Find Arrest Records Online | Public Jail & Police Reports
Find Arrest Records is a common need for many people in the United States. You might be checking public records for personal reasons, a background check, legal research, journalism, or simply to understand what information is publicly available.
Arrest records are part of the public record system, and when used responsibly, they can provide helpful and accurate information.
In this guide, you’ll learn what arrest records include, how to search arrest records, how to check jail rosters, police logs, and DOC offender searches, along with official government URLs and a basic FAQ.
What Are Arrest Records?
Arrest records are official documents created by law enforcement agencies when someone is arrested. These records show that a person was taken into custody, but they do not always mean the person was convicted of a crime.
In the USA, arrest records are usually maintained by:
- Local police departments
- County sheriff’s offices
- State departments of corrections (DOC)
- Court systems
Because these records are public, many states allow anyone to search them online.
What Information Is Included in Arrest Records?
Most arrest records include basic identifying and case-related details. The exact information can vary by state and county, but you will usually find:
- Full name of the arrested person
- Date of birth or age
- Mugshot (if available)
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency (police or sheriff)
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number or inmate ID
- Jail or detention center location
- Bond or bail amount
- Case or court reference number
Some records may also show release dates, court appearances, or transfer details.
How to Find Arrest Records Online
Searching arrest records in the USA is usually straightforward if you know where to look. The most accurate results always come from official government sources.
Search by County Sheriff’s Office
Most arrests are handled at the county level. County sheriff websites often provide inmate search tools or arrest lookup pages.
What you can search by:
- Name
- Booking number
- Date of arrest
These searches are usually free and updated daily.
Tip: Search for “County Name Sheriff Inmate Search” in Google to find the official site.
Check Jail Roster (Inmate Roster)
A jail roster is a real-time list of people currently held in a county jail. This is one of the fastest ways to find recent arrest information.
Jail rosters typically show:
- Current inmates
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bail status
- Housing location
If the person was released recently, they may no longer appear in the roster, but the arrest record may still exist.
Search Police Logs and Arrest Reports
Police logs are daily or weekly reports published by local police departments. These logs list recent incidents, including arrests.
Police logs may include:
- Arrest date and time
- Type of offense
- General location
- Arresting department
Police logs usually do not contain full personal details, but they are helpful for recent arrest activity.
Use State DOC Offender Search
If someone was convicted and sent to state prison, their information will appear in the Department of Corrections (DOC) offender search.
DOC searches typically include:
- Inmate name and ID number
- Prison location
- Sentence length
- Release or parole eligibility
DOC databases do not include people held only in county jail unless they were transferred to state custody.
Official Arrest Record Search URLs (Trusted Sources)
Below are official and reliable government resources commonly used across the United States:
- State DOC Offender Search (General):
https://www.usa.gov/state-corrections - Federal Inmate Search (BOP):
https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ - Local County Sheriff Offices:
Usually found at https://www.[countyname]sheriff.gov - State Court Records:
https://www.ncsc.org/information-and-resources/state-court-websites - FBI Crime Information (Reference):
https://www.fbi.gov/services
Always use official government websites to avoid outdated or incorrect information.
Free vs Paid Arrest Record Searches
Free Searches
- County jail rosters
- Sheriff inmate searches
- State DOC offender lookups
- Police department arrest logs
Paid Searches
- Third-party background check websites
- Nationwide people search databases
Important: Paid sites may collect data from public sources, but they are not always accurate or updated. Official government sites are always the best choice.
Are Arrest Records Public in the USA?
Yes, arrest records are generally public in most states. However:
- Juvenile arrest records are usually sealed
- Expunged or sealed records may not appear
- Some states restrict access to older records
Each state has its own public records laws, so access rules can vary.
How Accurate Are Online Arrest Records?
Official arrest records from sheriff offices, police departments, and DOC websites are typically accurate. However:
- Charges may change or be dropped
- Records may not reflect final court outcomes
- Data entry errors can happen
Always verify arrest information with court records if accuracy is critical.
Basic FAQ: Find Arrest Records
Can I search arrest records by name?
Yes. Most county and state databases allow name-based searches.
How long do arrest records stay online?
This depends on state law. Some records stay online permanently unless expunged.
Are mugshots public records?
In many states, yes. However, some states limit public access to mugshots.
Do arrest records show case results?
Usually no. You must check court records for final case outcomes.
Final Words
Finding arrest records in the USA does not have to be complicated. By using county sheriff inmate searches, jail rosters, police logs, and state DOC offender databases, you can access reliable and up-to-date public arrest information.
Always rely on official government websites, understand that arrest records are not proof of guilt, and use this information responsibly.
If you’re researching arrest records for legal, personal, or informational reasons, this guide gives you a clear and trustworthy starting point.
