Arrest records in Craighead County, Arkansas are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the public's right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities operating within Craighead County. The Arkansas FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public information, with limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while these documents are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417. The Arkansas FOIA balances transparency in government operations with the protection of sensitive personal information, particularly in cases involving minors or victims of certain crimes.
Craighead County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Craighead County Sheriff's Department maintains a digital database of recent arrests and inmate information that is updated regularly in accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1001, which governs the collection and dissemination of criminal justice information.
The online accessibility of these records serves multiple public interests:
Users should note that online records may not contain complete case information, as certain details may be restricted pursuant to Arkansas Code § 12-12-1008, which limits the disclosure of certain criminal history information. For comprehensive arrest records, individuals may need to submit formal requests through the Craighead County official website.
Individuals seeking Craighead County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, which outlines procedures for examining public records:
Online Database Access: The Arkansas Judiciary Case Information System provides searchable access to court records, including those related to arrests in Craighead County. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Craighead County Sheriff's Office or the Circuit Clerk's Office to request physical copies of arrest records. Pursuant to Arkansas FOIA regulations, agencies must respond to in-person requests within 24 hours.
Craighead County Sheriff's Office
901 Willett Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone: (870) 933-4551
Official Website
Craighead County Circuit Clerk
511 Union Street, Suite 107
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone: (870) 933-4530
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written FOIA Requests: Citizens may submit formal written requests for arrest records through the Craighead County FOIA submission portal. Per Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(e), agencies must respond to written requests within three business days.
State Police Records: For comprehensive criminal history information, the Arkansas State Police maintains records that include Craighead County arrests. Requests require submission of form ASP-122 and payment of statutory fees.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record searches, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any known case numbers. Fees for copies of records are established by Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3) and may not exceed actual reproduction costs.
Craighead County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003, which establishes uniform reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies throughout the state. These records typically include:
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1104, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, medical information, and information that might compromise ongoing investigations.
The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC), operating under authority of Arkansas Code § 12-12-201, maintains the central repository of all arrest records in the state, including those from Craighead County. This centralized system ensures standardization of record formats and facilitates information sharing between law enforcement agencies.
Arkansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances as outlined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq. Expungement in Craighead County follows these statutory provisions, allowing eligible individuals to petition for the sealing of records related to arrests that did not result in convictions or for certain qualifying convictions after specified waiting periods.
The expungement process in Craighead County requires:
Eligibility criteria vary based on offense classification:
Upon successful expungement, Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417 provides that the individual may lawfully deny the existence of the expunged record except in certain circumstances, such as applications for law enforcement employment or professional licensure in specified fields.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services maintains resources for individuals seeking assistance with the expungement process, including referrals to legal aid organizations that provide guidance on record sealing procedures.