>Spencer County Arrest Records Online

Spencer County, Indiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Spencer County, Indiana?

Yes, arrest records are public in Spencer County, Indiana. This accessibility is governed by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3), which establishes that all governmental records must be available for public inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by statute. Pursuant to this legislation, arrest records maintained by Spencer County law enforcement agencies are considered public documents and are therefore accessible to members of the general public.

The Indiana Access to Public Records Act operates under the principle that government transparency serves the public interest. Under IC § 5-14-3-1, the statute explicitly states that "it is the public policy of the state that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government." This foundational principle ensures that Spencer County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records as part of their right to monitor governmental activities.

It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under specific statutory exemptions outlined in IC § 5-14-3-4, such as information that would compromise an ongoing investigation or violate personal privacy in certain narrowly defined circumstances.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Spencer County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Spencer County through various governmental and third-party platforms. The Spencer County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database that provides limited information regarding recent arrests and incarcerations. This resource is updated regularly but may not contain comprehensive historical data.

The Indiana Department of Correction also maintains the Indiana Offender Database Search, which allows members of the public to search for individuals currently incarcerated or under department supervision. This database includes individuals who have been arrested in Spencer County and subsequently transferred to state custody.

Online access to Spencer County arrest records is subject to the following limitations:

Not all historical records have been digitized
Some online systems may require registration or payment of nominal fees
Record updates may experience processing delays of 24-72 hours
Certain sensitive information may be redacted in accordance with state privacy laws

Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(e), public agencies may enhance accessibility by providing electronic access to public records, though they are not required to do so for all records.

How to Look Up Spencer County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Spencer County arrest records have multiple options available. The following methods are authorized under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, which establishes procedures for accessing public records:

Spencer County Sheriff's Office
120 N 2nd Street
Rockport, IN 47635
(812) 649-2286
Spencer County Sheriff's Office
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information. Requestors may visit in person during regular business hours to submit a records request. Staff will assist in locating relevant records, which may be provided immediately or within a reasonable timeframe depending on the scope of the request.

Spencer County Clerk's Office
200 Main Street, Courthouse
Rockport, IN 47635
(812) 649-6017
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

The County Clerk maintains court records related to arrests, including charging documents and case dispositions. These records may provide additional context beyond the initial arrest information.

Online Resources:

The Indiana Offender Database provides information on individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision
Spencer County's official website offers links to various county departments and resources
Third-party aggregator websites compile public records from multiple sources, though their accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by county officials

Pursuant to IC § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and, in some cases, for search time required to locate and retrieve records. Current fee schedules are posted at each agency location.

Contents of a Spencer County Arrest Record

Spencer County arrest records are standardized documents that contain specific information as required by Indiana Code § 35-33-7-6. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Arresting agency information
Booking details, including processing time and location
Mugshot photograph
Fingerprint identification
Custody status information
Case number and court assignment
Bond amount, if applicable

It should be noted that arrest records represent documentation of an arrest only and not a determination of guilt. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-33-7-3, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Records related to juvenile arrests are subject to additional confidentiality provisions under Indiana Code § 31-39-3, which restricts public access to such records except under specific circumstances.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Spencer County

Spencer County residents may petition for expungement of arrest records under Indiana's Second Chance Law (Indiana Code § 35-38-9). This statute provides a legal mechanism through which eligible individuals may have arrest records sealed from public view, effectively removing them from public access.

The Spencer County Circuit Court processes expungement petitions according to statutory guidelines. Eligibility criteria vary based on several factors:

Nature and severity of the offense
Time elapsed since arrest or conviction
Completion of sentence requirements
Absence of pending criminal charges
Payment of all fines, fees, and restitution

The expungement process involves the following steps:

Filing a verified petition with the Spencer County Circuit Court
Payment of filing fees (may be waived for indigent petitioners)
Notification of the prosecutor's office
Judicial review of the petition
Court hearing (if required)
Issuance of an expungement order if the petition is granted

Pursuant to IC § 35-38-9-10, once an expungement order is issued, the arrest record is sealed from public view and the individual may legally state on applications for employment, housing, or licenses that the arrest did not occur. However, certain government agencies, including law enforcement and the courts, may still access expunged records under limited circumstances.

Additional information regarding expungement procedures is available through the Spencer County Expungements Office.