Chicago Arrest Records | Search Arrests & Police Reports Online
Chicago is one of the busiest cities in the United States, and because of its size, law enforcement updates arrest information every day.
Many people search for Chicago arrest records to check recent arrests, booking details, mugshots, police reports, or to look up someone in custody.
This guide explains everything in clear, simple English so anyone can understand how Chicago arrest records work and how to search them using official sources only.
What Are Chicago Arrest Records?
Chicago arrest records are public documents created when a person is taken into custody by:
- Chicago Police Department (CPD)
- Cook County Sheriff’s Office
- Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)
These records usually include:
- Full name and age
- Booking date and time
- Arrest location
- Charges filed
- Case number
- Mugshot (if available)
- Bond or bail information
- Custody or release status
Important: These records do not mean someone is guilty. They only show that an arrest took place.
How to Search Chicago Arrest Records Online
Chicago has more than one database depending on which agency handled the arrest. Below are the official websites you can use.
✅ Chicago Police Department (CPD) – Public Arrest Search
Visit: https://home.chicagopolice.org
This site provides crime reports, police logs, case updates, and arrest notifications published by CPD.
✅ Cook County Sheriff – Inmate & Arrest Search
Visit: https://www.cookcountysheriff.org
This tool helps you look up people currently held in the Cook County Jail. You can search by name, booking number, or jail ID.
✅ Cook County Jail Inmate Search
Visit:
https://inmatelocator.cookcountysheriff.org/
This is the official Cook County Jail roster for people arrested in Chicago and surrounding areas.
How to Search the Chicago Jail Roster
Chicago’s main detention center is the Cook County Jail, one of the largest single-site jails in the U.S.
To search the roster:
- Go to the Cook County inmate locator.
- Type the first and last name.
- Use the inmate ID number if you have it (more accurate).
- View results including mugshot, charges, housing location, and court information.
Chicago Police Logs & Crime Blotter
Police logs are updated regularly and provide brief summaries of:
- Recent arrests
- Transit crimes
- Neighborhood crime incidents
- Case numbers
- Arresting officer district
You can find these on the CPD official website under the “Statistics & Data” section.
Illinois DOC Offender Search (For Prison Records)
If the person is no longer in the county jail and has been sent to state prison, you can check the Illinois DOC.
Illinois Department of Corrections Offender Search
Visit: https://www.illinois.gov/idoc
Search by:
- Last name
- First name
- DOC number
This database shows long-term inmates, parole status, and facility information.
How to Get Official Chicago Police Reports
If you need an official arrest report, traffic crash report, or incident report, request it from CPD.
Chicago Police Records Request Portal
Visit:
https://home.chicagopolice.org/records-and-reports/
You can request:
- Arrest records
- Incident reports
- Traffic crash reports
- Background checks (limited)
Some reports may require a small fee.
How long do arrest records stay public in Chicago? They stick around forever unless expunged or sealed by a court order. But you can petition to seal non-conviction arrests after a waiting period.
Are mugshots included in Chicago arrest records? Yes, often in jail rosters or police reports, but they’re not always online due to privacy laws. Check the inmate locator for recent ones.
Can I search Chicago arrest records for free? Absolutely—official sites like CPD and Cook County are free. Paid sites might offer extras, but start with the publics to save cash.
What if the arrest was a mistake? Contact a lawyer to get it expunged. Illinois has processes for that, especially if no charges were filed.
How do I get a copy of my own arrest record? Submit a FOIA request to CPD or the Illinois State Police for a full rap sheet. It’s usually cheap or free for personal use.
Conclusion
Searching Chicago arrest records doesn’t have to be confusing. When you use trusted and official sources like the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff, and Illinois DOC, you get accurate and up-to-date information.
This helps you check someone’s custody status, see recent arrests, and review public charges without relying on unofficial or outdated websites.
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. I hope it helps you find the information you need quickly and clearly.
If you need any more details or want help with another public record topic, feel free to ask anytime.
