Arrest records are public documents in Cumberland County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the public's right to access government records, including arrest information, without requiring individuals to state a reason for their request. The Illinois FOIA operates under the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. Cumberland County law enforcement agencies maintain these records in accordance with state regulations governing public access to criminal justice information.
Members of the public seeking arrest records may obtain them through the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office or the Cumberland County Circuit Clerk. Certain information within arrest records may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal identifying information as provided under § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.
Cumberland County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms, though the comprehensiveness of digital records varies by source. The county maintains certain public safety information through official government websites, while third-party aggregators may also compile arrest data from public sources. Pursuant to Illinois Public Act 098-0528, which amended the Criminal Identification Act, certain arrest information is made available electronically to facilitate public access.
Online access to Cumberland County arrest records is subject to the same statutory limitations as physical records. Digital platforms typically provide basic arrest information including names, charges, and court dates, while more detailed information may require formal requests through official channels. The Illinois State Police maintains a statewide database that includes certain Cumberland County arrest information, though complete local records are primarily maintained at the county level.
Individuals seeking Cumberland County arrest records in 2025 have multiple authorized channels through which this information may be obtained. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:
Cumberland County Sheriff's Office: The primary repository for local arrest records. Cumberland County Sheriff's Office 166 Courthouse Square, PO Box 56 Toledo, IL 62468 (217) 849-2571 Cumberland County Sheriff Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cumberland County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests are maintained here. Cumberland County Courthouse 1 Courthouse Square Toledo, IL 62468 PO Box 145 (217) 849-3601 Cumberland County Courthouse Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Illinois Department of Corrections Inmate Search: For individuals who were convicted and sentenced to state custody. Illinois DOC Inmate Search Available 24/7 online
Illinois State Police Criminal History Information: For official criminal history records, including fingerprint-based searches. Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification 260 North Chicago Street Joliet, IL 60432 (815) 740-5160 Illinois State Police
Requests made in person require government-issued identification. Written requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, and case number if available. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2635/3(A), fees may apply for record searches and copies, with current rates established by county ordinance.
Cumberland County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Illinois Administrative Code Title 20, Section 1240. These official documents typically include the following elements:
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense and the arresting agency's protocols. Pursuant to 50 ILCS 705/7, law enforcement agencies in Cumberland County are required to maintain complete and accurate records of all arrests, though certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy provisions under Illinois law.
Cumberland County residents may petition for expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided by 20 ILCS 2630/5.2. Expungement physically destroys records or returns them to the petitioner, while sealing limits access to law enforcement and certain authorized entities. The Illinois Criminal Identification Act establishes eligibility criteria for these remedies.
Individuals may qualify for expungement if:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court where the case was adjudicated. Legal assistance is available through:
Cumberland County Public Defender 201 E. Illinois, PO Box 862 Toledo, IL 62468 (618) 263-3846 Public Defender Directory
Petitioners must provide certified copies of court dispositions, pay applicable filing fees, and serve notice on all agencies holding records. The State's Attorney has the right to object within 60 days, after which a hearing may be scheduled. If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to expunge or seal the specified records within 60 days.
Certain offenses, including domestic violence, sexual crimes, and DUI violations, are statutorily ineligible for expungement under 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(a)(3). Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement, prosecutors, and certain employers as required by law.
Arrest records in Cumberland County may have significant legal implications for individuals, even without resulting convictions. These consequences stem from various Illinois statutes and administrative regulations that govern how arrest information may be used.
Under the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/2-103), employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from inquiring about or using arrest records that did not lead to conviction as a basis for employment decisions. However, the mere existence of an arrest record may trigger enhanced scrutiny in various contexts:
The Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635/) establishes procedures for challenging inaccurate arrest information. Individuals who identify errors in their Cumberland County arrest records may file a formal challenge with the originating agency, which must investigate and respond within 30 days.
While arrest records in Cumberland County are generally public documents, Illinois law establishes certain privacy protections that limit disclosure in specific circumstances. The Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/) and the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/) contain provisions that restrict access to particular categories of arrest information.
Juvenile arrest records receive enhanced confidentiality protections. Pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/1-7, records pertaining to individuals under 18 years of age are not publicly accessible except by court order or as specifically authorized by statute. Recent amendments to the Juvenile Court Act have expanded automatic expungement provisions for certain juvenile records.
Additional privacy considerations include:
The Cumberland County Circuit Clerk maintains protocols for handling sensitive information in accordance with Illinois Supreme Court rules on privacy in court records. Individuals concerned about privacy implications of their arrest records should consult with legal counsel regarding available remedies under Illinois law.