Owensboro Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Owensboro, Kentucky?
Arrest records are public documents in Owensboro, Kentucky, accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of Kentucky residents to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities. The Owensboro Police Department and Daviess County Sheriff's Office maintain these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities. Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes, including promoting governmental transparency, facilitating informed community oversight, and enabling background verification processes for employment and housing.
Kentucky law specifically designates arrest records as public information, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety. Members of the public seeking arrest information should note that while the records are accessible, certain personal identifying information may be redacted in accordance with KRS 61.878, which protects privacy interests while maintaining the public's right to information.
How to Look Up Owensboro Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Owensboro, Kentucky. Individuals seeking this information may utilize any of the following methods:
In-person requests at the Owensboro Police Department, located at 222 East 9th Street, Owensboro, KY 42303. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (270) 687-8888.
Direct inquiries to the Daviess County Sheriff's Office at 212 St. Ann Street, Suite 103, Owensboro, KY 42303. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (270) 685-8444.
Submission of written requests to the Daviess County Detention Center at 3337 Highway 144, Owensboro, KY 42303. Telephone: (270) 685-8466.
Utilization of the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, which provides access to court records related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.
Examination of records at the Daviess County Clerk's Office, located at 212 St. Ann Street, Room 104, Owensboro, KY 42303. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Telephone: (270) 685-8434.
Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any additional identifying information. Pursuant to KRS 61.874, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records, typically ranging from $0.10 to $0.25 per page, plus any applicable search fees for extensive requests.
Contents of an Owensboro Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Owensboro law enforcement agencies contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event and the individual's processing through the criminal justice system. These records typically include:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Arrest details, including the date, time, and specific location where the apprehension occurred.
Statutory citations and descriptions of the alleged criminal violations leading to the arrest.
Identity of the arresting agency and the name or badge number of the arresting officer(s).
Booking information, including the unique booking identification number assigned to the case.
Photographic documentation (mugshots) taken during the booking process, typically including front and profile views.
Fingerprint impressions collected during processing, which are subsequently submitted to state and federal criminal identification databases.
Detention status information, including bond amounts, if applicable, and custody location.
Preliminary hearing schedules and initial court appearance information.
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction, if applicable.
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal proceedings. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions or limited information in accordance with KRS 61.878(1)(h), which permits withholding information that might compromise active law enforcement proceedings.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Owensboro
Kentucky law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records in Owensboro and throughout the Commonwealth. Pursuant to KRS 431.073 and KRS 431.076, eligible individuals may petition the court to have records of arrests, charges, or convictions vacated and expunged under specific circumstances.
The expungement process requires the following procedural steps:
Filing of a formal petition in the Daviess Circuit Court, located at 100 East 2nd Street, Owensboro, KY 42303. Telephone: (270) 687-7200.
Payment of the statutory filing fee of $100, as established by KRS 431.073(10), unless the court grants a waiver based on indigency.
Submission to a comprehensive criminal background check conducted by the Kentucky State Police.
Participation in a judicial hearing, if scheduled by the court, to determine eligibility.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Kentucky include:
For arrests not resulting in charges: Immediate eligibility for expungement petition under KRS 431.076.
For dismissed charges: Eligibility after 60 days if dismissed with prejudice, or after the statute of limitations expires if dismissed without prejudice.
For acquittals: Immediate eligibility following the verdict.
For certain misdemeanor convictions: Eligibility five years after completion of sentence, provided the petitioner has no pending charges and no felony convictions during the five-year period.
For certain Class D felonies: Eligibility five years after completion of sentence, subject to additional statutory requirements and exclusions.
Successful expungement results in the sealing of all official records related to the arrest, including court records, police reports, and detention center documentation. Following expungement, the individual may legally state that the arrest or conviction never occurred. However, expunged records remain accessible to courts and law enforcement agencies for limited purposes, including subsequent sentencing determinations and peace officer certification reviews.
Certain offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement, including most violent crimes, sexual offenses, offenses against children, and felonies involving official misconduct by public officials.
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