>Porter County Arrest Records Online

Porter County, Indiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Porter County, Indiana?

Arrest records are public in Porter County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in the criminal justice system and enables citizens to exercise oversight of law enforcement activities within the county.

The Porter County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Indiana state law. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or sensitive personal information as provided under IC § 5-14-3-4. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that juvenile records are subject to additional confidentiality protections under Indiana law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Porter County?

Porter County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Porter County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to recent booking information and inmate status through their official website. Additionally, the Indiana Courts Case Search system (MyCase) offers a comprehensive database of court cases, including those stemming from arrests in Porter County.

Online accessibility is governed by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(d), which permits public agencies to provide enhanced access to public records through electronic means. The Porter County Sheriff's Office has implemented this provision by maintaining digital databases that allow for remote access to arrest information. Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, obtaining complete records may require additional steps or formal requests.

Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Code Title 210, Article 5, certain identifying information may be restricted from online access to protect individual privacy while still maintaining the public nature of the records.

How to Look Up Porter County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Porter County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Porter County Sheriff's Office located at 2755 State Road 49, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: 219-477-3000.
Online Resources: The Porter County Sheriff's inmate search provides current detention information. For court cases related to arrests, the Indiana Courts MyCase portal offers searchable records.
County Clerk's Office: The Porter County Clerk's Office maintains court records related to arrests at 155 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383. Telephone: 219-465-3450. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Written Requests: Pursuant to IC § 5-14-3-3(a), written requests may be submitted to the Porter County Sheriff's Records Division. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
Third-Party Vendors: Commercial background check services may provide arrest record information, though these sources may not be as comprehensive or current as official county resources.

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees as established under IC § 5-14-3-8, which permits agencies to charge reasonable costs for copying and search time.

Contents of a Porter County Arrest Record

Porter County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6. A typical arrest record includes the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint records and biometric identifiers
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Name of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
Case number and court assignment information
Bail or bond information, including amount and conditions
Custody status and detention location if applicable
Prior arrest history within Porter County jurisdiction

The Porter County Jail, which houses approximately 449 inmates across twenty-two housing units, maintains these records in coordination with the Sheriff's Office. Records are updated as cases progress through the judicial system, reflecting changes in charges, court appearances, and disposition information.

Pursuant to Indiana Administrative Code Title 210, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, and medical information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect individual privacy while maintaining public access to essential arrest data.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Porter County

Indiana law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under Indiana Code § 35-38-9. Individuals seeking expungement in Porter County must file a petition with the Porter County Circuit Court or Superior Court, depending on which court handled the original case. The Porter County Courts process these petitions according to statutory guidelines.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Arrests that did not lead to formal charges
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
Convictions for certain misdemeanors after a waiting period of 5 years
Certain non-violent felony convictions after waiting periods of 8-10 years
Successful completion of diversion programs

The expungement process requires filing specific forms available through the Porter County Forms & Documents portal. Petitioners must certify that all fines, fees, court costs, and restitution have been paid in full. Upon successful expungement, records are sealed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances as specified in IC § 35-38-9-6.

The Porter County Circuit Court, located at 16 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383 (Telephone: 219-465-3530), processes expungement petitions during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access in Porter County

Access to Porter County arrest records is subject to certain statutory limitations as prescribed by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4. These restrictions serve to balance public transparency with individual privacy rights and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Restricted information categories include:

Records related to juvenile arrests, except under specific circumstances outlined in IC § 31-39-3
Information that would interfere with active law enforcement investigations
Records sealed by court order or expunged pursuant to IC § 35-38-9
Investigatory records of law enforcement agencies that are not required to be disclosed
Medical and mental health information collected during booking or incarceration
Information that would create a risk to public safety if disclosed

The Porter County Sheriff's Office Records Division is responsible for applying these restrictions when processing public records requests. Determinations regarding restricted information may be appealed to the Indiana Public Access Counselor pursuant to IC § 5-14-5.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police (800-552-8917), maintain access to complete arrest records, including expunged information, for legitimate law enforcement purposes as authorized by statute.

Obtaining Certified Copies of Porter County Arrest Records

Official certified copies of Porter County arrest records may be obtained for legal purposes through formal application procedures. These certified documents carry legal weight for court proceedings, employment verification, and other official matters.

To obtain certified copies, requestors must:

Submit a written application to the Porter County Sheriff's Records Division at 2755 State Road 49, Valparaiso, IN 46383
Provide proper identification, including government-issued photo ID
Pay the certification fee of $5 per document as established by IC § 5-14-3-8
Specify the intended use of the certified record

The Porter County Records Department processes these requests within seven business days as required by Indiana law. Expedited processing may be available for urgent legal matters with appropriate documentation.

Certified copies include an official seal and signature verifying the document's authenticity. These records are admissible in court proceedings throughout Indiana and in other jurisdictions that recognize Indiana's certification standards under full faith and credit principles.