St. Louis County, Missouri Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in St. Louis County, Missouri?
Arrest records are public documents in St. Louis County, Missouri, pursuant to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes). This comprehensive open records law establishes that government records, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Missouri Sunshine Law operates under the principle that government transparency is essential for public oversight of law enforcement activities.
While arrest records are generally available for public inspection, certain exceptions exist under § 610.021 of the Missouri Revised Statutes to protect:
- Ongoing criminal investigations
- Juvenile records (individuals under 17 years of age)
- Records ordered sealed by a court
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The St. Louis County Police Department maintains these records in compliance with state law and departmental policies regarding public access to arrest information.
St. Louis County Police Department Records Division
7900 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5000
St. Louis County Police Department
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in St. Louis County?
St. Louis County provides multiple digital platforms for accessing arrest records online. The St. Louis County Police Department maintains an electronic database that allows members of the public to search for basic arrest information. Additionally, the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services offers an inmate locator tool that provides information on currently detained individuals.
Online access to arrest records is available through:
- The St. Louis County Police Department's Records Management System
- St. Louis County Department of Justice Services Inmate Locator
- Missouri State Highway Patrol's statewide arrest reports database
- Missouri Case.net for associated court records
Digital access is provided in accordance with § 610.023 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, which requires public governmental bodies to make records available in the format requested, including electronic formats when feasible. Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, obtaining complete arrest records may require submission of a formal records request.
How to Look Up St. Louis County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking St. Louis County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:
Online Database Search: The St. Louis County Police Department's official website provides a searchable database of recent arrests. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number.
In-Person Request: Individuals may visit the St. Louis County Police Department Records Division during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to submit a records request in person.
St. Louis County Police Department Records Division
7900 Forsyth Boulevard
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-5000Written Request: Submit a completed Records Request Form via mail to the St. Louis County Police Department Records Division at the address listed above. Forms must include the requestor's contact information and specific details about the records being requested.
Justice Services Inmate Information: For information about currently incarcerated individuals, the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services maintains an online inmate locator.
St. Louis County Department of Justice Services
100 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-4100Missouri Case.net: Search the Missouri Courts automated case management system for court records associated with arrests in St. Louis County.
Municipal Police Departments: Contact individual municipal police departments within St. Louis County for arrests made by those agencies.
Pursuant to § 610.026 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, fees may apply for record searches and copies. The current fee schedule includes a search fee of $10.00 per name searched and $0.25 per page for copies of records.
Contents of a St. Louis County Arrest Record
St. Louis County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and details of an individual's arrest. These records are maintained in accordance with Missouri law and departmental policies. A comprehensive St. Louis County arrest record typically includes:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Geographic location where arrest occurred
- Statutory charges filed
- Missouri Revised Statutes citation numbers
- Arrest circumstances and probable cause statement
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Arresting agency
Processing Information:
- Booking number and unique identifier
- Fingerprint classification
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information
Case Disposition:
- Bond amount and type
- Court assignment
- Scheduled court appearance dates
- Case outcome (if available)
- Sentence information (if applicable)
The content and format of arrest records adhere to standards established by the Missouri Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Access to certain elements of arrest records may be restricted based on the status of the case and applicable privacy laws.
Expungement of Arrest Records in St. Louis County
The expungement process in St. Louis County allows for the legal removal of arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by Missouri law. Pursuant to § 610.122 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, individuals may petition for expungement if their situation meets statutory requirements.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in St. Louis County include:
- The arrest was based on false information
- No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- The case was dismissed or resulted in a not guilty verdict
- The arrest resulted from identity theft
- The petitioner has satisfied all requirements of § 610.140 regarding waiting periods
The Missouri Legislature expanded expungement eligibility through Senate Bill 588, effective January 1, 2018, which allows for expungement of certain non-violent felony and misdemeanor convictions after specified waiting periods (3 years for misdemeanors, 7 years for felonies).
To initiate the expungement process, petitioners must:
File a Petition for Expungement with the St. Louis County Circuit Court
St. Louis County Circuit Court
105 South Central Avenue
Clayton, MO 63105
(314) 615-8029
Missouri CourtsPay the required filing fee of $250.00 (as of 2025)
Serve copies of the petition on all agencies holding records subject to expungement
Attend a hearing before a Circuit Court judge
The petition must include all arrests sought to be expunged, including dates, charges, case numbers, and arresting agencies. Law enforcement agencies and the prosecuting attorney have 30 days to file objections to the petition.
If granted, an Order of Expungement directs all agencies to seal the records from public view. However, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, certain licensing boards, and specific employers as permitted by § 610.140.
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including:
- Class A felonies
- Dangerous felonies as defined in § 556.061
- Offenses requiring registration as a sex offender
- Felony offenses where death was an element of the offense
- Driving while intoxicated or driving with excessive blood alcohol content
Search Arrest Records in St. Louis County
