Arkansas Arrest Records

Is Arkansas an Open Arrest Records State?

Arkansas is an open arrest records state pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes that all government records, unless specifically exempted by law, shall be open for public inspection and copying. The Arkansas FOIA was enacted to ensure governmental transparency and public accountability through access to official records. Arrest records fall within the category of public records and typically contain the name of the arrested individual, charges filed, and arrest date and location information. The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) serves as the central repository for criminal justice information in the state, maintaining records of arrests, charges, and dispositions.

Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while Arkansas maintains an open records policy, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-105. The Arkansas Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records while balancing legitimate privacy and security concerns.

How to Look Up Arkansas Arrest Records in 2025

The Arkansas Department of Public Safety provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:

Online Database Searches: The Arkansas Criminal History (ARCH) system allows members of the public to conduct name-based searches for criminal history information. Users must create an account and pay the required fee of $22 per search as established by Arkansas Code § 12-12-1012.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Arkansas Crime Information Center to submit requests for arrest records.

Arkansas Crime Information Center
322 South Main Street, Suite 615
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 682-2222
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Arkansas Crime Information Center
County Sheriff's Offices: Local law enforcement agencies maintain records of arrests within their jurisdictions. Many sheriff's offices provide online inmate rosters showing recent arrests.
Court Records: The Arkansas Judiciary's online case search portal allows access to court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.

Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1008, requestors must provide proper identification when seeking arrest records. Fingerprint-based background checks offer the most comprehensive and accurate results but require submission through authorized agencies.

Contents of an Arkansas Arrest Record

Arkansas arrest records maintained by state and local agencies contain standardized information as required by Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003. A typical arrest record includes:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; name of arresting agency; booking number; and arrest circumstances.
Offense Information: Specific charges filed, including statute citations and offense classification (felony or misdemeanor).
Case Disposition: Current status of the case, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or resulted in conviction.
Booking Data: Fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), and property inventory taken during the booking process.
Bond Information: Amount of bail set, if applicable, and whether the individual was released pending court proceedings.

The Arkansas Department of Corrections maintains additional records for individuals who have been sentenced to state custody, including incarceration history and release dates. These records can be accessed through the Department's inmate search function.

Understanding the Arkansas Open Records Act

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), commonly referred to as the Arkansas Open Records Act, establishes the framework for public access to government records. Enacted in 1967 and codified at Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq., this legislation is founded on the principle that public business should be performed in an open and public manner.

Key provisions of the Arkansas FOIA include:

Presumption of Openness: All records maintained by public agencies are presumed to be open to inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
Broad Definition of Public Records: The Act defines public records as "writings, recorded sounds, films, tapes, electronic or computer-based information, or data compilations in any medium" that constitute a record of the performance of official functions.
Response Timeline: Agencies must respond to FOIA requests within three business days, as specified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(e).
Reasonable Fees: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction but not for the time spent reviewing records for exempt information.
Exemptions: Certain records are exempt from disclosure, including those that would compromise ongoing law enforcement investigations (§ 25-19-105(b)(6)) or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy (§ 25-19-105(b)(12)).

The Arkansas State Police and other law enforcement agencies must comply with these provisions when responding to requests for arrest records, balancing the public's right to know with legitimate privacy and security concerns.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Arkansas

Arkansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq. Expungement removes eligible records from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Arkansas include:

First-Time Offenders: Individuals who have completed probation for certain non-violent first offenses may petition for expungement under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1405.
Dismissed Charges: When charges are dismissed or result in acquittal, individuals may petition for immediate expungement pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1409.
Waiting Periods: For certain convictions, expungement may be available after specified waiting periods ranging from 60 days to five years, depending on the offense classification.
Excluded Offenses: Certain serious offenses, including most violent felonies and sexual crimes, are ineligible for expungement under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1408.

The expungement process requires:

Filing a petition with the court where the case was adjudicated
Payment of filing fees (approximately $50, though fee waivers may be available)
Notification to the prosecuting attorney
Judicial review and determination

Upon approval, the Arkansas Crime Information Center receives the order to seal and updates state records accordingly. Individuals should be aware that expunged records may still be discoverable by certain government agencies and in specific circumstances as provided by law.

How to Find Local Arrests in Arkansas?

Local arrest information in Arkansas is accessible through multiple channels established by county and municipal authorities. Members of the public seeking information about recent arrests may utilize the following resources:

County Sheriff's Online Inmate Rosters: Most Arkansas counties maintain publicly accessible online databases showing current inmates and recent bookings. These resources typically update daily and include basic arrest information.
Municipal Police Department Records: City police departments maintain arrest logs that are available for public inspection during regular business hours.

Little Rock Police Department
700 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 371-4605
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
County Detention Center Visitation Offices: In-person inquiries can be made at county jail facilities, which maintain current rosters of detained individuals.
Court Clerk Offices: District and circuit court clerks maintain dockets of criminal proceedings, including arrest information for cases within their jurisdiction.

Pulaski County Circuit Clerk
401 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 340-8500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Local Newspaper Police Blotters: Many Arkansas newspapers publish regular summaries of local arrests and police activity.

Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1510, law enforcement agencies must collect and report standardized arrest data to the Arkansas Crime Information Center. This information becomes part of the public record, though agencies may withhold certain details related to ongoing investigations as permitted under § 25-19-105(b)(6).

The Arkansas Department of Corrections provides additional resources for locating individuals who have been sentenced to state custody through their online services portal.