Columbia Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Columbia, Missouri?
Arrest records are public in Columbia, Missouri, pursuant to Missouri's Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes). This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Missouri Sunshine Law operates under the principle that government records should be accessible to citizens unless specifically exempted by statute.
The Columbia Police Department and Boone County Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation. These records become public documents once processed through the booking system. Members of the public may request access to these records for various purposes, including background checks, research, or general information.
Public access to arrest records serves several governmental and civic functions: • Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations • Enables community oversight of police activities • Assists in maintaining accountability of public officials • Provides factual information about criminal justice proceedings • Supports public safety through informed awareness
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted if they contain sensitive information protected by privacy laws or if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation as specified under § 610.021 RSMo.
How to Look Up Columbia Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking arrest records in Columbia, Missouri. The following methods are authorized by local authorities for obtaining arrest information:
Columbia Police Department Records Unit 600 E. Walnut Street Columbia, MO 65201 Phone: (573) 874-7652 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM www.como.gov/police/records
Individuals requesting records in person must complete a records request form and present valid government-issued identification. The department processes requests in the order received, with standard processing times of 3-5 business days for non-complex requests.
Boone County Sheriff's Department Records Division 2121 County Drive Columbia, MO 65202 Phone: (573) 875-1111 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM www.showmeboone.com/sheriff
The Sheriff's Department requires written requests for arrest records, which may be submitted in person or by mail. Pursuant to § 610.026 RSMo, fees apply for record retrieval and copying services. Current fee schedules are posted at the records counter and on the department website.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Criminal Justice Information Services 1510 East Elm Street Jefferson City, MO 65101 Phone: (573) 526-6153 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/CRID
The State Highway Patrol maintains a centralized repository of arrest records from all Missouri jurisdictions. Requestors may submit applications online, by mail, or in person. Processing times typically range from 1-3 weeks depending on request volume.
Contents of a Columbia Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Columbia law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as mandated by Missouri Criminal Justice Information Services protocols. These records typically include:
Biographical Information: • Full legal name and any known aliases • Date of birth and age at time of arrest • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks) • Residential address (may be partially redacted in public copies) • Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Arrest Details: • Date, time, and location of arrest • Arresting agency and officer identification numbers • Statutory violations cited at time of arrest • Incident report number and booking reference • Arrest method (warrant, probable cause, etc.)
Case Processing Information: • Booking date and facility • Custody status and bond information • Court docket number if formally charged • Preliminary hearing date if applicable • Disposition of charges if resolved
Additional Documentation: • Property inventory from booking process • Medical screening information (heavily redacted in public copies) • Fingerprint classification reference • Criminal history notation (detailed records require separate request)
Pursuant to § 610.100 RSMo, certain information may be withheld from public arrest records if the case involves a juvenile, sexual assault victim, or ongoing investigation where disclosure would compromise public safety.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Columbia
Missouri law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific conditions. The expungement process legally seals records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances.
Effective January 1, 2022, Missouri's expanded expungement statute (§ 610.140 RSMo) established broader eligibility criteria. Individuals seeking expungement of Columbia arrest records must petition the Circuit Court of Boone County and demonstrate compliance with statutory requirements.
Eligibility Requirements: • Completion of all terms of sentence, including probation or parole • Payment of all restitution ordered by the court • Satisfaction of waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies) • No subsequent misdemeanor or felony charges during waiting period • Demonstration that expungement serves the public interest
Excluded Offenses: • Class A felonies • Dangerous felonies as defined in § 556.061 RSMo • Sexual offenses requiring registration • Felony assault or domestic violence offenses • Driving while intoxicated or driving with excessive blood alcohol content
The expungement petition must be filed with the Boone County Circuit Clerk:
Boone County Circuit Clerk 705 E. Walnut Street Columbia, MO 65201 Phone: (573) 886-4000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM www.courts.mo.gov/hosted/circuit13
Filing fees apply ($250 as of 2025), though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners. The court typically schedules hearings within 30-60 days of filing. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies to seal the relevant records within 30 days.
Successful expungement allows the petitioner to legally answer "no" to questions about the arrest on employment applications, housing forms, and other non-criminal justice inquiries, with exceptions for certain professional licensing boards and government security clearances.
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