Evergreen Park Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Evergreen Park, Illinois?
Arrest records are public documents in Evergreen Park, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This statute establishes the legal framework for public access to government records, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies. The Village of Evergreen Park, as a public body under Illinois law, is required to make arrest records available for inspection and copying, subject to certain exemptions designed to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations.
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. This transparency requirement serves multiple public interests, including:
• Enabling community oversight of law enforcement activities • Facilitating informed public discourse on criminal justice matters • Ensuring accountability of public officials and agencies • Supporting research and analysis of crime patterns and trends
Individuals seeking arrest records in Evergreen Park may submit requests to the Evergreen Park Police Department, which serves as the custodian of such records within the village jurisdiction.
How to Look Up Evergreen Park Arrest Records in 2025
The Village of Evergreen Park maintains multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Requesters may utilize any of the following methods to obtain these public documents:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Records Division of the Evergreen Park Police Department during regular business hours to submit requests for arrest records. Staff will assist with completing the necessary forms and identifying specific records.
Evergreen Park Police Department
9420 S. Kedzie Avenue
Evergreen Park, IL 60805
Phone: (708) 422-2142
Evergreen Park Police Department Official Website
Written Requests: Written FOIA requests may be submitted via postal mail or email. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3(c), all requests must include:
• Requester's full name and contact information • A detailed description of the records sought • Whether the records will be used for commercial purposes • The preferred format for receiving the records (paper copies, digital files, etc.)
Online Portal: The Village of Evergreen Park has implemented an electronic records request system accessible through the municipal website. This portal allows users to:
• Submit FOIA requests electronically • Track the status of pending requests • Receive digital copies of approved records • Pay any applicable fees for reproduction costs
Per Illinois statute, the Evergreen Park Police Department must respond to all FOIA requests within five business days, though this period may be extended by an additional five business days under certain circumstances outlined in 5 ILCS 140/3(e).
Contents of an Evergreen Park Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Evergreen Park Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of law enforcement interactions with detained individuals. Standard components of these records include:
Biographical Information: • Full legal name of the arrested individual • Date of birth and age at time of arrest • Home address and contact information • Physical descriptors (height, weight, identifying marks) • Government-issued identification numbers
Arrest Details: • Date, time, and location of the arrest • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) • Agency responsible for the arrest (Evergreen Park PD or other jurisdiction) • Legal authority under which the arrest was executed (warrant, probable cause, etc.)
Criminal Charges: • Specific offenses alleged, with citations to relevant Illinois statutes • Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, ordinance violation) • Factual basis supporting each charge • Weapon or controlled substance involvement, if applicable
Processing Information: • Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing • Fingerprint records and biometric identifiers • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest • Medical screening documentation
Case Disposition: • Court case number and assigned judicial officer • Bail or bond determination • Preliminary hearing information • Current status of the case within the judicial system
It should be noted that certain information within arrest records may be redacted prior to public disclosure in accordance with exemptions provided in 5 ILCS 140/7, particularly when release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise an ongoing investigation.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Evergreen Park
The State of Illinois provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by the Evergreen Park Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. These remedies are governed by the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2).
Eligibility Criteria: Expungement eligibility in Evergreen Park follows Illinois state law, which permits the complete removal of records under the following circumstances:
• Arrests that did not result in charges being filed • Cases where charges were dismissed • Acquittals or findings of not guilty • Successful completion of supervision for certain qualifying offenses • Convictions for which a pardon specifically authorizing expungement has been granted
Application Process: Individuals seeking expungement must file a petition with the Circuit Court of Cook County, which has jurisdiction over Evergreen Park. The petition process requires:
• Completion of standardized petition forms available from the Clerk of the Circuit Court • Submission of a complete criminal history transcript • Payment of filing fees (fee waivers available for indigent petitioners) • Service of the petition on all relevant agencies, including the Evergreen Park Police Department and Cook County State's Attorney
Hearing and Determination: Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The State's Attorney's Office and affected law enforcement agencies may file objections within 60 days. At the hearing, the court will consider:
• The petitioner's eligibility under statutory criteria • The nature and circumstances of the offense • The petitioner's criminal and employment history • Any evidence of rehabilitation • Any public safety concerns
If the court grants the petition, an order will be issued directing the Evergreen Park Police Department and other 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.
Individuals with questions regarding expungement eligibility may consult with the Cook County Circuit Court or seek legal assistance through local legal aid organizations.
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