Illinois Arrest Records

Is Illinois an Open Arrest Records State?

Yes, Illinois is considered an open arrest records state. This designation means that arrest records, which are documents created by law enforcement agencies following the arrest of an individual, are accessible to the public. The state upholds the principle that transparency in governmental operations promotes accountability and public trust. Therefore, arrest records in Illinois are made available to ensure that the public can monitor the activities of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

The accessibility of arrest records is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which mandates that all government records, unless specifically exempted, should be accessible to the public. This act underscores the state's commitment to open government and the rights of individuals to access public records. The availability of these records supports legal and administrative processes and allows citizens to obtain crucial information about legal proceedings and enforcement actions.

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/1, the Illinois FOIA establishes that "all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees." This statutory provision forms the legal basis for public access to arrest records throughout the state.

How to Look Up Illinois Arrest Records in 2025

To get Illinois arrest records, individuals have several options available to them. While online access provides a convenient method to obtain these records, other traditional methods remain in use. Here are the primary ways to search for arrest records in Illinois:

Visiting local police departments or sheriff's offices
Accessing state-managed online portals that aggregate arrest records
Contacting the Illinois State Police for statewide records
Utilizing third-party websites that compile public records

Each method may vary in terms of response time and the detail of information provided.

For comprehensive statewide criminal history information, members of the public may contact:

Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5160
Illinois State Police Criminal History Records

The Bureau maintains records Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding state holidays. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2635/3, the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act, the Bureau is authorized to disseminate conviction information to the public upon request.

Contents of an Illinois Arrest Record

The contents of an Illinois arrest record typically include:

Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, and mugshot
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest
Charges: Specific charges filed against the individual
Law Enforcement Agency: The name of the agency that made the arrest
Case Number: Unique identifier for the arrest record

It is important to note that pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5, arrest records must distinguish between arrests and convictions. An arrest record documents only that an individual was taken into custody and does not constitute proof of guilt. The Illinois Criminal Identification Act stipulates that arrest information must be maintained separately from conviction information in official records.

Understanding the Illinois Open Records Act

The Illinois Open Records Act, also known as the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), is a law designed to ensure public access to government documents and records. This act is crucial for maintaining transparency within public agencies, including law enforcement. Under this act, arrest records, among other public records, are accessible to the public to scrutinize and review the activities of public officials and entities. The act facilitates a better-informed citizenry, which is vital for democratic governance.

The Illinois FOIA (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.) establishes that public bodies must respond to requests for records within 5 business days, with possible extensions under certain circumstances. The law also provides for administrative and judicial review if a request is denied. Certain exemptions do exist under § 7 of the Act, including information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or records that are specifically prohibited from disclosure by federal or state law.

For assistance with FOIA requests related to arrest records, citizens may contact:

Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor
500 South Second Street
Springfield, IL 62701
(877) 299-3642
Illinois Attorney General's Office

Expungement of Arrest Records in Illinois

In Illinois, the expungement of arrest records allows individuals to remove their arrest details from public records under specific conditions. The eligibility for expungement includes:

Arrests resulting in acquittal or dismissal of charges
Arrests for which no charges were filed
Successful completion of certain types of supervision or probation

The process typically requires filing a petition with the court, and in some cases, a judge's approval is necessary to seal or expunge the records.

Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, individuals seeking expungement must file a petition in the circuit court where the arrests occurred. The petition must include specific information about the arrests and be served upon the State's Attorney's Office, the arresting agency, and the Illinois State Police. After a waiting period, a hearing may be held where a judge will determine whether to grant the expungement.

For assistance with expungement proceedings, individuals may contact:

Illinois Court Help
222 North LaSalle Street, 13th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
(833) 411-1121
Illinois Courts

How to Find Local Arrests in Illinois?

Local arrests in Illinois can be found through several avenues, ensuring that residents have access to this important public information. Individuals looking for information on local arrests can:

Visit their local police department, where arrest logs and reports are maintained
Check the official county sheriff's website, which often includes a database of recent arrests
Attend public court proceedings where arrest cases are discussed
Consult local newspapers and media outlets that report on police and crime news

These resources provide multiple ways for citizens to stay informed about local law enforcement activities.

For Cook County, which includes Chicago and is the most populous county in Illinois, arrest information can be accessed through:

Cook County Sheriff's Office
50 West Washington Street, Room 704
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-6444
Cook County Inmate Locator

The Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database that is updated daily and includes information on individuals currently in custody. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For individuals seeking information about those currently incarcerated in state facilities, the Illinois Department of Corrections provides:

Illinois Department of Corrections
1301 Concordia Court
Springfield, IL 62794
(217) 558-2200
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search