Knox County, Illinois Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Knox County, Illinois?
Arrest records are public in Knox County, Illinois, pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). This legislation establishes the presumption that all government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Illinois FOIA mandates that public bodies make records available to promote transparency in governmental operations and to enable citizens to monitor the activities of law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public may access arrest records maintained by the Knox County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies. These records document the detention and processing of individuals suspected of criminal activity within the jurisdiction. The public nature of these records serves several governmental interests, including:
- Ensuring accountability of law enforcement operations
- Providing transparency in the criminal justice system
- Enabling community awareness of public safety matters
- Supporting the constitutional right to public trials
Certain information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with § 7 of the Illinois FOIA, which protects private information such as social security numbers, home addresses, and medical information of the arrested individuals.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Knox County?
Knox County arrest records are accessible online through several official government portals. The Knox County Sheriff's Office maintains a digital database that allows members of the public to search for current inmate information and recent arrest data. This online accessibility is provided in accordance with the Illinois Public Records Act and local ordinances governing information dissemination.
The online systems typically provide limited information compared to complete arrest records available through in-person requests. Digital records generally include:
- Basic identifying information of arrested individuals
- Charges filed
- Date of arrest
- Current custody status
- Court appearance dates
For comprehensive arrest records, including detailed arrest reports and supporting documentation, individuals may need to submit formal requests through established channels. The Knox County Circuit Clerk's Office also maintains court records related to arrests that may be accessed through their electronic case management system.
How to Look Up Knox County Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Knox County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following procedures have been established pursuant to Illinois state law and local ordinances:
Visit the Knox County Sheriff's Office in person: Knox County Sheriff's Office 152 S. Kellogg Street Galesburg, IL 61401 Phone: (309) 345-3733 Knox County Sheriff's Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Submit a written request to the Knox County Circuit Clerk: Knox County Circuit Clerk 200 S. Cherry Street Galesburg, IL 61401 Phone: (309) 345-3859 Knox County Circuit Court Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the online inmate search portal maintained by the Sheriff's Office, which provides current custody information and recent arrest data.
Submit a Freedom of Information Act request electronically through the county's official website or in writing to the appropriate records custodian.
Requestors must provide sufficient identifying information to locate the specific arrest records sought. This typically includes the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/6, agencies must respond to requests within five business days, though extensions may apply in certain circumstances.
Contents of a Knox County Arrest Record
Knox County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Illinois state law and local protocols. These official documents serve as the formal record of an individual's encounter with law enforcement and subsequent processing into the criminal justice system. Standard arrest records include:
- Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color, identifying marks)
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory violations and charges filed
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records and identification numbers
- Custody status and bail/bond information
- Case disposition if available
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
These records are maintained in accordance with the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/1 et seq.) and must be preserved according to established retention schedules. The information contained within arrest records is subject to verification procedures to ensure accuracy, as these documents may be used in subsequent court proceedings and administrative hearings.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Knox County
The expungement and sealing of arrest records in Knox County is governed by the Illinois Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2). Eligible individuals may petition the court to remove arrest records from public access under specific circumstances prescribed by statute. The expungement process effectively erases the record from public view, while sealing restricts access to authorized entities only.
Eligibility criteria for expungement generally include:
- Arrests that did not lead to charges
- Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal
- Successful completion of supervision or qualified probation
- Certain non-violent offenses after applicable waiting periods
The formal process for expungement in Knox County requires:
- Filing a Petition for Expungement with the Knox County Circuit Court
- Payment of filing fees (approximately $120-$200, with fee waivers available for qualifying individuals)
- Service of the petition on all relevant agencies, including:
- Knox County State's Attorney
- Illinois State Police
- Arresting agency
- Attendance at a judicial hearing if objections are filed
- Issuance of an Order of Expungement if granted by the court
Individuals seeking expungement may obtain assistance through the Knox County Legal Self-Help Center located at:
Knox County Law Library and Self-Help Center 200 S. Cherry Street, 3rd Floor Galesburg, IL 61401 Phone: (309) 345-3859 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receipt.
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