Arrest records are public documents in Wayne County, Indiana, pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Indiana citizens to inspect and copy records maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement records. The statute specifically designates arrest records as public information that must be disclosed upon request, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duty to document all arrests within their jurisdiction. Public access to these records serves multiple governmental interests, including:
Individuals seeking arrest records may encounter certain restrictions based on the nature of the case. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 31-39-1, juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality provisions and may not be accessible through standard public record requests.
Wayne County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms, both governmental and third-party. The Wayne County Indiana Government provides digital access to certain public records, including arrest information, through their official website. Additionally, the Indiana Courts' MyCase portal offers a comprehensive database of court cases, which often include information about related arrests.
Online accessibility of these records is governed by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(e), which permits public agencies to provide enhanced access to public records through electronic means. The statute defines "enhanced access" as the inspection of a public record by means of an electronic device other than those provided by the agency.
Digital access to arrest records typically includes:
Users should note that online records may not always contain complete information. Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4(b), certain details may be redacted from public view, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and other sensitive personal data.
Members of the public seeking Wayne County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels. The following methods provide authorized access to these public documents:
Visit the Wayne County Sheriff's Office in person to request physical copies of arrest records.
Wayne County Sheriff's Office
200 E. Main Street
Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 973-9393
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wayne County Sheriff's Office
Access the Wayne County Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests.
Wayne County Clerk of Courts
301 East Main Street
Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 973-9220
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Access to Records
Utilize the Indiana Courts MyCase portal for comprehensive case information.
This online system provides 24/7 access to court records, including those related to arrests. Users may search by name, case number, or citation number. Indiana Courts Case Search
Contact the Richmond Police Department for arrests within city limits.
Richmond Police Department
50 North 5th Street
Richmond, IN 47374
(765) 983-7247
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Richmond Police Department
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and search time. Current fee schedules include $0.10 per page for standard copies and $20.00 per hour for search time exceeding two hours. Payment methods accepted include cash, credit card, or money order.
Wayne County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Indiana Code § 35-33-1-6, which mandates the documentation of specific details during the booking process. A comprehensive arrest record typically includes:
Biographical Information
Arrest Details
Case Processing Information
Biometric Data
The Wayne County courts maintain these records in accordance with Indiana Administrative Rule 7, which establishes retention schedules for court records. Most arrest records are retained permanently, though certain minor offenses may have shorter retention periods.
Indiana's expungement law (Indiana Code § 35-38-9) provides a legal pathway for eligible individuals to have their arrest records sealed from public view. The Wayne County courts process expungement petitions according to statutory guidelines that establish distinct eligibility categories.
Expungement eligibility in Wayne County is determined by several factors:
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Wayne County Clerk's Office. Pursuant to local court rules outlined in the Wayne County Local Court Rules Index, petitions must be filed in the court where the original case was adjudicated.
Upon successful expungement, agencies must comply with court orders to seal records from public view. However, certain government entities retain limited access to expunged records, including law enforcement agencies and licensing boards for specific professional purposes.
The use of Wayne County arrest records is subject to legal restrictions under both Indiana and federal law. Indiana Code § 24-4-18-6 prohibits employers from asking job applicants about sealed or expunged arrest records. Additionally, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) regulates how consumer reporting agencies may report arrest information.
Key restrictions include:
Violations of these restrictions may result in civil liability, including statutory damages and attorney fees. The Indiana Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints regarding improper use of arrest records in employment, housing, and public accommodations.