Vinita Park Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Vinita Park, Missouri?
Arrest records are public documents in Vinita Park, Missouri, accessible to all citizens under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610 of the Missouri Revised Statutes). This law establishes that records maintained by public governmental bodies shall be open to the public for inspection and copying. The Vinita Park Police Department, as a public governmental body, is required to make arrest records available upon request, subject to certain statutory exceptions.
The Missouri Sunshine Law specifically addresses arrest records in § 610.100, which states that "all arrests, the record of any arrest, and records of all incidents reported to law enforcement agencies" are open records. However, certain limitations apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and cases where disclosure might endanger victims or witnesses.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted in accordance with § 610.100.3, which permits closure of investigative reports until the investigation becomes inactive. Additionally, records involving juveniles are generally closed pursuant to § 211.321 RSMo, protecting the privacy of minors involved in the criminal justice system.
How to Look Up Vinita Park Arrest Records in 2025
The Vinita Park Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits. Members of the public seeking these records have several methods available for access:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Vinita Park Police Department located at 8374 Midland Boulevard, Vinita Park, MO 63114. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requesters must complete a public records request form and provide identification. The department typically processes in-person requests within 3 business days.
Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to: Records Division, Vinita Park Police Department, 8374 Midland Boulevard, Vinita Park, MO 63114. Requests must include the requester's full name, contact information, specific information sought, and a copy of valid identification. Processing time for mail requests is generally 5-7 business days.
Online Portal Access: The Vinita Park Municipal Court provides limited online access to citation and case information through their iPayCourt system. While this system primarily focuses on court cases rather than comprehensive arrest records, it can provide case status information for arrests that resulted in municipal charges.
St. Louis County Records: For arrests processed through the St. Louis County jail system, requesters may contact the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services at 100 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. Phone: (314) 615-5245.
Pursuant to § 610.026 RSMo, fees may be charged for document search, retrieval, and duplication. The current fee schedule includes $0.10 per standard page copied, $3.00 per certified document, and research fees of $20.00 per hour after the first 30 minutes, which are provided at no charge.
Contents of a Vinita Park Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Vinita Park Police Department typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest incident and the individual taken into custody. Standard arrest records include:
Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color), address, and identification numbers (driver's license, state ID).
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting officer's name and badge number; agency case number; and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Offense Information: Charges filed, including Missouri Revised Statutes citation numbers; classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, municipal violation); and brief narrative of the alleged criminal activity.
Processing Data: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprints, personal property inventory, and medical screening information.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, court appearance dates, and detention facility assignment.
Prior Criminal History: References to previous arrests or convictions, if applicable and relevant to the current case.
The Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases may be referenced within these records, though direct access to these systems is restricted to authorized law enforcement personnel in accordance with § 43.509 RSMo.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Vinita Park
Missouri law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records, allowing eligible individuals to petition for the removal of arrests from public records. The expungement process for Vinita Park arrests is governed by § 610.122 to § 610.140 RSMo.
Eligibility criteria for expungement include:
- The arrest was based on false information
- No charges were filed within the statute of limitations
- The case was dismissed
- The person was found not guilty
- The arrest was for an eligible offense as enumerated in § 610.140 RSMo
- Sufficient waiting periods have elapsed (typically 3 years for misdemeanors and 7 years for felonies)
- The petitioner has no subsequent misdemeanor or felony convictions
- The petitioner has satisfied all conditions of the sentence, including payment of restitution
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition in the circuit court in St. Louis County where the arrest occurred
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $250, though fee waivers may be available for indigent petitioners)
- Notification to all agencies possessing the arrest record
- Attendance at a court hearing where a judge will determine if expungement is warranted
Upon successful expungement, the arrest record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in § 610.140.5 RSMo. Individuals granted an expungement may legally answer "no" to questions about the expunged arrest on employment applications, except for specific positions in law enforcement, healthcare, or positions working with vulnerable populations.
The St. Louis County Circuit Court, located at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105, processes expungement petitions for Vinita Park arrests. The court clerk's office (314-615-8029) can provide the necessary forms and procedural information.
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