Monroe County Arrest Records

In Monroe County, Indiana, an arrest is said to occur when a person is taken into custody due to suspicion of a crime. After the arrest, the arrestee goes through the booking process, which involves documenting their personal information and the details of the alleged offense. This information becomes part of what is known as Monroe County Arrest Records.

Under Indiana’s Criminal Law and Procedure Act, state and local law enforcement agencies are authorized to make arrests. However, private citizens may legally detain individuals if it falls within the scope of the state’s self-defense laws or if a crime is witnessed on private property.

These records are maintained by agencies like the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police. In situations where the arrest leads to criminal proceedings, the court clerk’s office may also preserve them as part of the Monroe County court records.

Are Arrest Records Public in Monroe County?

Yes, arrest records are public in Monroe County under Indiana’s Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3). This law grants the public the right to access records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement. Arrest records can be requested, viewed, or copied by anyone, though some restrictions apply under certain circumstances. For example, portions of a record may be redacted or access denied in accordance with law enforcement protocols or court orders, as per Indiana Code § 35-38-8-1. Situations that may lead to restrictions include:

• The individual was acquitted of the charges.
• The record pertains to a juvenile.
• Disclosure poses a risk to the safety of a witness, suspect, or law enforcement personnel.
• The record contains sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers.
• The record has been sealed or expunged.
• Charges were dismissed.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Monroe County arrest records typically include the following publicly available details:

• The full name of the individual arrested
• Any known aliases
• Date of birth
• Booking details, including the arrest date and time
• Charges that led to the arrest
• The arresting agency
• Mugshots and fingerprints
• The facility where the individual is held
• The individual’s occupation and address at the time of arrest (if available)

Monroe County Crime Rate

According to data from the Indiana State Police and the FBI's Crime Data Explorer portal, Monroe County recorded 24 violent crimes in 2022. Aggravated assaults made up almost 50% of the violent crimes in 2022, marking it as the most common violent crime in Monroe County. There were also 409 property crimes reported in the state, including 3 arson, 40 burglaries, 321 larceny theft, and 45 motor vehicle thefts.

Find Monroe County Arrest Records

Interested individuals can access arrest records through local law enforcement agencies such as the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the Bloomington Police Department. These agencies maintain and provide access to arrest records for public inquiry.

To request an arrest record, record seekers will generally need to provide identifying details, which may include:

• Full name or any known aliases
• Social Security number (if available)
• Date of birth

The procedures for requesting arrest records vary between agencies. In Monroe County, requests can typically be made either in person or by mail. Most agencies charge a nominal fee for accessing arrest records. For instance, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office charges a $10 fee for arrest record requests, which can be paid via cash, credit/debit, or money order. In-person requests can be made at the Sheriff’s Office during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (except on holidays).

For mail-in requests, individuals should draft a written request containing details that can help identify the record, along with their contact information, and send it along with the $10 fee via money order made out to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office at:

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
301 N College Ave
Bloomington, IN 47404
Attention: Records Division

Individuals seeking arrest records in Bloomington at the municipal level can contact the Bloomington Police Department. The department's Records Division provides information about arrest records for a small fee, and requests can be submitted either in person or by mail.

Suppose an arrest is made by a federal agency such as the FBI or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In that case, arrest records may need to be obtained directly from the arresting agency. Both agencies provide online tools for accessing records related to individuals in their custody.

Free Arrest Record Search in Monroe County

While many local law enforcement agencies charge fees for arrest record checks, some information can be accessed for free. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office provides online access to recent booking information through its inmate search portal. Individuals may also review arrest records in person at law enforcement offices without incurring a fee. Additionally, certain third-party websites compile arrest records from Monroe County law enforcement agencies and offer searchable databases, which may provide basic information at no cost. However, more detailed records or access to additional services on these platforms often require payment.

Get Monroe County Criminal Records

Monroe County criminal records provide a comprehensive overview of an individual’s interactions with the local criminal justice system, including arrests, convictions, and any outstanding warrants. These records can be accessed at the municipal, county, or state level.

At the municipal level, individuals can request criminal records from police departments such as the Bloomington Police Department for a small fee (usually $10). These records typically include information on arrests and convictions within the department’s jurisdiction.

At the county level, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office also provides criminal records checks for a $10 fee, which are primarily limited to arrest and booking information. Requests can be submitted in person at the Sheriff's Office or by mail, similar to the process for arrest records.

For broader criminal history checks, the Indiana State Police (ISP) maintains limited criminal history records. These records are generally available for specific purposes, such as licensing or employment. Authorized requesters can access these records through the ISP's online portal for $16.32 per search (non-subscribers) or $15 per search (subscribers). Alternatively, mail-in requests can be made by completing the ISP’s application form and mailing it with a $7 certified check to:

Indiana State Police
Criminal History Limited Check
P.O. Box 6188
Indianapolis, IN 46206-6188

Monroe County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

While Monroe County arrest records provide information about specific instances where an individual was arrested, criminal records offer a more complete view of an individual’s criminal history, including arrests, convictions, and court proceedings. Monroe County criminal records are a more comprehensive source of information for those conducting background checks for employment or other legal purposes.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Indiana, arrest records generally remain accessible indefinitely unless they are expunged. Indiana law allows for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific conditions, as outlined in Indiana Code § 35-38-9 or the Second Chance Law.

Expunge Monroe County Arrest Records

Individuals who wish to expunge their Monroe County arrest records can file a petition under Indiana Code § 35-38-9. An expungement removes the record from public view, but the record remains accessible to law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.

Expungement eligibility is typically limited to individuals with no ongoing criminal charges and excludes certain serious crimes, including:

• Child molestation
• Rape
• Human trafficking
• Sex offenses involving minors
• Homicide

Expungement petitions should be filed in the Monroe County Circuit Court if the case was heard there or directly to the court if no charges were filed after arrest. Information usually required to process an expungement petition includes:

• Arrest date
• Full name and any aliases
• Date of birth and Social Security number
• County of arrest
• Arresting agency and officer

Monroe County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement to detain an individual suspected of committing a crime. In Monroe County, Indiana, arrest warrants follow procedures set by both state law and local judicial practices. According to Indiana Code (IC) 35-33-2-1, a warrant for arrest cannot be issued unless:

• A grand jury indictment or a criminal charge has been filed against the individual, accusing them of committing an offense.
• A judge or magistrate reviews the evidence and finds that there is probable cause to believe the accused person has committed the crime.
• The issuance of an arrest warrant in Monroe County requires that a prosecutor’s office formally requests the warrant, presenting evidence for probable cause. Once the judge or magistrate is convinced, the warrant is signed and executed.

As specified under IC 35-33-2-2, an arrest warrant in Monroe County must meet the following requirements:

• Be in writing and signed by a judge or magistrate.
• Clearly state the name of the person to be arrested (if known).
• Describe the criminal offense the individual is being charged with.
• Include the date and county where the warrant is issued.
• Contain the signature of the clerk of the court or judge who authorized the warrant.
• Include details about bail, if applicable.

Monroe County Arrest Warrant Search

Most local law enforcement agencies, such as the Monroe County Sheriff's Office and the Bloomington Police Department, can conduct warrant searches for individuals. Interested parties may contact these agencies directly or visit their offices in person and furnish the record custodian with the personal information of the subject of the warrant and the date the warrant was issued.

Third-party sites also provide online tools for conducting warrant searches. To facilitate the search, individuals searching for arrest warrants on this platform will typically need to provide identifying information, such as the subject's full name and date of birth.

Do Monroe County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Under Indiana law, the expiration of an arrest warrant depends on the type of crime. According to IC 35-33-2-4, arrest warrants for misdemeanors expire after 180 days from the date of issuance if not executed. However, felony arrest warrants and rearrest warrants (issued when a defendant fails to appear in court or violates bail conditions) do not have expiration dates. This means a person can be arrested on a felony warrant even years after the warrant was initially issued.

Once an arrest warrant is issued, law enforcement officers in Monroe County, including deputies from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office or officers from the Bloomington Police Department, are authorized to execute the warrant. This means they can arrest the individual named in the warrant at any time and bring them before a judge for arraignment.