Arrest records are public documents in Jackson County, Missouri, pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes). This comprehensive open records law establishes that records maintained by governmental bodies, including those created by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies are required to maintain these records and make them available for public inspection in accordance with § 610.011, which declares that public records shall be presumed open unless otherwise provided by law.
Members of the public seeking arrest records may obtain them through various official channels. The Missouri Sunshine Law specifically designates arrest reports as open records under § 610.100, which states that "all arrests, the time and date, the name and age of the person arrested, the booking charges, and the text of the complaint shall be considered an open record." This legislative framework ensures transparency in governmental operations and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within Jackson County.
Jackson County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by governmental agencies. The Missouri State Highway Patrol maintains a searchable database that includes arrest reports from Jackson County and other jurisdictions throughout the state. Additionally, the Missouri Courts system provides an online case information system where members of the public may search for case records that often include information about related arrests.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office maintains its own records management system that provides limited public access to arrest information. Pursuant to § 610.100.2, law enforcement agencies may withhold certain information if disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations or endanger individuals involved in the case. However, basic arrest information remains publicly accessible through these online resources.
Online access to arrest records is subject to the provisions of § 610.026, which permits governmental bodies to charge reasonable fees for providing access to and copies of public records. Users of online systems may encounter nominal fees for certain searches or document retrievals, particularly when requesting certified copies or extensive record searches.
Members of the public seeking Jackson County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by Missouri law and county procedures:
Online Database Searches: The Missouri State Highway Patrol's arrest reports database allows searches by name, date of birth, and other identifiers. The Missouri Department of Corrections Offender Search provides information about individuals currently in custody or under supervision.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Jackson County Sheriff's Office Records Division to submit formal requests for arrest records.
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
4001 NE Lakewood Court
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
(816) 541-8017
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to § 610.023, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records to the custodian of records at the appropriate law enforcement agency. These requests must be responded to within three business days, though extensions may apply for extensive searches.
Court Records: The 16th Judicial Circuit Court of Jackson County maintains records of criminal proceedings that often contain information about related arrests.
Jackson County Courthouse
415 E 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 881-3724
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal Police Departments: Local police departments within Jackson County maintain their own arrest records for incidents within their jurisdictions.
Kansas City Police Department Records Unit
1125 Locust Street
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 234-5000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate efficient record searches. Pursuant to § 610.026, agencies may charge reasonable fees for document retrieval and copying services.
Jackson County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Missouri law § 43.503, which establishes uniform reporting requirements for law enforcement agencies. A typical arrest record includes:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address of the arrested individual.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency responsible for the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including citation to the relevant Missouri Revised Statutes or municipal ordinances. This section may include both the initial booking charges and any formal charges filed by the prosecuting attorney.
Arrest Circumstances: A narrative description of the events leading to the arrest, including probable cause statements and witness information when available for public disclosure.
Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, and photographic identification (mugshot) as permitted under § 610.100.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Court Information: Case numbers, scheduled court appearances, and the judicial division assigned to the case.
Certain information may be redacted from public arrest records pursuant to § 610.100 and § 610.150, including juvenile records (unless certified as an adult), victim information in specified offenses, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations. Medical information and Social Security numbers are typically redacted to protect privacy interests as required by federal and state laws.
The Missouri Revised Statutes provide mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under § 610.122 through § 610.140. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes. The Division of Probation and Parole may provide guidance on eligibility requirements for individuals seeking expungement.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Jackson County include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the circuit court in the county where the arrest occurred. For Jackson County, petitions must be filed with the 16th Judicial Circuit Court. The petition must include specific information as outlined in § 610.123, including:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify all agencies possessing records subject to the expungement order. If the court determines that the petitioner meets all statutory requirements, it will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. Pursuant to § 610.140, expunged records are not accessible to the general public but may be made available to law enforcement agencies, certain licensing bodies, and other entities specified by statute.