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Burbank Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Burbank, Illinois?

Arrest records are public documents in Burbank, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) [5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.]. This legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within municipal jurisdictions. The City of Burbank maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements, ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities.

The Illinois FOIA specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile cases, or instances where disclosure might compromise public safety. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests to the Burbank Police Department through established protocols. The department is required to respond to such requests within five business days, though extensions may apply in certain circumstances as permitted under § 3(e) of the Illinois FOIA.

It should be noted that while arrest records are public, they document only the fact that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. Under Illinois law, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, regardless of the information contained in public arrest records.

How to Look Up Burbank Arrest Records in 2025

The Burbank Police Department maintains several methods through which members of the public may access arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking such information have multiple options available, each designed to accommodate different needs and circumstances.

In-person requests may be submitted at:

Burbank Police Department Records Division
5650 W. 75th Place
Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 924-7300
Official Records Request Page
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

For electronic access, the Police-to-Citizen portal (P2C) provides a streamlined method for obtaining certain arrest information. This system allows users to:

  • Search arrest records by name, date, or case number
  • View basic arrest information for cases not under active investigation
  • Access arrest logs updated within 72 hours of processing
  • Download publicly available arrest reports

Written requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division address listed above. All requests must include:

  • Requestor's full name and contact information
  • Specific information being sought (date of arrest, name of arrested individual, case number if known)
  • Intended use of the information
  • Signature and date

Pursuant to Illinois Administrative Code Title 2, Section 1828.30, the Burbank Police Department may assess reasonable fees for document reproduction. Current fee schedules are posted at the Records Division and on the department's website.

Contents of a Burbank Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Burbank Police Department contain standardized information as required by Illinois state law and departmental policies. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical information of the arrested individual:

    • Full legal name and any known aliases
    • Date of birth
    • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
    • Residential address (may be redacted in public versions)
    • Identification numbers (may include state ID or driver's license)
  • Arrest details:

    • Date, time, and location of arrest
    • Arresting officer(s) and badge number(s)
    • Agency case number
    • Statutory authority under which arrest was made
  • Criminal charges:

    • Illinois Criminal Code citations
    • Description of alleged offense(s)
    • Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
    • Weapon involvement, if applicable
  • Processing information:

    • Booking photographs ("mugshots")
    • Fingerprint records
    • Property inventory
    • Medical screening results (non-diagnostic information only)
  • Judicial processing:

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided under the Illinois FOIA § 7. These exemptions typically apply to information that might compromise ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informants, or violate privacy rights protected by state or federal law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Burbank

The expungement process for arrest records in Burbank follows Illinois state law, specifically the Criminal Identification Act [20 ILCS 2630/5.2]. Expungement legally removes arrests from public record, allowing qualified individuals to answer "no" when asked about prior arrests on most applications.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Burbank include:

  • Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
  • Arrests not resulting in charges
  • Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
  • Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
  • Arrests for offenses that have been decriminalized subsequent to the arrest

The formal expungement process requires petitioners to:

  1. Obtain a complete criminal history transcript from the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk
  2. File a Petition for Expungement with the Clerk of the Circuit Court
  3. Pay applicable filing fees (currently $120 as of 2025)
  4. Serve copies of the petition to the Burbank Police Department and Cook County State's Attorney
  5. Attend the scheduled court hearing if objections are filed

Cook County Circuit Court - Fifth Municipal District
10220 S. 76th Avenue
Bridgeview, IL 60455
(708) 974-6500
Illinois Courts Directory

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing the Burbank Police Department and other relevant agencies to expunge all records related to the specified arrest. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9), agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receipt.

The Burbank Police Department maintains a dedicated Expungement Compliance Unit responsible for removing expunged records from department databases and forwarding court orders to appropriate state agencies, including the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. Physical records are destroyed and digital entries are deleted in accordance with departmental procedures established under General Order 82-7.

Legal Implications of Arrest Records in Burbank

Arrest records in Burbank carry significant legal implications for affected individuals. Under Illinois law, these records remain accessible to the public and various institutions unless formally expunged or sealed through court proceedings.

Employment consequences may include:

  • Mandatory disclosure requirements for certain licensed professions
  • Potential disqualification from positions in healthcare, education, and financial services
  • Employer access to arrest information through background checks
  • Limitations on employment with municipal agencies

Housing implications often involve:

  • Screening by landlords and property management companies
  • Potential denial of rental applications based on arrest history
  • Restrictions on access to public housing programs
  • Requirements for disclosure on housing applications

The Burbank Police Department maintains arrest records in compliance with the Illinois Local Records Act [50 ILCS 205/1 et seq.]. This statute establishes retention schedules for various categories of records, including those pertaining to arrests. Generally, arrest records are retained for a minimum of five years, though records involving serious felonies may be maintained indefinitely.

Illinois has enacted certain protections regarding the use of arrest information. The Illinois Human Rights Act [775 ILCS 5/2-103] prohibits employers from inquiring about or using arrest records that did not result in conviction as a basis for employment decisions. However, this prohibition does not extend to all contexts, and arrest information may still be considered in licensing, housing, and other non-employment situations.

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