Arrest records are public documents in Alexander County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq. This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring that records maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies, remain accessible to members of the public. The Illinois FOIA operates under the principle that government transparency is essential for an informed citizenry and accountable public institutions.
The Alexander County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations. While certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with 5 ILCS 140/7, the fundamental status of arrest records as public information remains intact. Citizens seeking access to these records may submit requests to the appropriate county agencies without demonstrating a specific need or purpose for obtaining the information.
Alexander County Sheriff's Office
2000 Washington Avenue
Cairo, IL 62914
(618) 734-8379
Alexander County Official Website
Alexander County arrest records are available through various online platforms, enhancing public accessibility to these documents. The primary online resource for current inmate information is the Alexander County Jail Inmate List, which provides real-time data on individuals currently in custody. This digital resource allows members of the public to access arrest information without physically visiting county offices.
The Illinois Department of Corrections also maintains an Individual in Custody Search database that includes information about individuals who have been transferred from county facilities to state custody. This searchable database contains records of individuals who have been convicted and sentenced to state incarceration following their arrest in Alexander County or other Illinois jurisdictions.
It should be noted that online records may not contain complete arrest histories, as some older records may not have been digitized. Additionally, pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5, certain records may be subject to expungement or sealing, in which case they would be removed from public online databases.
Members of the public seeking Alexander County arrest records in 2025 have multiple avenues available for conducting their search. Each method offers different advantages depending on the specific information needed and the urgency of the request.
The most direct methods for accessing arrest records include:
County Clerk's Office: The Alexander County Circuit Clerk maintains court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings. Individuals may visit the office during regular business hours to request document searches.
Sheriff's Office Records Division: The Alexander County Sheriff's Office maintains detailed arrest records and booking information. In-person requests can be submitted at their administrative offices.
Online County Portal: The county's digital records system provides 24-hour access to certain arrest information, including current inmate status and recent booking data.
Illinois State Police: For comprehensive criminal history information, the Illinois State Police maintains statewide records that include Alexander County arrests.
Alexander County Circuit Clerk
2000 Washington Avenue
Cairo, IL 62914
(618) 734-0107
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
Illinois Courts Directory
Alexander County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois state law and local protocols. These documents serve as official records of law enforcement actions and typically include comprehensive details about both the arrested individual and the circumstances of their apprehension.
Standard components of an Alexander County arrest record include:
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/2.1, law enforcement agencies in Alexander County are required to submit arrest data to the Illinois State Police within 24 hours of processing. This information becomes part of both local and state criminal history repositories, with varying levels of access permitted to different stakeholders based on statutory authorization.
The expungement process in Alexander County provides eligible individuals with a legal mechanism to remove arrest records from public access. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, certain arrest records may qualify for expungement if specific statutory criteria are met. This process effectively erases the record from public databases and physical archives, restoring the individual's record to its pre-arrest status.
Eligibility requirements for expungement in Alexander County include:
The expungement procedure requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Alexander County Circuit Court. This process involves submitting a Petition for Expungement, supporting documentation, and payment of applicable filing fees. The court then schedules a hearing where a judge determines whether the petition meets statutory requirements.
If granted, an Order of Expungement directs all relevant agencies, including the Sheriff's Office, Circuit Clerk, and Illinois State Police, to remove the records from their systems. The entire process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion, though timeframes may vary based on court caseloads and complexity of the petition.
Alexander County Circuit Court
2000 Washington Avenue
Cairo, IL 62914
(618) 734-0107
Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday