessing arrest records in Hammond, Indiana as of 2025. The Lake County government has implemented enhanced digital access systems while maintaining traditional in-person services. Individuals seeking arrest record information may utilize the following official channels:

Visit the Hammond Police Department Records Division in person at: Hammond Police Department 509 Douglas Street Hammond, IN 46320 Phone: (219) 852-2900 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit requests through the Lake County Indiana official portal, which provides digital access to public records maintained by county agencies. The online system allows for searches by name, case number, or date range.
Access records at the Hammond Courthouse through public terminals located in the Clerk's Office: Hammond Clerk's Office 232 Russell Street Hammond, IN 46320 Phone: (219) 933-2837 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit a formal public records request pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3 by completing the standardized form available at all Lake County government offices or downloadable from the county website.

Requesters should be prepared to provide identification and pay applicable fees as established by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8. Current fee schedules are posted at all records access locations and on the county website.

Contents of a Hammond Arrest Record

Hammond arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Indiana state law and local record-keeping protocols. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, including Indiana Code citations
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest (Hammond Police Department, Lake County Sheriff's Department, or other jurisdictional authority)
Booking information, including processing location and assigned identification numbers
Photographic documentation (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Fingerprint classification and identification data
Detention status information, including whether the individual was released on their own recognizance or held in custody
Bail or bond determination, including amount set and conditions imposed
Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled at the time of record creation

It should be noted that pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-5, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly in cases involving confidential informants, minors, or where disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation.

Legal Limitations on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records in Hammond are generally accessible to the public, several important legal limitations govern their availability and use. These restrictions are established through both state statutes and federal regulations:

Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b) authorizes public agencies to withhold certain categories of information, including:

Records declared confidential by state statute, federal law, or court rule
Information that might compromise an ongoing investigation or prosecution
Records containing information that would create a risk to public safety
Juvenile records, which are subject to special confidentiality provisions under Indiana Code § 31-39

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) places restrictions on how arrest record information may be used by employers, landlords, and other entities making decisions that affect an individual's economic opportunities. Under this federal law, consumer reporting agencies may not report arrest records that are more than seven years old unless certain exceptions apply.

Additionally, the Hammond Police Department and Lake County courts maintain discretion to temporarily restrict access to arrest records in extraordinary circumstances where disclosure might interfere with the administration of justice or compromise public safety, as permitted under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b)(1).

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hammond

Indiana law provides a pathway for the expungement of certain arrest records through a formal legal process. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Hammond under specific circumstances. The expungement process effectively seals records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Hammond include:

Cases resulting in no charges being filed within one year of arrest
Cases dismissed or resulting in acquittal
Cases resulting in conviction for which the statutory waiting period has elapsed (typically 5-10 years depending on offense classification)
Successful completion of pretrial diversion programs

The expungement petition must be filed with the Superior Court County Division that would have had jurisdiction over the case:

Superior Court County Division Room 4 - Hammond 232 Russell Street Hammond, IN 46320 Phone: (219) 933-2837 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Petitioners must provide comprehensive documentation, including original case information, criminal history verification, and proof of completed sentences or obligations. Filing fees apply unless waived by the court based on demonstrated financial hardship.

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. These agencies include the Hammond Police Department, Lake County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police, Bureau of Motor Vehicles (if applicable), and any other entities maintaining records of the arrest.

Consequences of Public Arrest Records

The public nature of arrest records in Hammond can have significant implications for individuals. These consequences may include:

Employment barriers, as many employers conduct background checks that reveal arrest history
Housing limitations, with landlords frequently screening applicants for criminal history
Educational opportunity restrictions, particularly for programs requiring background clearance
Professional licensing complications for regulated occupations
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Reputational damage within the community

It is important to note that under Indiana law, employers with more than 15 employees are prohibited from asking about sealed or expunged arrests on initial employment applications pursuant to Indiana Code § 22-2-17 (the "Ban the Box" provision). However, employers may inquire about criminal history later in the hiring process.

The Hammond Human Relations Commission provides guidance to individuals facing discrimination based on arrest records at:

Hammond Human Relations Commission 5925 Calumet Avenue Hammond, IN 46320 Phone: (219) 853-6502 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM