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Chicago Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Chicago, Illinois?

Arrest records are public in Chicago, 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 governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within the city. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

The Chicago Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records become public documents subject to disclosure under FOIA provisions, though certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as outlined in § 7 of the Illinois FOIA. The public nature of these records serves the legislative intent of promoting transparency in governmental operations and enabling citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies.

Members of the public seeking arrest records must submit requests in compliance with established procedures. The Chicago Police Department processes such requests in accordance with statutory timeframes, typically responding within five business days as mandated by § 3(d) of the Illinois FOIA, though extensions may apply in certain circumstances.

How to Look Up Chicago Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Chicago. The Chicago Police Department has established the following procedures for obtaining these documents:

  • In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Chicago Police Department Records Division at 3510 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653. The public counter operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters must present valid identification and complete the designated request form.

  • Online Requests: The Chicago Police Department's Records Request Portal provides a digital platform for submitting FOIA requests. This system allows for electronic submission of required information and tracking of request status.

  • Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Chicago Police Department, Records Division, FOIA Officer, 3510 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653. All mailed requests must include the requester's contact information and specific details regarding the records sought.

  • Cook County Circuit Court: Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Clerk of the Circuit Court at the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602. The public counter operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Phone: (312) 603-5030.

  • Illinois State Police: For statewide arrest information, requests may be directed to the Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification, 260 North Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432. Phone: (815) 740-5160.

Requesters should note that fees may apply for document reproduction in accordance with § 6 of the Illinois FOIA. The fee schedule is established by the respective agencies and may vary based on the volume and format of records requested.

Contents of a Chicago Arrest Record

Chicago arrest records contain standardized information documenting the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody. These official documents typically include the following elements:

  • Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, and any documented aliases or known identifiers.

  • Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including street address and police district.

  • Offense Information: Description of the alleged criminal activity, statutory citations of violated laws, and classification of charges (misdemeanor or felony).

  • Arresting Agency Data: Identification of the law enforcement agency conducting the arrest, badge numbers and names of arresting officers, and the assigned case number.

  • Processing Documentation: Booking photographs (mugshots), fingerprint records, and personal property inventory taken at the time of processing.

  • Custody Status: Information regarding bail determinations, bond amounts, and detention facility assignment if applicable.

  • Preliminary Court Information: Initial court appearance dates, assigned courtroom, and preliminary hearing outcomes.

The Chicago Police Department maintains these records in accordance with departmental policies and state recordkeeping requirements. Certain sensitive information, such as the identities of juvenile offenders, sexual assault victims, or confidential informants, may be redacted from publicly available versions of arrest records pursuant to exemptions outlined in § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Chicago

The State of Illinois provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records. The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) establishes the statutory framework governing these procedures in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Eligibility criteria for expungement of Chicago arrest records include:

  • Arrests that did not result in formal charges
  • Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
  • Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
  • Certain non-violent offenses after prescribed waiting periods

The expungement process requires petitioners to file formal documentation with the Circuit Court of Cook County at the Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602. The petition must identify all relevant arrest records and provide certified dispositions for each case. Filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial circumstances.

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing date. The State's Attorney's Office, arresting agency, and Illinois State Police have the opportunity to object to the petition within 60 days. If no objections are filed or if the court overrules any objections, an order for expungement may be granted.

When an expungement order is issued, the Chicago Police Department, Cook County Circuit Court, and Illinois State Police must comply with the court's directive to remove the specified records from their publicly accessible databases. Physical records are typically destroyed, while digital records are deleted from electronic systems in accordance with § 5.2(d)(9) of the Criminal Identification Act.

Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, Second Chance Program, 69 W. Washington, Suite 3200, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone: (312) 603-5200.

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