Arrest records are public documents in Pope County, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation mandates that governmental agencies, including law enforcement entities, must provide public access to arrest records and other official documentation. 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. Law enforcement agencies in Pope County maintain these records as part of their official duties and responsibilities to the public.
The Pope County Sheriff's Office and the Circuit Clerk's Office serve as the primary custodians of arrest records within the county. These records document the official actions of law enforcement personnel and provide transparency regarding the detention and processing of individuals accused of criminal activity. Members of the public seeking access to these records may submit requests to the appropriate agency in accordance with established procedures under Arkansas law.
Pope County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by governmental agencies and authorized third-party providers. The Pope County Circuit Clerk's Office maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests, which may be accessed through their official website. Additionally, the Arkansas Judiciary provides a centralized case information system where members of the public may search for court records associated with arrests in Pope County.
The online availability of arrest records is subject to certain limitations established by Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, which provides for the confidentiality of records in specific circumstances, such as those involving juvenile offenders or cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order. Furthermore, the comprehensiveness of online records may vary, as some documentation may only be available through in-person requests at the appropriate county office.
The Arkansas Department of Corrections maintains an online inmate search function that includes information about individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated in state facilities, including those from Pope County. This resource provides current custody status and location information for individuals within the state correctional system.
Members of the public seeking Pope County arrest records may utilize multiple methods to obtain this information. The following procedures are available for accessing these public documents:
Pope County Sheriff's Office
916 South Pittsburgh Avenue
Russellville, AR 72801
(479) 968-2558
Official Website
Pope County Circuit Clerk's Office
100 West Main Street
Russellville, AR 72801
(479) 968-6064
Official Website
Access the Arkansas Judiciary's online case information system, which provides electronic access to court records associated with arrests in Pope County. This system is available pursuant to Administrative Order Number 19 of the Arkansas Supreme Court, which governs public access to court records.
Utilize the Arkansas Department of Corrections' online inmate search function to locate information about individuals who have been arrested and subsequently incarcerated in state facilities.
Contact the Pope County Detention Center directly for information regarding current inmates:
Pope County Detention Center
916 South Pittsburgh Avenue
Russellville, AR 72801
(479) 968-6186
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the reproduction of public records, including arrest records. These fees are established to cover the actual costs of reproduction and do not include charges for the time spent by agency personnel in searching for or retrieving the requested records.
Pope County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the detention and processing of individuals accused of criminal activity. These records typically include the following components as required by Arkansas law and departmental policies:
These records are maintained in accordance with Arkansas Code § 12-12-1003, which establishes requirements for the collection and retention of criminal justice information. The completeness and accuracy of arrest records are essential for the proper functioning of the criminal justice system and for ensuring transparency in governmental operations.
Arkansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 et seq., individuals may petition for the sealing of records related to arrests, charges, and convictions. The expungement process in Pope County is administered through the Circuit Court and requires the submission of a formal petition in accordance with statutory requirements.
Eligibility for expungement varies based on several factors:
Arkansas Code § 16-90-1405 establishes waiting periods for expungement eligibility, which range from immediately following dismissal or acquittal to five years or more following the completion of a sentence for certain felony convictions. Violent felonies and sexual offenses are generally ineligible for expungement under state law.
The expungement process requires the filing of a petition with the Pope County Circuit Court, payment of applicable filing fees, and notification to the prosecuting attorney. The court may schedule a hearing to determine whether the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal their records related to the arrest and any subsequent proceedings.
Upon successful expungement, the records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific purposes authorized by law. Individuals whose records have been expunged may legally state that the arrest or conviction did not occur when responding to questions on employment applications or similar inquiries, with certain exceptions for specific professions and licensing requirements.