How to Find Recent Arrests

Michelle Wilson - April 9, 2023

People may want to find out about recent arrests if they have safety concerns or suspect that the individual has a history of criminal behavior. In other cases, finding information about a prospective employee may be necessary in the event of a hire. According to public data, 65 million Americans have criminal records that can affect their job prospects.

Regardless of the reason, knowing the ins and outs of finding a recent arrest may come in handy. We delve into the “how to” below.

What Is an Arrest Record?

An arrest record is a document that holds information about a person’s arrest, including the charges filed against them, the date and location of the arrest, and whether they were convicted or acquitted. Accessing someone’s arrest record can provide valuable insight into their criminal history. Arrest records can be essential for various reasons, such as when evaluating a potential employee, investigating someone’s past, or conducting a background check. For example, if you are considering hiring someone for a job, checking their arrest record can help you identify potential risks and make informed decisions about the applicant’s suitability for the position. Additionally, arrest records can help you confirm or refute someone’s claims about their past, allowing you to protect yourself from potential fraud or deceit.

However, where many confuse arrest records is the universal truth that this document alone does not prove guilt. It’s crucial to remember that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, it’s essential to exercise caution and avoid jumping to conclusions based solely on an arrest record.

Are All Arrests Public?

In short, not all arrests are public. There are two types of arrest records: public and private. Public arrest records are accessible to anyone who requests and views them. In contrast, private arrest records are only available to the person named in the record, their attorney, and law enforcement. Public arrest records typically include the individual’s name, date of birth, mugshot, and the offense(s) they were charged with. Additional information, such as the arresting officer’s name and the date and location of the arrest, may also be included in some cases.

You will want to contact the law enforcement agency in your area or search online public records databases to find someone’s public arrest record. Unfortunately, not all websites are reliable and up-to-date, and some may charge a fee for access to their records.

Contact Local Law Enforcement

So, where does your search begin? Suppose you have specific information about an arrest, such as the name of the person arrested or the location of the arrest. In that case, you can contact the local police department or sheriff’s office to request information.

When contacting local law enforcement, providing as much information as possible is important to help facilitate the search for the arrest record. Remember that some police departments and sheriff’s offices may have specific procedures for releasing information, such as requiring a formal request or providing the information in person. By following the appropriate procedures and providing accurate information, you may be able to obtain the information you’re looking for from local law enforcement.

Search Online

Another one of the easiest ways to find recent arrests is to search online. Many websites offer access to public records, including arrest records. These sites are often free, but some may require payment to access more detailed information. It’s essential to use reputable sites and not rely solely on information found on social media or other unreliable sources.

Check the Local News

Keeping up with the local news can also be another method to stay informed about recent arrests in your area. Many local news outlets will report on arrests that have taken place, including information about the charges filed against the individual and any other relevant details.

To find news stories about recent arrests, you can visit the website of your local news outlets or tune in to local television or radio broadcasts. You may also consider subscribing to a local newspaper or news website for more in-depth coverage of recent arrests and other news.

Online Databases

To stay informed about recent arrests in your area, checking online databases maintained by local police departments and sheriff’s offices can be another great resource. These databases are often updated regularly and can provide you with important information about arrests that have taken place in your community.

To access these databases, simply visit the website of your local police department or sheriff’s office and look for a link or section related to recent arrests. Once you’ve found the database, you can typically search by name, date, and other criteria to find information about individuals arrested in your area. Some databases may even include additional information, such as mugshots and details about the charges filed against the individual.

Use a Background Check Service

When finding recent arrests, a fifth and final way to gather information is to use a background check service, which can provide a more comprehensive picture of a person’s criminal history. These online services can search various public records, including arrest records, court records, and other relevant information, to provide you with a complete profile of an individual. Many find the prevalence of data particularly useful if they consider hiring someone for a job, renting a property, or just curious about someone’s past.

While many background check services are available online, choosing a reputable one that provides accurate and up-to-date information is important. Some services may offer a free trial or basic search but often charge a fee for more detailed information. Before using a background check service, research the company and read reviews from other users to ensure they are trustworthy and reliable. Previous users often agree that using a reputable background check service gave them valuable insights into recent arrests and other aspects of a person’s criminal history that they were looking for.

What If I Need to Obtain My Own Records?

Knowing how to obtain a copy of your arrest and criminal records can be important for various reasons. Another set of online data shares that one in three U.S. adults have been arrested by age 23, highlighting the prevalence of arrest records. Whether you’re curious about your past criminal charges or need the records for legal purposes, it’s crucial to understand your right to access these documents.

To begin the process, you may consider hiring a professional attorney to guide you through the necessary steps. Alternatively, you can request a detailed criminal record directly from the court that tried the crime, but this typically requires an in-person visit and proper identification. It’s important to note that this method only provides information on offenses tried in court, and multiple trips may be necessary if you believe there may be multiple charges.

Finding The Records, You Need

To obtain someone’s recent arrest records, there are several approaches that you can consider. You can search online databases, contact the county clerk’s office, or scour recent news. It’s important to compare the benefits and drawbacks of each method to determine which one aligns best with your requirements. With persistence and dedication, fellow searchers have agreed it is both possible and straightforward to locate the arrest records they were looking for.