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Jonesboro Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Jonesboro, Arkansas?

Arrest records in Jonesboro, Arkansas are classified as public documents pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. Members of the public may access these records as part of the state's commitment to governmental transparency and accountability. The Jonesboro Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state regulations that mandate the preservation of arrest documentation for both public safety purposes and judicial proceedings.

The Arkansas FOIA establishes that all public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the state during regular business hours of the custodian of the records. Arrest records fall under this provision as they document official actions taken by law enforcement agencies. These records serve multiple public interest functions, including:

  • Enabling community awareness of local criminal activity
  • Supporting the constitutional right to public trials
  • Facilitating background checks for employment and housing
  • Providing statistical data for crime analysis and prevention strategies
  • Ensuring accountability in law enforcement operations

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted in specific circumstances, such as ongoing investigations or cases involving juveniles, as provided under Arkansas Code § 9-27-309 regarding confidentiality of juvenile records.

How to Look Up Jonesboro Arrest Records in 2025

The Jonesboro Police Department has implemented several methods through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests in person at the Records Division of the Jonesboro Police Department. The department maintains a public service counter where staff can assist with record searches and provide copies of available documents.

Jonesboro Police Department Records Division
1001 South Caraway Road
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 935-5553
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Jonesboro Police Department

Craighead County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests, including case dispositions and court proceedings, may be accessed at:

Craighead County Courthouse
511 South Main Street
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4500
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Online Access: The Jonesboro Police Department has expanded its digital services to include online access to certain public records. Requestors may utilize the department's official website to submit FOIA requests electronically. The online system allows for:

  • Submission of formal records requests
  • Tracking of request status
  • Secure electronic delivery of approved documents
  • Payment of applicable fees via credit card

Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction. The current fee schedule for Jonesboro arrest records is as follows:

  • Standard arrest report: $10.00
  • Certified copies: Additional $5.00 per document
  • Research fee for records older than 3 years: $25.00 per hour

Contents of a Jonesboro Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Jonesboro Police Department contain standardized information as required by Arkansas law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following components:

Demographic Information:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Any known aliases or previous names
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Physical description including height, weight, eye color, hair color
  • Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
  • Residential address at time of arrest
  • Gender and race (for statistical purposes)

Arrest Details:

  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Specific charges filed, including Arkansas Code citations
  • Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
  • Arresting officer's name and badge number
  • Agency case number and incident report reference
  • Narrative description of the circumstances leading to arrest
  • Presence of weapons or contraband
  • Use of force documentation, if applicable

Processing Information:

  • Booking photographs (mugshots) taken from front and side views
  • Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
  • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
  • Medical screening information (non-confidential portions only)
  • Detention facility assignment
  • Bail or bond amount set
  • Court appearance date and location

The Arkansas Criminal Information System maintains electronic records of arrests that are shared with authorized agencies through secure networks in compliance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-201, which establishes the Arkansas Crime Information Center.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Jonesboro

The State of Arkansas provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement procedures in Jonesboro are governed by Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 through § 16-90-1419, which outline eligibility criteria and application processes.

Individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:

Automatic Eligibility:

  • Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
  • Cases where charges were nolle prossed (dismissed by prosecutor)
  • Acquittals following trial
  • Arrests resulting from mistaken identity or false information

Conditional Eligibility:

  • First-time non-violent misdemeanor convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period of 60 days
  • Certain felony convictions after completion of sentence and a waiting period of 5 years
  • Successful completion of drug court, veterans treatment court, or other specialty court programs

The expungement process requires submission of a formal petition to the Craighead County Circuit Court. Petitioners must provide:

  • Certified copies of the original arrest record
  • Documentation of case disposition
  • Verification of completed sentence requirements
  • Payment of filing fees (currently $50, with possible waiver for indigent applicants)
  • Notification to the prosecuting attorney's office

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, sealed records are not available for public inspection and the individual may legally state that the arrest or conviction did not occur.

The Craighead County Circuit Clerk's Office processes expungement petitions at:

Craighead County Circuit Clerk
511 South Main Street, Room 300
Jonesboro, AR 72401
(870) 933-4520
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

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