Winthrop Harbor Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Winthrop Harbor, Illinois?
Arrest records are public documents in Winthrop Harbor, 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 maintained by public bodies, including law enforcement agencies. The statute promotes transparency in governmental operations and ensures accountability of public officials. Members of the public may request and review arrest records maintained by the Winthrop Harbor Police Department and other law enforcement agencies serving the jurisdiction, subject to certain statutory exemptions designed to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and personal privacy in specific circumstances.
How to Look Up Winthrop Harbor Arrest Records in 2025
The Village of Winthrop Harbor has implemented multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records as of 2025. Pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, these records are maintained in accessible formats to facilitate public inspection:
• In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at the Winthrop Harbor Police Department located at 830 Sheridan Road, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Online Portal Access: The Village of Winthrop Harbor has developed a secure online portal through which citizens may submit requests for arrest records. The system allows for electronic delivery of non-sensitive documents.
• Written Requests: Standard FOIA requests may be submitted via postal mail addressed to the Records Custodian at the Winthrop Harbor Police Department. All written requests must include the requestor's contact information and specific details about the records being sought.
• Lake County Sheriff's Office: For arrests made by county authorities within Winthrop Harbor municipal boundaries, requests may be directed to the Lake County Sheriff's Office at 25 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, Waukegan, IL 60085.
Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 5 to 10 business days, in accordance with § 3(d) of the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which permits up to 5 business days for response with a possible extension of an additional 5 business days under certain circumstances.
Contents of a Winthrop Harbor Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Winthrop Harbor Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by Illinois state law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:
• Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases • Date of birth and demographic information including age, gender, and race • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks • Residential address at time of arrest (subject to redaction in certain cases) • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest • Statutory charges filed, including Illinois Criminal Code citations • Arresting officer's name and badge number • Booking photographs ("mugshots") and fingerprint records • Case number and incident report references • Custody status and bail information • Court appearance dates and jurisdictional information
It should be noted that pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and information pertaining to victims or witnesses. Additionally, records involving juveniles are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under the Illinois Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-1 et seq.).
Expungement of Arrest Records in Winthrop Harbor
The State of Illinois provides legal mechanisms through which qualifying individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records in Winthrop Harbor. The Criminal Identification Act (20 ILCS 2630/5.2) establishes the statutory framework for this process:
• Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may qualify for expungement if their arrest did not result in conviction, if the charges were dismissed, if they were acquitted, or if they successfully completed supervision or qualified probation. Certain convictions may be eligible for sealing after a prescribed waiting period.
• Petition Process: Petitioners must file formal documentation with the Circuit Court of Lake County, located at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. The petition must include certified dispositions of all cases for which expungement is sought.
• Notice Requirements: Copies of the petition must be served upon the Winthrop Harbor Police Department, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office, and the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification.
• Judicial Review: A judge of the Circuit Court will evaluate the petition based on statutory criteria, including the nature of the offense, the petitioner's criminal history, and the time elapsed since the arrest or conviction.
• Effect of Expungement: When granted, expungement results in the physical destruction or return of all arrest records to the petitioner. Sealed records remain intact but are accessible only to law enforcement agencies and not to the general public.
The Lake County Circuit Clerk's Office provides standardized forms and procedural guidance for individuals seeking expungement or sealing of Winthrop Harbor arrest records. Pursuant to 20 ILCS 2630/5.2(d)(6), the Illinois State Police must comply with an order to expunge or seal records within 60 days of receipt.
Search Arrest Records in Winthrop Harbor
