Scott County Arrest Records

Law enforcement personnel in Scott County, Indiana, have the legal authority to arrest individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses. These offenses may be classified as felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions, each with distinct legal consequences.

Arrest records in Scott County are primarily generated after an arrest and are maintained by local law enforcement agencies. However, these records are essential for broader criminal justice processes and often intersect with other public records, such as Scott County court records, prosecutorial records, and criminal history files maintained by the Indiana State Police.

Are Arrest Records Public in Scott County?

Yes. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (or APRA), members of the public have the right to access arrest records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement departments in Scott County. The APRA is designed to promote transparency in government operations, including law enforcement activities. As a result, anyone can request arrest records, provided the information requested does not fall under specific exemptions.

Certain information in an arrest record may be exempt from public disclosure to protect sensitive details or maintain the integrity of ongoing investigations. These exemptions include information that could compromise an active investigation or law enforcement proceeding, details that may endanger the safety of a witness or informant, records revealing investigative techniques, and minor identifying information. Data that may deprive someone of a fair trial or constitutes medical or similar records is also typically withheld.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Public arrest records in Scott County generally contain the following information:

• The complete name and date of birth of the individual arrested
• A physical description, including height, weight, gender, eye and hair colors, and any identifying marks or tattoos
• The arrestee's occupation
• The date, time, and location of the arrest
• Booking details, such as booking date and time, if applicable
• Circumstances leading to the arrest
• The charges the arrestee is facing
• Any parole or probation holds or outstanding warrants related to the arrestee
• The manner and time of release or the current detention location, if applicable

It is important to note that juvenile arrest records are generally not public records unless a juvenile is taken into custody for a felony.

Scott County Arrest Statistics

According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program and statewide law enforcement data, Scott County reports arrest statistics annually. These figures help provide insight into law enforcement activity and the crimes most frequently encountered in Scott County.

In recent years, the county has recorded several hundred arrests per year, spanning various categories of offenses. For instance, in 2023, Scott County reported 707 arrests. Among these, the top arrests were for the following offense categories:

• Drug offenses: 284 arrests, or 40.2% of the total arrests
• Property crimes: 165, or 23.3%
• Crime - General: 147, or 20.8%
• Violent crimes: 117, or 16.5%

Find Scott County Arrest Records

Individuals seeking arrest records in Scott County can query the local law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest. The Scott County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments maintain records related to arrests, bookings, and detentions. Each agency has its own process for requesting records, including in-person visits, mail-in requests, or online inquiries.

To submit a request, individuals typically need to provide an arrestee's full name, date of birth, the date and location of the incident, and the requester's contact information. Some requests, especially for nonpublic records, may require the requester to present valid government-issued identification.

In addition, the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) provides an online offender search tool, allowing the public to look up individuals incarcerated in state prisons. The Indiana State Police also offers a limited criminal history search, which includes reported Scott County arrests, for a nominal fee.

Free Arrest Record Search in Scott County

Scott County residents can access arrest records free of charge through local law enforcement agencies, provided the requests pertain to public records (i.e., fall within the scope of Indiana's APRA). Many departments allow in-person or walk-in requests at no cost, although copies of documents may carry a nominal fee.

Some third-party vendors also aggregate public records, including arrest and booking information, and publish them online, making it easier for individuals to find records conveniently. While some services are free, others may charge for detailed reports. Users are advised to check the accuracy and reliability of any third-party site before relying on the received information. It is also a good idea to verify information with official sources.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Arrests in Indiana, including those made in Scott County, do not automatically expire or disappear over time. They generally remain on an individual's record indefinitely unless formal action is taken to remove or seal them. State law does not impose a specific time limit for the retention of arrest records by law enforcement agencies or on criminal justice databases.

Expunge Scott County Arrest Records

Indiana law provides pathways for eligible individuals to expunge or seal arrest records under certain conditions. Expungement generally applies when an individual was arrested but not convicted, or when the charges were dismissed. In these cases, the individual may petition the court to expunge the record, which can remove the arrest from public view.

To apply for expungement, individuals must typically submit a petition to the court that handled the case, along with relevant documentation demonstrating eligibility. Factors affecting eligibility may include the offense type, the case outcome, and the time elapsed since the arrest. More information, including the necessary forms, can be found on the Indiana Judiciary's Expungements manual and under Indiana Code § 35-38-9-1.

Scott County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document released by a judge/magistrate that permits law enforcement officers to arrest a specific individual. In Scott County, arrest warrants are typically issued when a law enforcement official presents an affidavit in court establishing probable cause that a particular individual committed a criminal offense.

A Scott County arrest warrant generally includes the following details:

• The name of the defendant
• The date the warrant was issued
• The alleged offense
• The issuing court or judge
• The amount of bail, if applicable

Law enforcement officers can execute arrests with or without a warrant, depending on the circumstances. However, warrants are commonly used when an officer did not witness the alleged offense or when additional investigation was necessary to establish probable cause.

Do Scott County Arrest Warrants Expire?

Yes, in certain instances. Felony arrest warrants issued in Scott County do not have an expiration date. Once issued, they remain active until the subject is arrested or voluntarily surrenders.

However, legal motions can sometimes lead to a warrant being quashed or recalled, particularly if it was issued in error or based on insufficient grounds. Additionally, IC 35-33-2-4 invalidates a misdemeanor arrest warrant after 180 days, although the court may re-issue it.

Individuals with outstanding warrants are advised to consult legal counsel and address the matter promptly to avoid further legal complications.