Mount Prospect Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Mount Prospect, Illinois?
Arrest records are public documents in Mount Prospect, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (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 records should be accessible to the public to ensure transparency, accountability, and informed civic participation.
The Mount Prospect Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records become public documents subject to disclosure under the following conditions:
- Records must not be subject to specific exemptions under 5 ILCS 140/7
- Information must not compromise ongoing investigations
- Personal identifying information may be redacted to protect privacy rights
- Juvenile records are generally not publicly accessible per 705 ILCS 405/1-7
Residents and non-residents alike may request access to these records through established procedures, though certain information may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections stipulated in Illinois statutes.
How to Look Up Mount Prospect Arrest Records in 2025
The Mount Prospect Police Department provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. These access methods have been established in compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and local ordinances governing public records.
In-Person Requests: Individuals seeking arrest records may submit requests in person at the Mount Prospect Police Department. The Records Division processes such requests during regular business hours.
Mount Prospect Police Department
112 E. Northwest Highway
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 870-5656
Mount Prospect Police Department Official Website
Court Records Access: Arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings may be accessed through the Cook County Circuit Court, Third Municipal District in Rolling Meadows.
Third Municipal District Courthouse
2121 Euclid Avenue
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
(847) 818-2286
Cook County Third Municipal District Court
Online Access: The Mount Prospect Police Department maintains a digital records system accessible through the village's official website. Users must register for an account and may be required to pay nominal fees for document retrieval as established by municipal ordinance.
Written Requests: FOIA requests may be submitted in writing to the Mount Prospect Police Department Records Division. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3(c), the department must respond to such requests within five business days, with possible extension under specific circumstances outlined in the statute.
Contents of a Mount Prospect Arrest Record
Mount Prospect arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois state law and local record-keeping protocols. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following components:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address (may be redacted in public copies)
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
Arrest Specifics:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location where the arrest occurred
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency conducting the arrest
- Statutory authority under which the arrest was made
Criminal Charges:
- Illinois Criminal Code citations for alleged violations
- Classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, ordinance violation)
- Brief narrative description of the alleged criminal activity
- Presence of aggravating factors, if applicable
Procedural Information:
- Booking number and case identification
- Custody status following arrest
- Bail determination or bond information
- Initial court appearance date
- Disposition of the case, if resolved
It should be noted that pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Mount Prospect
The State of Illinois provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by the Mount Prospect Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. This process is governed by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Eligibility Criteria: Expungement eligibility in Mount Prospect follows Illinois state law, which permits expungement under the following circumstances:
- Arrests that did not lead to charges
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Successful completion of supervision for qualifying offenses
- Certain non-violent convictions after applicable waiting periods
- Arrests for offenses that have subsequently been decriminalized
Application Process: The expungement process requires petitioners to complete the following steps:
- Obtain a complete criminal history transcript from the Illinois State Police
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County
- Pay the required filing fee (currently $120 as of 2025)
- Serve copies of the petition on all relevant agencies, including:
- Mount Prospect Police Department
- Cook County State's Attorney's Office
- Illinois State Police
Hearing and Determination: Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the Circuit Court schedules a hearing date. The State's Attorney's Office and other notified agencies have 60 days to file objections. If no objections are filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. If objections exist, the court conducts a hearing to determine whether expungement serves the interests of justice.
Upon approval, the court issues an Order for Expungement directing all agencies to remove or seal the specified records. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9), agencies must comply with this order within 60 days of receipt.
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