Arrest records are public documents in Glendale Heights, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes that arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies constitute public records that must be made available for inspection and copying by members of the public. The Illinois FOIA promotes governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within their communities. Certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7.
The Village of Glendale Heights maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Individuals seeking arrest information may submit requests through established channels, with the understanding that response times may vary based on the complexity and volume of the request. The Glendale Heights Police Department serves as the primary custodian of these records within the municipal jurisdiction.
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Glendale Heights as of 2025. The Village administration has implemented several channels to facilitate public access to these documents in compliance with state transparency requirements:
Glendale Heights Police Department
300 Civic Center Plaza
Glendale Heights, IL 60139
Phone: 630-260-6070
Official Police Department Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Online Access: The Police Records Division maintains digital archives of arrest records that may be accessed through the village's official portal. Users must create an account and may be subject to verification procedures before gaining access to certain documents.
Written Requests: Standard FOIA requests may be submitted via mail to the Records Division. Requests must include specific information regarding the desired records, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Third-Party Databases: Commercial services aggregate public records from multiple jurisdictions, though the Village of Glendale Heights does not officially endorse these services and cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3, the Glendale Heights Police Department must respond to FOIA requests within five business days under normal circumstances, with possible extensions for complex requests as permitted by statute.
Arrest records maintained by the Glendale Heights Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Illinois state law and departmental policies. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and generally include:
The Police Records Division maintains these documents in accordance with Illinois Municipal Records Retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy provisions outlined in 5 ILCS 140/7, particularly in cases involving minors, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
Arrest records obtained from Glendale Heights authorities may be utilized for various legitimate purposes as permitted under Illinois law. The following constitutes authorized uses of such documentation:
Background Verification: Employers may review arrest records as part of pre-employment screening, subject to limitations imposed by the Illinois Human Rights Act (775 ILCS 5/2-103), which restricts inquiries about arrest records that did not result in conviction.
Housing Applications: Landlords and property management companies may review criminal history information, though they must comply with fair housing regulations that prohibit discriminatory practices.
Personal Research: Individuals may access arrest records for personal knowledge, including reviewing their own records for accuracy or preparing for legal proceedings.
Statistical Analysis: Researchers, policy analysts, and government agencies may utilize anonymized arrest data for crime trend analysis and policy development.
Media Reporting: Journalists may access arrest records as part of investigative reporting on matters of public interest.
It should be noted that pursuant to 20 ILCS 2635/7, the use of arrest information to deny employment, credit, insurance, or housing may constitute a civil rights violation if the arrest did not result in conviction. The Village of Glendale Heights advises all parties to consult applicable state and federal regulations before utilizing arrest records for decision-making purposes.
The expungement process in Glendale Heights follows Illinois state law regarding the removal of arrest records from public access. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2, certain individuals may petition for expungement or sealing of records under specific circumstances:
The petition process requires filing with the Circuit Court of DuPage County, which maintains jurisdiction over Glendale Heights. Petitioners must submit standardized forms along with applicable fees and supporting documentation. The State's Attorney's Office and arresting agency have the right to object to expungement requests.
DuPage County Circuit Court
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: 630-407-8700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court will issue an order directing the Glendale Heights Police Department and other relevant agencies to remove the records from their publicly accessible databases. The expungement process typically takes 60-90 days from filing to completion, assuming no objections are raised.
Arrest records and comprehensive criminal history reports represent distinct categories of documentation within the Glendale Heights criminal justice system. These differences are significant for individuals seeking accurate information:
Scope of Information: Arrest records document specific incidents of detention by law enforcement, while criminal history reports compile complete interaction histories with the justice system.
Maintaining Authority: The Glendale Heights Police Department maintains local arrest records, whereas the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification compiles comprehensive criminal history reports incorporating data from multiple jurisdictions.
Access Restrictions: Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2635/3, complete criminal history reports have more stringent access limitations than basic arrest records, often requiring fingerprint verification for release.
Accuracy Considerations: Arrest records reflect initial charges at the time of detention, which may differ substantially from final court dispositions contained in criminal history reports.
Update Frequency: Local arrest records may be updated more frequently than state-level criminal history compilations, which depend on reporting from multiple agencies.
Individuals seeking comprehensive background information are advised to request both types of documentation to ensure complete understanding of any criminal justice interactions.