Parke County, Indiana Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Parke County, Indiana?
Arrest records in Parke County, Indiana are considered public information pursuant to Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), Indiana Code § 5-14-3. Members of the public may access these records as part of the state's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability. The Indiana legislature has determined that providing public access to arrest records serves the important function of enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings within their communities.
Under Indiana law, arrest records maintained by the Parke County Sheriff's Department and other local law enforcement agencies are presumptively open for public inspection. These records document official actions taken by government agencies and therefore fall within the scope of public records as defined by state statute. The public nature of these records supports the principle that governmental actions should be subject to public scrutiny to ensure proper administration of justice.
Certain exceptions may apply to the disclosure of arrest information in specific circumstances as provided in Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, particularly when disclosure might compromise an ongoing investigation or when records pertain to juvenile offenders. Additionally, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are no longer accessible to the public pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Parke County?
Parke County arrest records are available through various online platforms in accordance with Indiana's digital government initiatives. The Parke County Sheriff's Department maintains certain arrest information that can be accessed electronically, though the comprehensiveness of online records may be limited compared to records available through in-person requests.
The Indiana Department of Correction provides an online offender database that includes information about individuals who have been processed through the state correctional system following arrest and conviction. This resource allows members of the public to search for current inmates and those recently released from state custody.
Online access to Parke County arrest records may also be available through the Indiana Judicial Branch case management system, which provides electronic access to court records associated with arrests. Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical records, as digitization of older records remains an ongoing process in many Indiana counties.
Public users should be aware that while basic arrest information is typically available online, obtaining complete arrest records often requires direct contact with the arresting agency or the Parke County Clerk's Office. Additionally, pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching for, copying, and certifying public records.
How to Look Up Parke County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Parke County arrest records have multiple methods available for conducting searches. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to these records:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Parke County Sheriff's Office located at 458 West Strawberry Road, Rockville, IN 47872. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Staff can assist with locating arrest records upon presentation of a completed public records request form.
Parke County Clerk's Office: The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains court records related to arrests and can be contacted at the Parke County Courthouse, 116 West High Street, Rockville, IN 47872. Telephone: (765) 569-5132. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Online Database Searches: The Indiana Judicial Branch's public access portal provides electronic access to court records, including those related to arrests in Parke County. Users may search by name or case number.
Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the Parke County Sheriff's Office. Requests should include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and contact information for the requestor.
Indiana State Police: For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests across multiple jurisdictions, requests may be submitted to the Indiana State Police Central Records Division, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Telephone: (317) 232-8263.
When requesting arrest records, requestors should be prepared to provide identification and, in some cases, pay applicable fees as authorized under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(d). Standard processing times for record requests typically range from 3 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the request and current departmental workload.
Contents of a Parke County Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Parke County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Indiana state regulations. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and generally include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identities
- Date of birth and demographic information including age, gender, race, and ethnicity
- Physical descriptors such as height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Date, time, and specific location where the arrest occurred
- Statutory charges filed, including Indiana Code citations for alleged violations
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing
- Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
- Case or incident number assigned to the arrest
- Disposition information, if available (e.g., released on bail, held for court appearance)
- Bail or bond amount established, if applicable
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6, arrest records must also document whether the arrested individual was advised of their constitutional rights at the time of arrest. Additionally, if the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant, the record will typically reference the warrant number and issuing court.
It should be noted that arrest records represent documentation of an arrest only and do not constitute evidence of guilt. Under Indiana law and the U.S. Constitution, all arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Parke County
Indiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in Indiana Code § 35-38-9. The expungement process in Parke County follows state statutory requirements and is administered through the Parke Circuit Court.
Eligibility for expungement varies based on several factors:
- Arrests that did not lead to formal charges may be eligible for expungement after one year from the date of arrest
- Arrests resulting in charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal may qualify for immediate expungement
- Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement five years after completion of the sentence
- Certain non-violent felony convictions may qualify for expungement eight years after completion of the sentence
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Parke Circuit Court, located at 116 West High Street, Rockville, IN 47872. Petition forms are available through the Indiana Judicial Branch or the Parke County Clerk's Office.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing to determine whether the statutory requirements for expungement have been satisfied. If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the arrest records from public view. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9-10, after expungement, the person's arrest and related records are treated as if they never occurred.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that certain serious offenses, including violent felonies, sex offenses, and offenses resulting in serious bodily injury, are generally not eligible for expungement under Indiana law. Additionally, expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in certain circumstances, such as subsequent criminal proceedings.
Search Arrest Records in Parke County
Parke County Sheriff's Office
458 West Strawberry Road
Rockville, IN 47872
(765) 569-5413
Parke County Sheriff's Department
