Western Springs Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Western Springs, Illinois?
Arrest records are public documents in Western Springs, Illinois, accessible to all members of the public. This accessibility is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.), which establishes the presumption that all records in the custody of public bodies are open to inspection and copying. The Village of Western Springs maintains these records as part of its commitment to governmental transparency and public accountability. Under Illinois law, arrest records are considered public information unless specifically exempted by statute. The Western Springs Police Department serves as the custodian of these records and must respond to requests for information pursuant to statutory guidelines.
How to Look Up Western Springs Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Western Springs have multiple methods available to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established for accessing these public documents:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Western Springs Police Department Records Division, located at 740 Hillgrove Avenue, Western Springs, IL 60558. The public counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests may be submitted via mail to: Western Springs Police Department, Records Division, 740 Hillgrove Avenue, Western Springs, IL 60558. All written requests must include the requestor's name, contact information, and specific information sought.
Telephone inquiries may be directed to the Records Division at (708) 246-8540 during regular business hours. Staff may provide general guidance on the availability of records but cannot release detailed information without a formal request.
Electronic requests may be submitted through the Village's official website. The online portal requires creation of an account and submission of a completed FOIA request form.
The Village Clerk's Office, located at 740 Hillgrove Avenue, Western Springs, IL 60558, serves as an alternative location for submitting FOIA requests. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM and can be reached at (708) 246-1800.
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3(d), the Western Springs Police Department must respond to FOIA requests within five business days after receipt. This timeframe may be extended for an additional five business days under certain circumstances as outlined in § 140/3(e) of the Act.
Contents of a Western Springs Arrest Record
Western Springs arrest records contain standardized information as required by Illinois state law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and residential address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and location of the arrest, the arresting agency, the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s), and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal charges filed, including the Illinois statute number, classification of offense (felony, misdemeanor, etc.), and a brief description of the alleged criminal activity.
Case processing information, including the arrest tracking number, booking number, court case number, and initial court appearance date.
Photographic documentation, commonly referred to as a "mugshot," taken during the booking process.
Fingerprint records collected at the time of booking, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal databases.
Detention information, including whether the individual was released on bond, the bond amount, or if the individual was transferred to county custody.
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with exemptions provided in 5 ILCS 140/7, particularly information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Western Springs
The State of Illinois provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement effectively removes the record from public access, while sealing limits access to law enforcement agencies and certain employers.
The eligibility criteria for expungement in Western Springs include:
Cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequi may qualify for immediate expungement.
Arrests not resulting in charges may be eligible for expungement after a waiting period determined by the offense classification.
Certain non-violent convictions may qualify for expungement five years after completion of the sentence, including probation and payment of all fines.
First-time offenders who have successfully completed court supervision may petition for expungement two years after the conclusion of supervision.
The expungement process requires the following steps:
Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Circuit Court of Cook County, Fourth Municipal District, located at 1500 Maybrook Drive, Maywood, IL 60153.
Payment of filing fees, which may be waived for indigent petitioners upon filing of an Application for Waiver of Court Fees.
Service of the petition on all agencies maintaining records of the arrest, including the Western Springs Police Department, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, and the Illinois State Police.
Attendance at a court hearing if objections are filed by any agency.
Issuance of an Order for Expungement by the presiding judge if the petition is granted.
The Western Springs Police Department must comply with court-ordered expungements within 60 days of receipt of the order, pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(9).
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Cook County Circuit Court provides self-help resources at the Maywood courthouse, and free legal assistance may be available through organizations such as Illinois Legal Aid Online or the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services.
Search Arrest Records in Western Springs
