Arrest records are public documents in Hinsdale, 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 for inspection and reproduction by any person. The Village of Hinsdale Police Department, as a public body, maintains arrest records that fall within this statutory framework. These records serve multiple public interests, including:
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act specifically designates arrest reports as public information under § 2.15, which defines public records to include "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business."
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally accessible, certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, ongoing investigations, or juvenile records as provided under § 7 of the Act.
The Village of Hinsdale provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official methods:
Submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request directly to the Hinsdale Police Department Records Division. Requests must be submitted in writing using the designated form available at the department or on the official village website.
Visit the Hinsdale Police Department in person during regular business hours to request records:
Hinsdale Police Department
121 Symonds Drive
Hinsdale, IL 60521
(630) 789-7070
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the DuPage County Circuit Clerk's Office for court records related to arrests:
DuPage County Circuit Clerk
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-8700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Utilize the Illinois State Police Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) for statewide criminal history information:
Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification
260 North Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-5160
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific records sought. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6(b), the Village of Hinsdale may charge reasonable fees for document reproduction, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction and certification.
Arrest records maintained by the Hinsdale Police Department contain standardized information as required by Illinois law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual:
Arrest details:
Processing information:
Procedural documentation:
The Illinois Uniform Crime Reporting Act (50 ILCS 709/5-10) requires law enforcement agencies to collect and report specific data elements for all arrests. Consequently, Hinsdale arrest records conform to these standardized reporting requirements to ensure consistency across jurisdictions.
The State of Illinois provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records maintained by the Hinsdale Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. This process is governed by the Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2).
Eligibility criteria for expungement of Hinsdale arrest records include:
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
Upon court approval, the expungement order directs the Hinsdale Police Department, DuPage County Circuit Clerk, and Illinois State Police to physically destroy or return to the petitioner all records related to the arrest. The legal effect of expungement is to restore the individual to their status prior to the arrest, as if the incident never occurred.
Individuals seeking expungement may receive assistance through:
DuPage County State's Attorney's Office
503 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-8000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Prairie State Legal Services (for income-eligible residents)
400 W. Roosevelt Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 690-2130
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), the Illinois State Police must process expungement orders within 60 days of receipt.