Arrest records are public in Monroe County, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within county jurisdiction. The Arkansas FOIA specifically designates law enforcement records as public documents, with certain statutory exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and matters of public safety.
Members of the public may access these records to promote governmental transparency and accountability. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the Arkansas State Archives. Records are available for inspection during regular business hours, subject to reasonable fees for reproduction as permitted under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3).
Monroe County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Arkansas Administrative Office of the Courts provides digital access to court records through their Search ARCourts portal, which includes arrest-related court proceedings in Monroe County. This system operates pursuant to Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 19, which governs public access to court records.
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster on their official website, which is updated regularly to reflect recent arrests and current incarcerations. Additionally, the Arkansas Department of Corrections provides an online inmate search function that includes individuals who have been transferred from county custody to state facilities.
Users should note that while these resources provide substantial information, they may not contain complete arrest histories. Certain records may be subject to restricted access in accordance with Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., particularly those that have been sealed or expunged by court order.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining Monroe County arrest records. Interested parties may utilize the following methods:
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
200 South Main Street
Clarendon, AR 72029
(870) 747-3811
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monroe County Circuit Clerk
123 Madison Street
Clarendon, AR 72029
(870) 747-3632
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Utilize the Arkansas Judiciary's online case information system to search for court cases associated with arrests in Monroe County.
Submit a formal FOIA request to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Such requests must be submitted in writing and should include specific information about the records being sought, as outlined in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105.
Contact the Arkansas State Police for state-level criminal history information:
Arkansas State Police
Criminal Background Check Section
1 State Police Plaza Drive
Little Rock, AR 72209
(501) 618-8500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth. Fees may apply for record retrieval and reproduction, as authorized by Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(d)(3).
Monroe County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Arkansas law and departmental policies. These records typically include:
These records are maintained in accordance with the Arkansas Records Retention Schedule for Law Enforcement Records, which specifies minimum retention periods based on record type and disposition of the case. The completeness of records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the outcome of the case.
Under Arkansas law, certain individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained in Monroe County. The Arkansas Comprehensive Criminal Record Sealing Act of 2013, codified at Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., establishes the legal framework for this process.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Monroe County include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Monroe County Circuit Court. Petitioners must:
If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal the records, including the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, the Arkansas State Police, and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public but may remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes authorized by law.