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Lafayette Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Lafayette, Indiana?

Arrest records are public in Lafayette, Indiana, pursuant to Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The public nature of these records serves to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. Citizens of Lafayette have the legal right to access these records as part of their civic engagement with local governance.

The Lafayette Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. While most arrest information is publicly available, certain details may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile information, or other statutorily protected data as outlined in IC § 5-14-3-4. Law enforcement agencies in Tippecanoe County are required to maintain these records and make them accessible through established procedures.

How to Look Up Lafayette Arrest Records in 2025

The retrieval of arrest records in Lafayette has been streamlined through multiple access points as of 2025. Members of the public seeking arrest information may utilize any of the following official channels:

Online Portal Access: The Lafayette Police Department maintains a digital records system where citizens can search for arrest records using identifying information such as name, date of birth, or case number. This service is available 24 hours per day.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the Lafayette Police Department Records Division during operational hours. A request for documentation form must be completed on-site.

Lafayette Police Department Records Division
20 North 6th Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
Phone: (765) 807-1200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office: Criminal incident reports and arrest records may also be obtained through the county sheriff's office.

Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office
2640 Duncan Road
Lafayette, IN 47904
Phone: (765) 423-9388
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tippecanoe County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests are maintained at the county courthouse.

Tippecanoe County Courthouse
301 Main Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
Phone: (765) 423-9326
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pursuant to IC § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record reproduction. The current fee schedule for jail arrest records requests is $2.00 per record, with additional charges for certified copies or extensive searches.

Contents of a Lafayette Arrest Record

Lafayette arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Indiana state law and local ordinances. These official documents typically include the following components:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address of residence, and identification numbers (such as state ID or driver's license number).
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of city ordinances or state statutes, including citation of relevant code sections and preliminary classification of offenses (misdemeanor or felony).
Booking Information: Mugshot photographs, fingerprint records, personal property inventory, and detention facility assignment if applicable.
Case Processing: Court docket number, arraignment date, bail or bond information, and preliminary hearing schedules.
Disposition Information: Current status of the case within the judicial system, including any pretrial release conditions, plea arrangements, or case dismissals.

The City Clerk's office maintains certain public records related to ordinance violations, while more serious criminal matters are documented through the county court system. All arrest records are subject to the records retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Lafayette, several important legal restrictions govern their accessibility. These limitations are established to balance transparency with privacy rights and the integrity of the justice system:

Sealed and Expunged Records: Pursuant to IC § 35-38-9, records that have been legally expunged or sealed by court order are not available for public inspection. The Code Enforcement division and law enforcement agencies must comply with such orders.
Juvenile Records: Arrests and proceedings involving minors under 18 years of age are generally confidential under IC § 31-39-1-2, with limited exceptions for certain serious offenses.
Ongoing Investigations: Information that would compromise active investigations may be temporarily withheld from public disclosure under IC § 5-14-3-4(b)(1).
Privacy Protections: Certain personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers, medical information, and victim details in sensitive cases may be redacted before records are released.
Restricted Data: Information related to undercover officers, confidential informants, or intelligence gathering methods is protected from disclosure.

The Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office, located at 301 Main Street, Lafayette, IN 47901, provides guidance on the legal framework governing record access. Individuals seeking clarification on record restrictions may contact their office at (765) 423-9305.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Lafayette

The expungement process in Lafayette allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by Indiana's Second Chance Law (IC § 35-38-9). This legal remedy enables eligible individuals to petition for the removal of arrest information from public access. The process requires adherence to statutory waiting periods and eligibility criteria:

Arrests Without Charges: Individuals arrested but not charged may petition for expungement after one year from the date of arrest.
Dismissed Cases: Where charges were filed but later dismissed, petitions may be filed one year after dismissal.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Five-year waiting period following completion of the sentence, with no subsequent convictions.
Non-Violent Felonies: Eight-year waiting period after sentence completion, subject to prosecutorial consent in some cases.
Violent Felonies and Sex Offenses: More restrictive criteria apply, with some offenses ineligible for expungement.

Petitions must be filed with the Tippecanoe County Courts where the case was adjudicated. The court filing fee is $157, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners. Upon successful expungement, agencies including the Lafayette Police Department must restrict access to the records as specified in the court order.

The expungement process requires precise legal documentation and adherence to procedural rules. The court reviews each petition to ensure compliance with statutory requirements before granting relief.

Impact of Arrest Records on Employment in Lafayette

Arrest records can significantly affect employment opportunities for Lafayette residents. Indiana law provides certain protections while allowing employers access to relevant criminal history information:

Ban the Box Provisions: Pursuant to Executive Order 17-15, state agencies in Indiana are prohibited from inquiring about criminal history on initial job applications, though this does not extend to all private employers in Lafayette.
Fair Employment Practices: Under IC § 22-9-1, employers must ensure that any employment decisions based on criminal records are job-related and consistent with business necessity.
Record Accuracy: Individuals have the right to review their own criminal history information for accuracy and may challenge erroneous entries through established procedures with the Indiana State Police.
Expunged Record Protection: IC § 35-38-9-10 prohibits discrimination based on expunged or sealed records, and applicants may legally answer "no" when asked about expunged arrests.
Licensed Professions: Certain regulated occupations maintain specific standards regarding criminal history, as governed by relevant licensing boards and county ordinances.

Employers in Lafayette conducting background checks must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act when using third-party consumer reporting agencies. This includes obtaining written consent and providing pre-adverse action notices if employment is denied based on record information.