Arrest records are public documents in Little Rock, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified under Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes that governmental records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Arkansas FOIA serves as the legal foundation ensuring transparency in governmental operations and accountability of public officials, including those in law enforcement capacities.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105. Such protected information typically includes Social Security numbers, medical information, and details pertaining to ongoing investigations that, if disclosed, might impede law enforcement proceedings.
The Little Rock Police Department maintains arrest records and provides multiple methods for public access to these documents. Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following procedures:
In-person requests may be submitted at the LRPD Records Division located at 615 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors should be prepared to present valid identification and complete a formal records request form.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the LRPD Records Division. Such requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
The Little Rock Police Department provides access to certain arrest information through their online portal. This service facilitates remote access to public records in accordance with Arkansas Code § 25-19-108, which encourages electronic availability of public records.
Public access terminals are available at designated locations, including the Main Branch of the Central Arkansas Library System at 100 Rock Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, where individuals may search for arrest records during regular library hours.
Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b)(8), a reasonable fee may be assessed for the reproduction of records. The fee schedule is established by the Little Rock City Board of Directors and is subject to periodic revision.
Standard arrest records maintained by the Little Rock Police Department contain comprehensive information regarding the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at the time of arrest.
Temporal and spatial details of the arrest, including the precise date, time, and location where the apprehension occurred.
Enumeration of all charges filed against the individual, with reference to the specific Arkansas statutes or Little Rock municipal codes allegedly violated.
Identification of the arresting agency and the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Administrative processing information, including the booking number, fingerprint classification, and detention facility where the individual was initially held.
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as "mugshots," taken during the booking process, along with fingerprint impressions obtained at that time.
Judicial processing information, including bond amount established, conditions of release if applicable, and scheduled court appearance dates.
Disposition information, indicating whether the individual was released pending trial, transferred to another facility, or held in custody.
It should be noted that pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, certain arrest records may be subject to sealing or redaction if they pertain to individuals who were arrested but not subsequently charged, or whose charges were dismissed or resulted in acquittal.
The State of Arkansas provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Little Rock. Expungement, as defined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1402, refers to the legal process whereby records of arrest, detention, and conviction are removed from public access and treated as confidential.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Little Rock are established by Arkansas Code § 16-90-1405 and include:
The expungement process requires the filing of a formal petition with the Little Rock District Court located at 600 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72201. The petition must be accompanied by a complete set of the petitioner's fingerprints, a certified copy of the arrest record, and payment of the filing fee established by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing at which the prosecuting attorney and any victims may present objections. If the court determines that the petitioner meets the statutory requirements for expungement, an order will be issued directing all relevant agencies to seal the records pertaining to the arrest or conviction in question.
It should be noted that even after expungement, certain governmental entities retain limited access to sealed records for specific purposes as outlined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1416, including law enforcement agencies conducting background investigations for employment purposes and licensing boards evaluating professional credentials.