Fayetteville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Fayetteville, Arkansas?
Arrest records are public documents in Fayetteville, Arkansas, pursuant to the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in Arkansas Code § 25-19-101 et seq. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Arkansas FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Fayetteville Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records document the apprehension and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity within the jurisdiction. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, members of the public may request access to these records for various purposes, including background checks, legal proceedings, or personal information.
While arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b). Such protected information typically includes Social Security numbers, medical information, and details pertaining to ongoing investigations that might compromise law enforcement activities if disclosed.
How to Look Up Fayetteville Arrest Records in 2025
The Fayetteville Police Department Records Division provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize any of the following procedures:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Fayetteville Police Department Records Division, located at 100 W. Rock Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701. The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Fayetteville Police Department, 100 W. Rock Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701. All written requests must include the requestor's full name, contact information, and specific details about the arrest record being sought.
Electronic requests can be submitted through the Fayetteville Police Department's online portal. The electronic system requires creation of a user account and submission of identifying information to process the request.
Telephone inquiries may be directed to the Records Division at (479) 587-3555. However, certain detailed information may require formal written requests in accordance with departmental policies.
All requests must comply with Arkansas FOIA requirements and departmental procedures. Pursuant to Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(a)(2)(A), the custodian of records shall determine within three working days whether the requested records are exempt from disclosure.
Contents of a Fayetteville Arrest Record
Fayetteville arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
Criminal charges filed, including citation of applicable Arkansas statutes or Fayetteville municipal codes allegedly violated.
Arresting officer information, including name, badge number, and departmental affiliation.
Booking information, including the time of processing, assigned identification numbers, and initial custody determination.
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as "mugshots," taken during the booking process.
Fingerprint records collected during processing and subsequently entered into the Arkansas Crime Information Center database.
Preliminary hearing information, including scheduled court dates and initial appearance details at the Fayetteville District Court located at 176 S. Church Avenue.
Bail or bond information, including amount set and conditions of release if applicable.
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the alleged offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process at which the record is accessed.
Legal Uses of Fayetteville Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by the Fayetteville Police Department serve multiple legitimate purposes within the criminal justice system and broader society. These records may be lawfully utilized for:
Criminal background checks conducted by employers for positions involving security, financial responsibility, or vulnerable populations, subject to the limitations established in Arkansas Code § 17-1-103 regarding consideration of criminal records in licensing decisions.
Tenant screening by property owners and managers seeking to evaluate potential residents, though such screening must comply with the Fair Housing Act and other applicable non-discrimination laws.
Pre-trial proceedings, including bail determinations, where judges may consider prior arrest history when assessing flight risk or public safety concerns pursuant to Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 9.2.
Sentencing considerations, where courts may review prior arrest and conviction records when determining appropriate penalties within statutory guidelines as permitted under Arkansas Code § 16-90-803.
Statistical analysis by law enforcement agencies and researchers to identify crime patterns, evaluate enforcement strategies, and allocate resources effectively.
Media reporting on matters of public interest, protected under First Amendment principles and the Arkansas FOIA's recognition of the public's right to information about governmental activities.
Users of arrest record information should be aware that an arrest does not constitute proof of guilt, as all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Fayetteville
Arkansas law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Fayetteville is governed primarily by Arkansas Code § 16-90-1401 through § 16-90-1419, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement of Fayetteville arrest records under the following circumstances:
Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges may be eligible for immediate expungement pursuant to Arkansas Code § 16-90-1410.
First-time offenders who have successfully completed probation for certain non-violent misdemeanors may petition for expungement under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1405.
Individuals convicted of eligible felonies may petition for expungement five years after completion of their sentence, provided they have no subsequent criminal convictions, as outlined in Arkansas Code § 16-90-1406.
Juvenile records may be sealed under separate provisions contained in Arkansas Code § 9-27-309, subject to specific eligibility requirements.
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Fayetteville District Court where the case was adjudicated. Upon review of the petition and verification of eligibility, the court may issue an order sealing the records from public view. Once expunged, the records are not accessible through standard public records requests, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies and courts for specific authorized purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with legal counsel regarding eligibility and procedural requirements, as the process involves complex statutory provisions and judicial discretion.
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