Riverside Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Riverside, Illinois?
Arrest records are public in Riverside, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that records maintained by public bodies shall be accessible to the public, with certain statutory exemptions. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law.
The Riverside Police Department maintains arrest records as part of its official documentation of law enforcement activities. These records serve multiple public interests, including:
- Ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system
- Providing accountability for law enforcement agencies
- Enabling community awareness of public safety matters
- Supporting the constitutional right to public trials and proceedings
While arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests as provided under § 7 of the Illinois FOIA, including:
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
- Information related to juvenile arrests (pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/1-7)
- Medical information protected under HIPAA
- Information that might compromise ongoing investigations
Members of the public seeking arrest records should note that an arrest record documents only that an individual was taken into custody and does not constitute proof of guilt. Under Illinois law, all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
How to Look Up Riverside Arrest Records in 2025
The Village of Riverside provides multiple methods for accessing arrest records in 2025. Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, public bodies must make records available through reasonably accessible means. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
Online Portal Access: The Riverside Police Department maintains a digital records system accessible through the official village website. Users may search by name, date of arrest, or case number. Standard processing fees apply in accordance with § 6 of the Illinois FOIA.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may submit requests in person at the Riverside Police Department headquarters. Proper identification is required, and standard processing times apply.
Riverside Police Department
31 Riverside Road
Riverside, IL 60546
Phone: (708) 447-2127
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Riverside Police Department
Written FOIA Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted to the Riverside Police Department's FOIA Officer. Requests must specify the records sought with reasonable particularity as required under § 3(c) of the Illinois FOIA.
Cook County Circuit Court: Court records related to arrests in Riverside may be accessed through the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk's Office.
Cook County Circuit Court - Fifth Municipal District
10220 S. 76th Avenue
Bridgeview, IL 60455
Phone: (708) 974-6500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Standard processing fees apply to all record requests in accordance with the fee schedule established by the Village of Riverside pursuant to § 6 of the Illinois FOIA. Fees may be waived or reduced if the request is in the public interest as defined by § 6(c) of the Act.
Contents of a Riverside Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Riverside Police Department contain standardized information as mandated by Illinois state law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following components:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and residential address at time of arrest
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; statutory violations cited; arresting officer's name and badge number; and the circumstances leading to the arrest
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification data, and photographic identification (mugshot) taken during the booking process
Charge Information: Specific Illinois statutes allegedly violated, classification of offenses (felony, misdemeanor, or ordinance violation), and case numbers assigned
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts set, release conditions imposed, or detention orders issued by judicial authorities
Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned courtroom, and preliminary hearing schedules when applicable
Property Inventory: Listing of personal property taken into custody during the arrest process
Medical Screening Notes: General health status documentation as required by Illinois jail standards (specific medical details are protected under HIPAA and generally redacted from public records)
The Illinois Compiled Statutes (725 ILCS 5/109-1) require that persons arrested be taken before a judge "without unnecessary delay" for initial appearance proceedings. Documentation of compliance with this requirement is typically included in the arrest record.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Riverside
The State of Illinois provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records through the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2). Expungement results in the physical destruction of records, while sealing limits access to specified government agencies. Riverside residents may petition for these remedies under the following statutory provisions:
Expungement eligibility generally applies to:
- Arrests that did not result in charges
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Certain non-conviction dispositions
- Successful completion of specialized court programs (e.g., drug court, veterans court)
- Certain misdemeanor and felony convictions after applicable waiting periods
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- Obtain certified copies of arrest records from the Riverside Police Department
- File a formal Petition for Expungement with the Circuit Court of Cook County
- Serve copies of the petition on all relevant agencies, including:
- Riverside Police Department
- Cook County State's Attorney's Office
- Illinois State Police
Cook County Circuit Court - Criminal Records Department
2650 South California Avenue, Room 526
Chicago, IL 60608
Phone: (773) 674-3152
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), law enforcement agencies and prosecutors have 60 days to file objections to expungement petitions. If no objections are filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. If objections are raised, the court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility under the statute.
The Village of Riverside provides informational resources regarding expungement through its public website, though petitioners are advised that the legal process can be complex and may require legal assistance.
Successful expungement removes records from public access, though certain sealed information remains available to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes as authorized by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(a)(3)(A).
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