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:
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
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:
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.
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) 615-5000
Written 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) 615-4100
Missouri 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.
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:
Arrest Details:
Processing Information:
Case Disposition:
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.
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 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 Courts
Pay 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: