Indiana Arrest Records

Indiana Public Records /Indiana Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Indiana?

Yes. Under Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (APRA; Ind. Code § 5-14-3-1 et seq.), arrest records are generally considered public records. This means that arrest reports, booking details, and court case filings may be accessed by the public unless specifically exempted by law. These records are maintained by local law enforcement agencies, county sheriff’s offices, and the courts, and many court filings are accessible online through the Indiana Judiciary’s public portal at mycase.in.gov.

However, access is not absolute. Indiana law provides that certain records—such as arrests that did not lead to prosecution, including dismissed charges or acquittals—are not open to general public inspection. Juvenile arrest records are also confidential under state law, and investigatory records tied to ongoing law enforcement operations may be withheld. Sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers or victim identities, is redacted before release, ensuring compliance with both privacy protections and law enforcement integrity requirements.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Indiana?

The primary law governing access to arrest records in Indiana is the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified under Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including arrest records, and outlines the procedures for requesting such information.

APRA operates under the fundamental principle that all records of public agencies should be open for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law. The act defines what constitutes a public record and establishes the rights of citizens to access these records.

Additional laws that impact access to arrest records in Indiana include:

Indiana Code § 35-38-9, which governs the expungement of arrest records
Indiana Code § 31-39, which addresses juvenile records
Indiana Code § 10-13-3, which regulates criminal history information

The Indiana Public Access Counselor, established under Indiana Code § 5-14-4, provides guidance on the interpretation and application of APRA and can review complaints regarding denied access to public records.

It's worth noting that while APRA provides the right to access public records, it also includes provisions to protect certain sensitive information from disclosure. Law enforcement agencies may withhold records if disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations, reveal confidential sources, or endanger individuals.

What Information Is Included in a Indiana Arrest Record?

An Indiana arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records serve as official documentation of an arrest and generally include the following details:

Personal identifying information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
- Social Security Number (often partially redacted in public versions)
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking number
- Charges filed (including Indiana Code citations)
- Description of alleged offense
- Weapon information (if applicable)
Case processing information:
- Court case number
- Court where charges were filed
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition of charges (if resolved)
Additional information that may be included:
- Prior arrest history
- Probation or parole status at time of arrest
- Vehicle information (if relevant to the arrest)
- Property seized during arrest

It's important to understand that arrest records document allegations, not convictions. The information in an arrest record reflects the circumstances and charges at the time of arrest, which may later be modified, reduced, or dismissed entirely through the judicial process.

Some information in arrest records may be redacted or restricted from public view, particularly when it involves confidential informants, ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or other protected categories under Indiana law.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Indiana in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Indiana involves several methods depending on your specific needs and the type of information you're seeking. Here are the primary ways to access arrest records in Indiana in 2025:

In-Person Requests

You can request arrest records by visiting the appropriate agency in person:

Indiana State Police Central Repository
100 North Senate Avenue, Room N302
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-8266
Indiana State Police

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays

For in-person requests, bring:

Government-issued photo ID
Completed request form (available at the agency)
Payment for applicable fees

County-Level Records

For county-specific arrest records, contact the county sheriff's office or clerk of courts in the county where the arrest occurred. Each county may have slightly different procedures and fee structures.

Court Records

If you're seeking information about court proceedings related to an arrest:

Indiana Office of Court Services
251 N. Illinois Street, Suite 800
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2542
Indiana Courts

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays

Required Information

When requesting arrest records, be prepared to provide:

Full name of the person whose record you're seeking
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
County where arrest occurred (if known)
Your contact information
Reason for request (may be required for certain types of records)

Processing times vary depending on the agency and method of request, ranging from immediate access for some online records to several weeks for more comprehensive background checks.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Indiana

Indiana offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally, providing convenient alternatives to in-person or mail requests. Here are the primary online platforms for finding arrest records in Indiana:

Official State Resources

myCase This official portal of the Indiana Judiciary provides access to court case information, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number. While not specifically an arrest records database, it contains information about court proceedings related to arrests.

Indiana State Police Limited Criminal History Check The Indiana State Police offers an online portal for requesting limited criminal history information, which includes arrest data. This service requires registration and payment of applicable fees.

Indiana Department of Correction Offender Search This database allows searches for individuals currently incarcerated or on parole in Indiana. While not a comprehensive arrest records system, it provides information about individuals who were arrested and subsequently convicted.

County Sheriff and Local Police Department Websites

Many county sheriff's offices and local police departments maintain online inmate lookup tools or arrest logs. These typically show recent arrests within their jurisdiction. For example:

Search Tips for Online Records

When searching for arrest records online in Indiana:

Use the person's full legal name, including middle name if known
Include date of birth when possible to distinguish between individuals with similar names
Try variations of spelling if initial searches yield no results
Be aware that recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
Check multiple sources, as information may be fragmented across different systems

Remember that online records may not be comprehensive and might not include older arrests or cases that have been expunged or sealed. For the most complete information, a formal request through the Indiana State Police or relevant county agency may be necessary.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Indiana?

In Indiana, access to arrest records varies depending on the requester's identity and purpose. While arrest records are generally considered public information under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, certain restrictions apply to protect privacy and ensure appropriate use of this sensitive information.

General Public Access

Members of the general public can access basic arrest record information, including:

Name of the arrested individual
Date and location of arrest
Charges filed
Case disposition (if available)

However, the general public may face restrictions on accessing certain details, particularly those involving ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, or expunged records.

Enhanced Access for Specific Entities

Certain organizations and individuals have broader access rights to arrest records:

Law Enforcement Agencies: Police departments, sheriff's offices, and other law enforcement entities have complete access to arrest records for legitimate law enforcement purposes.
Government Agencies: State and federal agencies may access comprehensive arrest records when necessary for official functions, such as licensing or employment screening for sensitive positions.
Employers: Under Indiana Code § 24-4-18-6, employers may access limited criminal history information for current or prospective employees, though restrictions apply regarding the use of this information in hiring decisions.
Licensing Boards: Professional licensing boards can access arrest records when evaluating applications for licenses in fields such as healthcare, education, and financial services.
Attorneys: Legal representatives may access their clients' arrest records and, through proper legal channels, records relevant to cases they are handling.

Self-Access Rights

Individuals have the right to access their own arrest records in full. This right is important for:

Verifying the accuracy of personal information
Preparing for legal proceedings
Pursuing expungement or record sealing
Employment or housing applications

To request your own records, you must provide proper identification and may need to submit fingerprints for verification purposes.

Restrictions on Access

Access to arrest records is prohibited or restricted in several circumstances:

Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Expunged or sealed records
Records where disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations
Records where disclosure would create a significant risk to public safety or individual privacy

It's important to note that while many entities can legally access arrest records, the Indiana Fair Chance Hiring Law places restrictions on when and how employers can consider arrest and conviction records in the hiring process.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Indiana?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Indiana typically involves fees that vary depending on the type of record requested, the agency providing the information, and the method of access. These fees help cover the administrative costs associated with processing requests, maintaining databases, and providing copies of records.

State-Level Fee Structure

The Indiana State Police, which maintains the central repository for criminal history information, charges the following fees for record searches:

Limited Criminal History: $16.32 per name searched
Full Criminal History (for qualified entities): $15.00 - $25.00, depending on purpose
Self-Request for Personal Record: $16.32

Additional fees may apply for:

Certified copies: $5.00 - $8.00 per document
Expedited processing: $10.00 - $25.00
Notarization (if required): $2.00 - $5.00

County and Local Agency Fees

County sheriff's offices and local police departments set their own fee schedules for arrest record requests:

Booking/Arrest Reports: $5.00 - $15.00 per report
Mugshot/Photograph: $2.00 - $10.00 per image
Incident Reports: $5.00 - $20.00 per report

Court Record Fees

The Indiana Courts system charges fees for accessing court records related to arrests:

Case Document Copies: $1.00 per page
Certified Court Records: $1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
Complete Case File Copies: Variable based on number of pages

Fee Waivers and Reductions

Under certain circumstances, fees may be reduced or waived:

Indigent individuals may qualify for fee waivers when requesting their own records
Non-profit organizations conducting research may qualify for reduced fees
Government agencies requesting records for official purposes are often exempt from fees
Public interest requests may qualify for fee waivers at the discretion of the record-holding agency

Payment Methods

Most agencies accept the following payment methods:

Cash (in-person requests only)
Check or money order
Credit/debit cards (in-person and online requests)
Electronic payment systems for online requests

It's advisable to verify the current fee structure and accepted payment methods with the specific agency from which you're requesting records, as these can change over time. All fees must be paid at the time of request, and most agencies do not process requests until payment is received.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Indiana

In Indiana, arrest records are typically maintained for extensive periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the severity of the alleged offense, and the outcome of the case. The state follows specific guidelines for record retention that balance public safety interests with individual privacy rights.

Standard Retention Periods

Indiana law does not specify a single retention period for all arrest records. Instead, different categories of records are subject to different retention schedules:

Felony Arrest Records: Generally maintained permanently, especially for serious offenses such as murder, sexual assault, and other violent crimes.
Misdemeanor Arrest Records: Typically kept for 5-10 years after the date of arrest, though this varies by jurisdiction and offense type.
Arrest Records with No Charges Filed: Usually retained for 5 years from the date of arrest.
Arrest Records Resulting in Acquittal: May be maintained in law enforcement databases for 5-7 years unless expunged by court order.
Juvenile Arrest Records: Subject to special protections under Indiana Code § 31-39 and may be sealed when the individual reaches adulthood, though records of serious offenses may be retained longer.

Agency-Specific Retention

Different agencies maintain their own versions of arrest records with varying retention periods:

Indiana State Police: Maintains the central repository of criminal history information indefinitely unless records are expunged.
County Sheriff's Offices: Generally follow state guidelines but may have county-specific retention policies.
Municipal Police Departments: May maintain local arrest records according to department policies, typically for 5-10 years for minor offenses and longer for serious crimes.
Court Records: The Indiana Office of Court Services maintains court records related to arrests according to the Indiana Rules of Court, with most criminal case records kept permanently.

Digital vs. Physical Records

With the transition to digital record-keeping, many arrest records that might have been destroyed in physical form are now preserved indefinitely in electronic databases. This has effectively extended the practical retention period for many records beyond their official retention schedule.

Impact of Expungement

Retention periods can be shortened through the expungement process. When a record is expunged under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, agencies are required to either physically destroy the records or seal them from public view, effectively ending the retention period regardless of standard schedules.

The Indiana Archives and Records Administration provides guidance to state and local agencies on record retention schedules, ensuring compliance with state law while allowing for appropriate records management.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Indiana Arrest Records?

When accessing arrest records in Indiana, certain types of information are routinely redacted or restricted from public view to protect privacy rights, maintain the integrity of investigations, and comply with state and federal laws. Understanding these restrictions is important for anyone seeking arrest records in the state.

Personally Identifiable Information

The following personal information is typically redacted from publicly available arrest records:

Social Security Numbers
Driver's license numbers
Financial account information
Medical information
Home addresses of certain protected individuals (e.g., law enforcement officers, judges)
Telephone numbers and email addresses
Dates of birth (may be partially redacted, showing only year)
Names of juvenile dependents

Investigative Information

Information that could compromise ongoing investigations is often restricted:

Names and identifying information of confidential informants
Undercover officer identities
Details of investigative techniques and procedures
Information that could jeopardize pending prosecutions
Grand jury proceedings and testimony
Intelligence gathering methods

Protected Categories

Certain categories of arrest records receive special protection under Indiana law:

Juvenile Records: Under Indiana Code § 31-39-3, juvenile arrest records are generally not available to the public unless the juvenile was charged with certain serious offenses or waived to adult court.
Expunged Records: Records that have been expunged pursuant to Indiana Code § 35-38-9 are removed from public access and treated as if the arrest never occurred.
Sealed Records: Records sealed by court order are restricted from public view but may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies.
Victims' Information: Details identifying victims of certain crimes, particularly sexual offenses, domestic violence, and crimes against children, are typically redacted.
Mental Health Information: Details regarding an arrestee's mental health status or treatment are protected under both state law and HIPAA.

Legal Basis for Redactions

Redactions in arrest records are governed by several legal authorities:

Indiana Access to Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3-4) specifically outlines exceptions to disclosure requirements
Federal Privacy Act of 1974
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Court orders specific to individual cases
Indiana Administrative Code provisions regarding criminal history information

When requesting arrest records, you may encounter documents with visible redactions (typically appearing as black boxes or lines covering text) or you may receive only partial records with certain pages or sections withheld entirely. The agency providing the records is generally required to cite the specific legal authority for any redactions or restrictions applied.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Indiana

Indiana law provides several pathways for individuals to seal or expunge their arrest records under specific circumstances. This process, governed primarily by Indiana Code § 35-38-9, allows eligible individuals to remove the stigma of past arrests and improve their opportunities for employment, housing, and education.

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for expungement in Indiana depends on several factors:

Arrests without Charges: If you were arrested but never formally charged, you may petition for expungement one year after the date of arrest.
Dismissed Charges: If charges were filed but later dismissed, you may petition for expungement one year after dismissal.
Misdemeanor Convictions: You may petition five years after the date of conviction, provided you have no new criminal charges pending and have paid all fines, fees, and restitution.
Level 6/Class D Felonies: You may petition eight years after the date of conviction, with the same conditions as misdemeanors.
More Serious Felonies: Waiting periods range from 8-10 years depending on the offense level, and some require prosecutor consent.
Ineligible Offenses: Certain offenses cannot be expunged, including:
- Homicide offenses
- Sex crimes against children
- Human trafficking offenses
- Official misconduct
- Certain violent felonies

Application Process

To seal or expunge arrest records in Indiana:

Obtain Criminal History: Request your criminal history from the Indiana State Police.
Prepare Petition: Complete the appropriate petition form for your situation. Forms are available through the Indiana Courts Self-Service Legal Center.
File Petition: Submit your petition to the court in the county where the arrest or conviction occurred, along with the required filing fee.
Serve Notice: Provide copies of your petition to the prosecutor's office and any victims involved in the case.
Attend Hearing: If scheduled, attend the court hearing to address any questions from the judge or objections from the prosecutor.
Receive Order: If granted, the court will issue an expungement order directing all relevant agencies to seal or restrict access to your records.

Types of Relief Available

Indiana's expungement law provides different levels of relief:

Section 1 Expungement: For arrests without charges, records are completely sealed from public view.
Section 2 Expungement: For dismissed charges, records are sealed from public view.
Section 3-5 Expungements: For convictions, records remain accessible to law enforcement but are marked as expunged and generally hidden from public view.

Post-Expungement Effects

After expungement:

You can legally state on applications that you have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense
Employers cannot discriminate based on expunged records
Records will not appear in standard background checks
Law enforcement and courts may still access the records for limited purposes

Legal Assistance

While you can file for expungement without an attorney, the process can be complex. Resources for assistance include:

Indiana Legal Services
Indianapolis Legal Aid Society
Indiana State Bar Association
Pro bono clinics offered by various organizations throughout the state

The expungement process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion, depending on court schedules and case complexity.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Indiana?

Indiana law places significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and licensing contexts. These limitations aim to balance public safety concerns with the rights of individuals who have been arrested but not necessarily convicted of crimes.

Employment Restrictions

Indiana's Fair Chance Hiring Law (IC 22-2-17) establishes important protections for job applicants:

Employers cannot ask about arrests or criminal history on initial job applications ("Ban the Box" provision)
Employers must wait until after the initial interview (or after making a conditional offer if no interview is conducted) before inquiring about criminal history
Employers cannot consider expunged or sealed records in hiring decisions
Employers must consider the nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed since the offense, and the nature of the job sought

Exceptions exist for certain positions, including:

Law enforcement roles
Positions working with vulnerable populations
Jobs requiring security clearances
Positions where consideration of criminal history is required by law

Housing Limitations

While Indiana does not have a comprehensive "fair chance housing" law, various restrictions apply:

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines regarding the consideration of arrest records
Housing providers cannot have blanket policies rejecting all applicants with arrest records
Discrimination based solely on arrest records (without convictions) may violate fair housing laws

Licensing and Professional Certification

Indiana has reformed many of its occupational licensing laws through the Second Chance Law, which:

Prohibits licensing boards from denying licenses based solely on arrest records
Requires "direct relation" between criminal history and the duties of the licensed occupation
Mandates individualized assessment of applicants with criminal histories
Creates a petition process to determine eligibility before completing educational requirements

Credit and Financial Services

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA):

Consumer reporting agencies cannot report arrest records older than seven years
Users of consumer reports must notify individuals when adverse actions are taken based on information in the reports
Individuals have the right to dispute inaccurate information in consumer reports

Legal Remedies for Misuse

If arrest records are misused in violation of these limitations, individuals may have recourse through:

Filing complaints with the Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Pursuing action under the FCRA for improper reporting or use of records
Filing lawsuits for employment discrimination under state or federal law
Seeking remedies through the Indiana Public Access Counselor for improper disclosure of records

These limitations generally apply to arrest records, not conviction records, which may be subject to different rules. Additionally, certain high-risk positions and industries (such as childcare, healthcare, and financial services) operate under different regulatory frameworks that may permit or require more extensive consideration of criminal history.

Lookup Arrest Records in Indiana

State Police

Indiana State Police Headquarters
100 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-8241
Indiana State Police

State Department of Corrections

Indiana Department of Correction
302 W. Washington Street, Room E334
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-5715
Indiana Department of Correction

State Court System

Indiana Office of Court Services
251 N. Illinois Street, Suite 800
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2542
Indiana Courts

Indiana Supreme Court
315 State House
200 W. Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-2550
Indiana Supreme Court

Indiana Court of Appeals
115 W. Washington Street, Suite 1080
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-6906
Indiana Court of Appeals

Attorney General's Office

Office of the Indiana Attorney General
Indiana Government Center South
302 W. Washington Street, 5th Floor
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 232-6201
Indiana Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Marion County Sheriff's Office
40 S. Alabama Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-1700
Marion County Sheriff's Office

Lake County Sheriff's Department
2293 N. Main Street
Crown Point, IN 46307
(219) 755-3400
Lake County Sheriff's Department

Allen County Sheriff's Department
715 S. Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 449-7535
Allen County Sheriff's Department

Hamilton County Sheriff's Office
18100 Cumberland Road
Noblesville, IN 46060
(317) 773-1282
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office
401 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9611
St. Joseph County Sheriff's Office

Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office
3500 N. Harlan Avenue
Evansville, IN 47711
(812) 421-6200
Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office

Porter County Sheriff's Office
2755 State Road 49
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 477-3000
Porter County Sheriff's Office

Monroe County Sheriff's Office
301 N. College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 349-2534
Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office
2640 Duncan Road
Lafayette, IN 47904
(765) 423-9388
Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Office

Johnson County Sheriff's Office
1091 Hospital Road
Franklin, IN 46131
(317) 346-4604
Johnson County Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
50 N. Alabama Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 327-3811
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department

Fort Wayne Police Department
1 E. Main Street, Suite 108
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
(260) 427-1222
Fort Wayne Police Department

Evansville Police Department
15 NW Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Evansville, IN 47708
(812) 436-7896
Evansville Police Department

South Bend Police Department
701 W. Sample Street
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9201
South Bend Police Department

Bloomington Police Department
220 E. Third Street
Bloomington, IN 47401
(812) 339-4477
Bloomington Police Department

State Archives

Indiana Archives and Records Administration
6440 E. 30th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46219
(317) 591-5222
Indiana Archives and Records Administration

Federal Agencies Operating in Indiana

FBI Indianapolis Field Office
8825 Nelson B Klein Pkwy
Indianapolis, IN 46250
(317) 595-4000
FBI Indianapolis

U.S. Marshals Service - Southern District of Indiana
46 East Ohio Street, Room 105
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 226-6566
U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. Marshals Service - Northern District of Indiana
5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1200
Hammond, IN 46320
(219) 852-6775
U.S. Marshals Service