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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
Arrest Details:
Processing Information:
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.
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:
Conditional Eligibility:
The expungement process requires submission of a formal petition to the Craighead County Circuit Court. Petitioners must provide:
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