Arrest records in Perry County, Kentucky are classified as public records pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884). This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by government agencies within the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Kentucky Open Records Act specifically designates law enforcement records, including arrest documentation, as public information accessible to all citizens, with certain statutory exceptions for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and matters of public safety as outlined in KRS 61.878.
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Perry County may submit a formal request to the appropriate custodial agency. The Kentucky Open Records Act stipulates that agencies must respond to such requests within five business days. Pursuant to KRS 61.874, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and staff time required to fulfill requests, though inspection of records at agency offices is generally available at no cost.
Perry County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Kentucky Offender Search database, operated by the Kentucky Department of Corrections, provides public access to information regarding individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision within the state correctional system, including those processed through the Perry County detention facilities.
The Perry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests and subsequent judicial actions. These records may be accessed through the Kentucky Court of Justice electronic portal, though certain documents may require in-person requests due to statutory limitations on electronic dissemination of sensitive information.
It should be noted that online records may not contain comprehensive arrest information. Pursuant to KRS 17.150, certain records may be withheld from public disclosure if their release would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or compromise ongoing law enforcement operations. Additionally, records that have been sealed or expunged by court order will not appear in public databases.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Perry County as of 2025. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following procedures:
Submit a records request to the Perry County Sheriff's Office located at 459 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701. The office maintains records of arrests conducted by county law enforcement personnel and can provide copies upon proper request pursuant to KRS 61.872.
Contact the Kentucky River Regional Jail at 200 Justice Drive, Hazard, KY 41701, telephone (606) 436-4513, for booking and detention records. The facility maintains documentation of all individuals processed through the county detention system.
Visit the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 481 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701, telephone (606) 435-6093, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The clerk serves as the official custodian of court records related to criminal proceedings following arrests.
Utilize the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal to access publicly available court records associated with arrests. This system provides case summaries, hearing dates, and disposition information for cases processed through the Perry County judicial system.
Request a criminal background check through the Kentucky State Police for comprehensive arrest history information. These reports may be obtained by submitting a request form to the Records Branch at 1266 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, telephone (502) 227-8700.
Requestors should note that pursuant to KRS 61.874, agencies may assess reasonable fees for the reproduction of records. Additionally, certain identification requirements may apply when requesting records in person to verify the identity of the requestor.
Perry County arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Kentucky law enforcement protocols and judicial requirements. These documents typically include the following elements:
Demographic information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address at time of arrest
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including the jurisdiction within Perry County where the apprehension occurred
Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses, including classification as misdemeanor or felony pursuant to the Kentucky Revised Statutes
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s), including badge numbers and departmental affiliations
Booking information, including fingerprint classification, booking photograph (mugshot), and unique identification numbers assigned within the county and state criminal justice information systems
Custody status information, including bond amount if applicable, conditions of release, and detention facility assignment
Preliminary hearing dates and initial court appearances scheduled within the Perry County judicial system
Disposition information for the arrest, including whether charges were filed, dismissed, or referred to grand jury proceedings
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the arresting agency and the nature of the offense. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions pursuant to KRS 61.878(1)(h), which permits withholding information that would harm the agency if prematurely disclosed.
Kentucky law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records maintained in Perry County. Pursuant to KRS 431.073 and KRS 431.076, individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances. The expungement process effectively seals records from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and the courts for limited purposes.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Perry County include:
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Perry County Circuit Court at 481 Main Street, Hazard, KY 41701. The petition must include certified copies of relevant court records, a criminal background check obtained within thirty days of filing, and payment of the statutory filing fee of $100 per case. The court will schedule a hearing where the Commonwealth's Attorney may present objections to the expungement request.
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility for expungement may contact the Perry County Circuit Court Clerk's Office at (606) 435-6093 for procedural information. The Kentucky Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Division may also provide guidance for individuals under supervision seeking information about future expungement eligibility.