Independence Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Independence, Missouri?
Arrest records are public documents in Independence, 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 law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Missouri Sunshine Law operates under the principle that governmental transparency serves the public interest by allowing citizens to monitor the activities of public institutions. Arrest records typically contain information regarding the identity of arrested individuals, the nature of charges filed, arrest dates, and other pertinent details related to the incident. Members of the public seeking access to these records must follow established procedures and may be required to pay reasonable fees for document reproduction as permitted under § 610.026 RSMo.
How to Look Up Independence Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Independence, Missouri in 2025. The Independence Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and provides several access options:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may submit requests at the Records Division of the Independence Police Department, located at 223 N. Memorial Drive, Independence, MO 64050. The public counter operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Online Portal Access: The Independence Police Department provides a secure online portal through which members of the public may request certain arrest records. Authentication protocols require users to create accounts and verify their identity before accessing sensitive information.
Written Correspondence: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Independence Police Department, 223 N. Memorial Drive, Independence, MO 64050. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information.
Jackson County Circuit Court: For cases that have proceeded to court, records may be accessed through the Jackson County Circuit Court, Independence Division, located at 308 W. Kansas Avenue, Independence, MO 64050. The court's public access terminals are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Missouri State Highway Patrol: For statewide criminal history information, requests may be submitted to the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Criminal Justice Information Services Division at 1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Telephone: (573) 526-6153.
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. Fees for record retrieval and reproduction are assessed in accordance with § 610.026 RSMo.
Contents of an Independence Arrest Record
Independence arrest records contain standardized information pursuant to Missouri law enforcement protocols and recordkeeping requirements. These official documents typically include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; name and badge number of arresting officer(s); and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Missouri Revised Statutes section numbers and charge descriptions.
Case Processing Information: Booking number, fingerprint identification number, photograph (mugshot), property inventory, and detention facility assignment.
Judicial Processing: Court case number (if assigned), initial appearance date, bond amount and conditions, and preliminary hearing schedule.
Disposition Information: For completed cases, the record may include case resolution details such as dismissal, diversion, plea agreement, trial outcome, or sentencing information.
The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may be limited by applicable privacy protections under § 610.100 RSMo and federal regulations including 28 CFR Part 20 (Criminal Justice Information Systems).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Independence
The expungement process in Independence allows for the legal removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory conditions. Missouri's expungement law, codified in § 610.140 RSMo, establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements:
Eligibility Criteria: Petitioners must satisfy waiting periods ranging from one to seven years depending on offense classification. Felony expungements generally require a seven-year waiting period from completion of sentence, while misdemeanors require a three-year waiting period. Certain offenses, including violent felonies, sexual offenses, and driving while intoxicated, are statutorily ineligible for expungement.
Petition Requirements: Petitions must be filed in the circuit court in which the arrest occurred. The petition must include the petitioner's name, date of birth, driver's license number, addresses from the time of arrest until present, details of each offense seeking expungement, and case numbers where applicable.
Filing Procedures: Petitioners must submit their expungement request to the Jackson County Circuit Court, Independence Division, located at 308 W. Kansas Avenue, Independence, MO 64050. The filing fee is $250, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners pursuant to § 514.040 RSMo.
Notice Requirements: Upon filing, notice must be served on the prosecuting attorney, law enforcement agencies, and any other entities that may possess records subject to expungement. These entities have 30 days to file objections.
Judicial Review: The court shall hold a hearing and may grant expungement if the petitioner has satisfied statutory requirements and expungement is consistent with public welfare.
Effect of Expungement: When granted, an expungement order directs all entities to remove the records from public access and seal them. The subject may thereafter legally answer "no" to questions about the expunged arrest on applications for employment, licenses, or other civil rights or privileges.
The Independence Municipal Court provides expungement petition forms and procedural guidance at 11424 E. Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050. Telephone: (816) 325-7230.
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