Berea Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Berea, Kentucky?
Arrest records are public documents in Berea, Kentucky, pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This legislation establishes that all government records, including arrest records, are presumed open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Kentucky Open Records Act serves to promote transparency in government operations and accountability within the criminal justice system. Members of the public may access these records to obtain information about law enforcement activities, including arrests made within the jurisdiction of Berea.
The public nature of these records supports several governmental and societal functions:
• Ensures transparency in the criminal justice process • Allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities • Provides information for background checks and public safety purposes • Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld if they contain information protected by privacy laws or if disclosure would compromise an ongoing investigation, as provided in KRS 61.878.
How to Look Up Berea Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Berea provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official methods:
In-Person Requests
Citizens may submit in-person requests for arrest records at the Berea Police Department. The department maintains physical copies of arrest records and booking information.
Berea Police Department
212 Chestnut Street
Berea, KY 40403
(859) 986-8456
Official Website
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
When requesting records in person, individuals must complete a public records request form as required by KRS 61.872. Proper identification may be required, and applicable fees for copying or certification may apply.
Online Access
The City of Berea has implemented digital access options for public records. Citizens may:
• Submit electronic requests through the city's Public Records Request portal • Access the Kentucky Court of Justice website for court case information • Utilize the E-Warrant system for information on outstanding warrants
Pursuant to KRS 61.874, reasonable fees may be charged for the reproduction of records but not for inspection of records.
County Court Records
For comprehensive arrest information, particularly regarding case dispositions, individuals may contact:
Madison County District Court
101 West Main Street
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 624-4702
Madison County Court Information
The District Court maintains records of criminal proceedings, including arraignments and preliminary hearings following arrests in Berea.
Contents of a Berea Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Berea Police Department and Madison County authorities typically contain standardized information as required by Kentucky law. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and may include:
Biographical Information
• Full legal name of the arrested individual • Known aliases or alternative names • Date of birth and age at time of arrest • Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks) • Residential address at time of arrest • Gender and race (for identification purposes only)
Arrest Details
• Date, time, and location of the arrest • Specific charges filed, with reference to applicable Kentucky statutes • Case number and tracking information • Name and badge number of arresting officer(s) • Agency responsible for the arrest
Processing Information
• Booking photograph (mugshot) • Fingerprint records • Personal property inventory • Detention facility information • Bail or bond amount, if applicable • Court appearance dates
In accordance with KRS 17.150, law enforcement agencies must maintain these records with appropriate safeguards for accuracy and completeness. The information contained in arrest records is subject to verification procedures and may be updated as the case progresses through the judicial system.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Berea
Kentucky law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records, allowing eligible individuals to have their records sealed from public view. The expungement process in Berea follows Kentucky state law as outlined in KRS Chapter 431.
Eligibility Criteria
Pursuant to KRS 431.073 and 431.078, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
• The arrest did not lead to a conviction • The conviction was for a qualifying misdemeanor or Class D felony • The required waiting period has elapsed (typically 5 years for misdemeanors, longer for felonies) • The individual has no pending criminal charges • The individual has not been convicted of any other criminal offense during the waiting period
Certain offenses are statutorily excluded from expungement eligibility, including:
• Sex offenses • Offenses against children • Violent crimes as defined in KRS 439.3401 • Traffic violations
Application Process
The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Madison County Circuit Court:
Madison County Circuit Court Clerk
101 West Main Street
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 624-4703
Madison County Court Information
The petition must include:
• Certified copy of the arrest record • Filing fee (currently $100 per case, subject to change) • Verification of eligibility • Criminal background check from Kentucky State Police
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The Commonwealth's Attorney and any victims have the right to present testimony regarding the expungement request.
Legal Effect of Expungement
When an expungement is granted by the court, pursuant to KRS 431.076:
• The arrest record is sealed from public view • The individual may legally state they have not been arrested for the expunged offense • The record remains accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes • The expunged record cannot be used against the individual in subsequent proceedings
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves complex legal requirements. The Kentucky Court of Justice provides standardized forms for expungement petitions, available through the District Court website.
Search Arrest Records in Berea
• Berea Police Department records • Public records request portal • City of Berea official website • Madison County Court information • Kentucky District Court resources
