Missouri Arrest Records

Is Missouri an Open Arrest Records State?

Missouri is considered an open arrest records state pursuant to Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, commonly known as the Missouri Sunshine Law. This designation means that arrest records are classified as public records and are accessible to the general public with certain statutory exceptions. The state maintains a policy of transparency and accountability in governmental operations, allowing citizens to access various types of records maintained by law enforcement agencies and other governmental bodies.

The Missouri Sunshine Law specifically addresses public records in § 610.011, which states that records of governmental bodies shall be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law. The rationale behind making arrest records public is multifaceted:

To maintain an informed citizenry capable of monitoring governmental activities
To promote public safety through awareness of criminal activity
To ensure accountability in the criminal justice system
To uphold transparency in law enforcement operations

Members of the public may inspect and copy public records during normal business hours. However, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or other sensitive information as provided in § 610.021.

How to Look Up Missouri Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Missouri arrest records, individuals have several official channels available to them. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state. Pursuant to § 43.500-543 RSMo, the MSHP maintains the Central Repository for criminal history information and provides access to these records through various methods.

Citizens seeking arrest records may utilize the following procedures:

Submit requests through the Missouri State Highway Patrol's online portal for non-certified records
Visit the Criminal Justice Information Services Division in person at:

Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 526-6153
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Request records by mail by submitting a completed Request for Criminal Record Check form with the appropriate fee
Access the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS) for fingerprint-based background checks
Contact local law enforcement agencies where the arrest occurred for jurisdiction-specific records

Fees for record searches are established pursuant to § 43.530 RSMo. Standard name-based criminal history checks cost $14.00 per request, while fingerprint-based checks may have additional fees. Payment methods include credit cards, money orders, or cashier's checks made payable to the "Missouri State Highway Patrol."

Contents of a Missouri Arrest Record

Missouri arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by § 43.503 RSMo, which requires the reporting of specific data elements to the central repository. These official documents typically include comprehensive information pertaining to the arrest event and the individual involved. The standard contents of a Missouri arrest record include:

Subject's full legal name and any documented aliases
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and race
Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
Photographic identification (mugshots)
Arrest details including:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Statutory charges filed
- Arrest control number
Booking information
Detention facility details
Bail or bond conditions
Court case numbers and scheduled appearance dates
Disposition information when available

It should be noted that pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records if the release would interfere with an ongoing investigation or prosecution, or if the information is otherwise closed by law.

Understanding the Missouri Open Records Act

The Missouri Open Records Act, formally codified as Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and commonly referred to as the "Sunshine Law," establishes the framework for public access to governmental records in Missouri. This legislation, first enacted in 1973 and subsequently amended, operates under the fundamental principle that records of public governmental bodies shall be presumed open unless otherwise provided by law.

Key provisions of the Missouri Sunshine Law include:

§ 610.010-035 RSMo defines public governmental bodies, public records, and establishes procedures for requesting records
§ 610.011 RSMo declares the public policy that records shall be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law
§ 610.023 RSMo requires each public governmental body to appoint a custodian of records
§ 610.026 RSMo authorizes reasonable fees for providing access to public records
§ 610.100 RSMo specifically addresses arrest records, incident reports, and investigative reports

Public governmental bodies must respond to requests for records within three business days, though this period may be extended with reasonable cause. Fees for copies of public records shall not exceed ten cents per page for standard paper copies, with the hourly fee for duplicating time not to exceed the average hourly rate of pay for clerical staff of the public governmental body.

The Missouri Attorney General's Office is authorized to enforce the provisions of the Sunshine Law and provides guidance to governmental bodies and the public regarding compliance with the law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Missouri

Missouri law provides a mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records under § 610.122-610.140 RSMo. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, destroyed. The Missouri Supreme Court has established standardized forms for petitioning for expungement, which are available through the Missouri Courts website.

To qualify for expungement of an arrest record in Missouri, petitioners must meet specific statutory criteria:

The arrest was based on false information
No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
The case was dismissed
The person was found not guilty
The arrest was for a qualifying offense listed in § 610.140 RSMo
The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 3 years for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies)
The petitioner has not been found guilty of any other misdemeanor or felony during the waiting period
The petitioner has satisfied all obligations relating to the case

The expungement process requires:

Filing a petition in the circuit court in which the arrest occurred
Payment of a filing fee (approximately $250, though fee waivers may be available)
Notification to all agencies possessing records subject to expungement
Attendance at a court hearing if scheduled by the judge

Upon granting an expungement, the court shall order all records of the arrest and any associated proceedings to be closed and, if appropriate, destroyed. However, expunged records remain available to law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys, and courts for limited purposes as specified in § 610.140.7 RSMo.

How to Find Local Arrests in Missouri?

Local arrest information in Missouri is maintained by various law enforcement agencies at the county and municipal levels. Pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, arrest reports and jail logs are considered open records once an arrest has been made. Citizens seeking information about local arrests may utilize several official channels:

County Sheriff's Offices maintain arrest records for their jurisdictions and often provide online inmate lookup services
Municipal Police Departments typically maintain daily arrest logs that are available for public inspection
County Jails maintain custody records that may be accessed through jail information systems
Circuit Courts maintain case records that include arrest information through Missouri Case.net

Notable county and municipal resources include:

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
1915 Olive Street
St. Louis, MO 63103
Phone: (314) 444-5555
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Jackson County Sheriff's Office
4001 NE Lakewood Court
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: (816) 541-8017
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Greene County Sheriff's Office
1010 N. Boonville Avenue
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: (417) 868-4040
Hours: 24 hours daily

Many agencies also provide online access to arrest information through their official websites or third-party platforms. The Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search provides information about individuals currently under supervision or incarcerated within the state correctional system.

When accessing local arrest records, requestors should be aware that some information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or privacy interests as provided by law.