Berwyn Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Berwyn, Illinois?
Arrest records are public documents in Berwyn, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal jurisdictions. The Illinois FOIA operates under the principle that government transparency serves the public interest and promotes accountability of public officials and institutions.
The City of Berwyn Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation. These records typically contain information regarding individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement officers within the city limits. Members of the public may request access to these records, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile privacy, and other sensitive information as outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7.
Requesters should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections established under Illinois law. The availability of complete records may also depend on the status of related court proceedings and whether the case has been adjudicated through the Cook County court system.
How to Look Up Berwyn Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Berwyn provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information should be prepared to provide specific details to facilitate record retrieval, including the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available.
Available methods for obtaining Berwyn arrest records include:
- In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Berwyn Police Department Records Division during regular business hours to submit a formal request for arrest records.
Berwyn Police Department
6401 W. 31st Street
Berwyn, IL 60402
(708) 795-5600
Official Website
Online Portal Access: The City of Berwyn maintains a digital records management system through which certain public records may be accessed. Users must register for an account and may be subject to verification procedures.
Written Correspondence: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division of the Berwyn Police Department. All requests must include the requester's contact information and specific details regarding the records sought.
Cook County Circuit Court: For cases that have proceeded to prosecution, records may also be available through the Circuit Court of Cook County, which maintains files for all criminal proceedings within its jurisdiction.
Cook County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
50 W. Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 603-5030
Official Website
Pursuant to Illinois law, agencies must respond to FOIA requests within five business days, though this period may be extended under certain circumstances as provided in 5 ILCS 140/3(e).
Contents of a Berwyn Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by the Berwyn Police Department contain specific categories of information as mandated by Illinois state law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include:
- Subject identification information (full legal name, aliases, date of birth, address)
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory violations alleged (including Illinois Criminal Code citations)
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint impressions
- Arresting officer(s) identification
- Incident report number
- Preliminary charge information
- Custody status
- Bail or bond information, if applicable
It should be noted that arrest records reflect only the fact that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause. These documents do not constitute evidence of guilt, as all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law pursuant to 725 ILCS 5/103-1.
Records pertaining to juveniles (individuals under 18 years of age) are subject to additional confidentiality protections under the Illinois Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-1 et seq.) and may not be available through standard public records requests.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Berwyn
Illinois law provides mechanisms through which certain arrest records may be expunged or sealed from public view. The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) establishes the legal framework for the expungement and sealing of criminal records, including those pertaining to arrests made in Berwyn.
Eligibility criteria for expungement or sealing generally include:
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Arrests not resulting in charges
- Successful completion of court supervision or qualified probation
- Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
- First-time offenses of specific nature
The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Fourth Municipal District Court in Maywood, which has jurisdiction over Berwyn cases. This procedure involves multiple steps:
- Obtaining a complete criminal history transcript
- Preparing and filing a Petition for Expungement or Sealing
- Serving notice to all relevant agencies, including the Berwyn Police Department and Cook County State's Attorney
- Attending a judicial hearing if objections are raised
- Obtaining a court order directing the expungement or sealing of records
Cook County Fourth Municipal District Court
1500 Maybrook Drive
Maywood, IL 60153
(708) 865-6040
Official Website
Upon issuance of an expungement order, the Berwyn Police Department and other relevant agencies are required to remove or seal the specified records within 60 days. Expunged records are not accessible through standard public records requests, effectively restoring the privacy of the individual with respect to the expunged arrest.
Individuals seeking expungement may benefit from legal assistance, as the process involves complex statutory requirements and procedural rules. The Cook County Circuit Court provides self-help resources for those unable to secure legal representation.
Search Arrest Records in Berwyn
