US Arrest Records Search

Arrest Records in the United States

Arrest records are formal documents that reflect a person’s detention by law enforcement. These records typically include identifying details, date and location of arrest, charges, booking photographs, and fingerprints. They may also contain case outcomes, such as whether charges were dismissed, resulted in conviction, or remain pending. Arrest records form part of broader criminal history record information, which is defined and regulated by federal law.

Legal Framework for Access and Privacy

Arrest records are governed by several laws designed to balance government transparency with individual privacy.

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552 Provides the public the right to request federal records. FOIA establishes exemptions for sensitive information, such as data that would interfere with enforcement or compromise privacy. Official Portal: FOIA.gov

• Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a Grants individuals rights to access and correct their own records held by federal agencies. It regulates how agencies collect, maintain, and disclose personally identifiable information.

U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Information Policy
441 G Street, NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20530
Phone: (202) 514-3642
Official Website: Office of Information Policy

• 28 C.F.R. Part 20 Establishes federal standards for state criminal history record systems. These regulations emphasize accuracy, security, and limits on the dissemination of non-conviction data. States are required to provide individuals with access to review and challenge their own arrest records.

Where Arrest Records Are Maintained

Arrest records are stored at multiple levels of government, depending on where the arrest occurred.

• Local Police and Sheriff’s Offices The initial arrest record is created and stored locally before being forwarded to state repositories.

• State Identification Bureaus Each state maintains a central repository of criminal history records, typically operated by the state police or public safety department. These repositories consolidate arrest data statewide.

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division
  Clarksburg, WV 26306
  Phone: (304) 625-5590
  Official Website: FBI CJIS

  The FBI maintains the national database of arrest and criminal history records, often referred to as the Interstate Identification Index.

• Court Records Arrest-related case files, such as indictments, motions, and judgments, are maintained separately by courts.

  Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts
  One Columbus Circle NE, Washington, DC 20544
  Phone: (202) 502-2600
  Official Website: U.S. Courts

  Federal records are available through the PACER system.

• Correctional Records Custody status information is maintained by correctional authorities, not courts.

  Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP)
  320 First Street, NW, Washington, DC 20534
  Phone: (202) 307-3198
  Official Website: Bureau of Prisons

  The BOP Inmate Locator provides access to federal custody data since 1982.

How to Request Your Own Arrest Record

Individuals may obtain their own records for employment, immigration, or personal review purposes.

• FBI Identity History Summary Check Individuals can request a copy of their own FBI record, often referred to as a “rap sheet.” This process can be completed electronically or via mail. Official Website: FBI Identity History Summary Checks

• State Criminal History Records State Identification Bureaus provide access to state-level arrest histories. Procedures vary by state, but typically require fingerprint submissions and a processing fee.

• International Purposes The U.S. Department of State explains how to obtain local or state police background checks for visas, immigration, or employment abroad. Official Website: U.S. Department of State – Criminal Records

Public Access vs. Restricted or Sealed Records

While arrest records are generally accessible, several restrictions apply:

• FOIA Exemptions Federal agencies may withhold records to protect privacy, security, or ongoing investigations.

• State Regulations Many states limit access to non-conviction information. Arrests that did not lead to charges or were dismissed may not be available to the public.

• Sealed or Expunged Records Courts may seal or expunge arrest records, making them inaccessible to the public and employers.

U.S. Courts – PACER Service Center
P.O. Box 780549, San Antonio, TX 78278
Phone: (800) 676-6856
Official Website: PACER

How to Find Official Records

When seeking accurate information, individuals should rely only on official government agencies:

• FOIA.gov – Submit federal agency record requests.
• PACER – Access federal criminal court files.
• Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator – Check federal inmate custody status.
• National Archives – Research older federal court records.
• State Identification Bureaus – Obtain or correct state-level criminal history data.

Compliance, Accuracy, and Individual Rights

The management of arrest records is subject to legal requirements ensuring accuracy and accountability:

• 28 C.F.R. Part 20 requires states to maintain criminal history repositories with safeguards against unauthorized disclosure.
• Individuals must be given the right to review and correct inaccurate arrest records.
• Federal agencies must comply with both FOIA and the Privacy Act when releasing information.

U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Statistics
810 Seventh Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531
Phone: (202) 307-0765
Official Website: Bureau of Justice Statistics