Arrest records are public in Monroe 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 to the general public with certain statutory exceptions. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county.
Members of the public may inspect and obtain copies of arrest records maintained by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies. These records document the official actions of government entities and are considered essential to the public's right to monitor the operations and activities of their local government. Certain information may be redacted in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which outlines specific exceptions to disclosure.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains these public records at:
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
301 N. College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 349-2780
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
Monroe County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official website, allowing members of the public to search for current inmate information and recent arrest data. Additionally, the Indiana Courts Portal offers access to case information related to arrests through their MyCase system.
Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Rule 9, which governs access to court records, the public may access non-confidential arrest-related court records through these online systems. The electronic availability of these records facilitates public access while reducing administrative burden on county offices. Users should note that online records may not contain complete arrest information, and certain details may be accessible only through in-person requests.
Online access to arrest records is available through:
Monroe County Records Division
301 N. College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 335-7279
Monroe County Records Division
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Indiana Courts MyCase Portal
Indiana Courts Case Search
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Monroe County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, which establishes the process for requesting public records:
Submit a written request to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests must include the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. The Records Division processes these requests during regular business hours at 301 N. College Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404.
Access the Monroe County Sheriff's Office website to view the current inmate roster and recent booking information. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic arrest information for individuals currently in custody.
Utilize the Indiana Courts MyCase portal to search for court cases associated with arrests. This system provides information on charges filed, court dates, and case dispositions.
Visit the Monroe County Clerk's Office in person to request copies of court records related to arrests. The office is located at the Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center, 301 N. College Avenue, Bloomington, IN 47404.
Review the Monroe County Jail Inmate Roster, which is published online and contains information about currently incarcerated individuals.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8 and may vary based on the type and volume of records requested. Standard fees include $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of documentation.
Monroe County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6. These official documents serve as the legal record of an individual's arrest and typically include the following elements:
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Indiana records retention schedules. Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Code 5-15-5.1, law enforcement agencies must preserve arrest records for specified periods depending on the nature of the offense and case disposition.
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and other personally identifying information protected under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(a).
Indiana law provides a mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records under Indiana Code § 35-38-9. This statutory provision allows eligible individuals to petition the court for the sealing or expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Monroe County is administered through the Monroe Circuit Court.
Eligibility criteria for expungement vary based on several factors, including:
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9-1 through § 35-38-9-10, different waiting periods apply to different categories of offenses. For arrests that did not lead to conviction, individuals may petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest. For misdemeanor convictions, the waiting period is five years after completion of the sentence, while most felony convictions require an eight-year waiting period.
The expungement petition must be filed in the Monroe Circuit Court at:
Monroe Circuit Court
Charlotte T. Zietlow Justice Center
301 N. College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 349-2614
Indiana Judicial Branch: Monroe County
The Monroe County Prosecutor's Office reviews all expungement petitions and may object based on statutory grounds. If granted, an expungement order requires all county agencies to seal or restrict access to the arrest record in accordance with the specific provisions of Indiana Code § 35-38-9.