Public Arrest Records Search | Find Arrests, Charges & Jail Info
Public arrest records are one of the most searched legal records in the United States.
People look them up for many reasons—checking recent arrests, finding inmate details, verifying criminal history, or staying informed about local law enforcement activity.
The good news is that most arrest records in the USA are public and can be accessed legally through official government websites.
This guide explains what public arrest records are, what information they include, and how to search arrest records, jail rosters, police logs, and DOC offender databases using trusted sources.
What Are Public Arrest Records?
Public arrest records are official documents created by law enforcement agencies when someone is arrested.
These records are considered public information under state and federal public records laws, although access rules may vary slightly by state.
It’s important to understand that an arrest record does not mean a person is guilty. It only shows that someone was taken into custody by police based on probable cause.
What Information Do Public Arrest Records Include?
Public arrest records usually contain the following details:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Date and time of arrest
- Arrest location (city or county)
- Arresting agency (police or sheriff’s department)
- Charges or alleged offenses
- Booking number or case number
- Mugshot (available in many states)
- Bail or bond amount
- Current custody status (released, jailed, transferred)
Some records may also show court dates or the facility where the person is being held.
How to Search Public Arrest Records in the USA
There is no single nationwide arrest database. Instead, arrest records are maintained by local police departments, county jails, sheriff’s offices, and state agencies. Below are the most reliable ways to search.
Search Local Jail Rosters (County Inmate Search)
County jails hold people who were recently arrested or are awaiting trial. Most sheriff’s offices provide an online jail roster.
How to Search a Jail Roster:
- Visit the official sheriff’s office website for the county
- Look for “Inmate Search,” “Jail Roster,” or “Who’s in Jail”
- Enter the person’s name or booking number
- Review arrest details and custody status
What Jail Rosters Show:
- Current inmates
- Booking date and charges
- Bond or bail information
- Release status
Search Police Arrest Logs and Daily Arrest Reports
Many police departments publish daily or weekly arrest logs.
Police Logs Typically Include:
- Arrest date and time
- Name and age of the individual
- Charges filed
- Arrest location
Where to Find Police Logs:
- City police department websites
- Local law enforcement “Records” or “Reports” pages
- Public information sections of city websites
These logs are helpful for finding recent arrests that may not yet appear in jail databases.
State Department of Corrections (DOC) Offender Search
If a person has been convicted and sentenced to state prison, their information will usually appear in the state DOC offender search.
What DOC searches show:
- Inmate name and ID number
- Facility location
- Sentence length
- Release or parole eligibility date
Official DOC search examples (state-run):
- California DOC: https://www.cdcr.ca.gov/inmate-locator/
- Florida DOC: https://www.dc.state.fl.us/offendersearch/
- Texas DOC: https://inmate.tdcj.texas.gov/
- New York DOCCS: https://nysdoccslookup.doccs.ny.gov/
Each state manages its own system, so you must search the correct state database.
Are Arrest Records the Same as Criminal Records?
No, they are different.
- Arrest records show that a person was arrested
- Criminal records show convictions, court outcomes, and sentencing
Someone can have an arrest record without ever being convicted.
Can You Search Arrest Records for Free?
Yes. Most arrest records are available free of charge through:
- County sheriff websites
- Police department arrest logs
- State DOC inmate searches
- Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator
Be cautious of third-party websites that charge fees or provide outdated information.
Are Mugshots Public Records?
In many states, mugshots are public records and appear on jail or sheriff websites. However, some states restrict mugshot access or remove them after release. Laws vary by state.
How Accurate Are Public Arrest Records?
Official government websites are generally accurate and updated regularly. However:
- New arrests may take several hours to appear
- Release information may lag behind real-time events
- Charges can change after court hearings
Always rely on official sources, not copied databases.
Why People Search Public Arrest Records
People commonly search arrest records for:
- Locating a recently arrested person
- Checking inmate custody status
- Background checks
- Legal research
- News reporting
- Personal safety awareness
FAQs
Are public arrest records legal to view?
Yes. Arrest records are public information under U.S. law, though access rules vary by state.
Can arrest records be removed?
In some cases, yes. Expungement or record sealing may be available through the courts.
Do arrest records show convictions?
No. Arrest records only show that an arrest occurred, not the final court outcome.
What is the best source for arrest records?
Official government websites such as sheriff’s offices, police departments, and state DOC websites are the most reliable.
Conclusion
Public arrest records provide transparency and help people access important legal information.
Whether you are searching for recent arrests, checking a jail roster, reviewing police logs, or using a DOC offender search, always rely on official government sources for accurate and up-to-date information.
Understanding how arrest records work helps you stay informed while respecting legal boundaries.
With the right approach, finding public arrest records in the USA is straightforward, legal, and accessible to everyone.
