Joplin Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Joplin, Missouri?
Arrest records are public documents in Joplin, Missouri, pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes). This legislation 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 presumption that government records are open to public inspection to ensure transparency and accountability in governmental operations.
Members of the public may access arrest records through the Joplin Police Department's Records Division, which maintains these documents in accordance with state law. Under § 610.011 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, public policy dictates that meetings, records, votes, actions, and deliberations of public governmental bodies shall be open to the public unless otherwise provided by law.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply to arrest records that contain sensitive information or are part of an ongoing investigation. In such cases, portions of the records may be redacted or temporarily withheld in accordance with § 610.021 of the Missouri Revised Statutes.
How to Look Up Joplin Arrest Records in 2025
The Joplin Police Department provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records, in compliance with Missouri's public records laws. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following procedures:
Online Access: The Joplin Police Department Records Division maintains an electronic database where daily arrest logs and reports are uploaded regularly. Citizens may access these records through the official city website.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Joplin Police Department Records Division, located at:
Joplin Police Department
303 East 3rd Street
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 623-3131
Police Department Official WebsitePublic counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays.
Written Requests: Citizens may submit written requests for arrest records via mail to the address listed above. Written requests must include:
- The full name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS): For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may contact:
Missouri State Highway Patrol CJIS Division
1510 East Elm Street
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(573) 526-6153
Pursuant to § 610.026 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, fees may be assessed for document retrieval, copying, and staff time required to fulfill requests. The current fee schedule is available at the Records Division counter or on the official website.
Contents of a Joplin Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Joplin Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Missouri law and departmental policies. These records generally include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the arresting officer's name and badge number; and the law enforcement agency involved in the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific statutory violations alleged, including Missouri Revised Statutes citation numbers and charge descriptions.
Case Processing Information: Booking number, case identification number, court docket number (if assigned), and initial appearance date.
Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots") taken during the processing procedure.
Biometric Data: Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal databases.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention.
Arresting Officer's Narrative: A summary of the circumstances leading to the arrest, though portions may be redacted if they contain sensitive investigative information.
In accordance with § 610.100 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, particularly if the release would interfere with an ongoing investigation or compromise the safety of victims, witnesses, or law enforcement personnel.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Joplin
The State of Missouri provides legal mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under § 610.122 through § 610.140 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Expungement is the legal process by which arrest records are removed from public access and, in some cases, physically destroyed.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Joplin include:
- The arrest was based on false information
- No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- The case was dismissed
- The individual was found not guilty
- The individual has completed a suspended imposition of sentence
- A specified waiting period has elapsed since the completion of the sentence (typically 3-7 years, depending on the offense)
Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition in the circuit court where the arrest occurred. The petition must contain:
- The petitioner's full name, sex, race, date of birth, and driver's license number
- All addresses from the date of the offense through the date of filing
- A list of all civil and criminal cases that would be affected by the expungement
- A statement that the petitioner meets all requirements for expungement
The petition must be filed with:
Jasper County Circuit Court
601 South Pearl Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 625-4310
Upon receipt of a petition for expungement, the court will schedule a hearing. The prosecuting attorney and any agencies named in the petition will receive notice and may object to the expungement. If the court grants the expungement, all records pertaining to the arrest will be sealed and treated as if the arrest never occurred.
Pursuant to § 610.140, individuals granted an expungement may lawfully answer "no" to questions about the expunged arrest on applications for employment, licenses, or other civil rights or privileges.
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