Sedgwick County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Sedgwick County

Arrest records in Sedgwick County are considered public information under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq. This statute establishes the presumption that all government records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by law. Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-217(g)(2), public records include those made, maintained, or kept by any public agency, including law enforcement agencies such as the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office.

It is important for members of the public to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records:

• Arrest Records: Document the fact that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement. These records exist regardless of whether charges were filed or the individual was convicted.
• Conviction Records: Document that an individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding.

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Records Division maintains arrest records and makes them available to the public in accordance with state law. However, certain information within arrest records may be redacted or restricted if it falls under one of the exceptions outlined in K.S.A. § 45-221, such as information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy or information that could jeopardize an ongoing investigation.

What's in Sedgwick County Arrest Records

Sedgwick County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
• Gender
• Race/ethnicity
• Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
• Address at time of arrest
• Booking photograph (mugshot)
• Fingerprints

Arrest Details:

• Date and time of arrest
• Location of arrest
• Arresting agency
• Arresting officer's name and badge number
• Reason for arrest
• Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

• Criminal charges filed
• Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor, etc.)
• Charge description
• Statute or ordinance violated
• Case number

Warrant Information (if applicable):

• Warrant number
• Issuing court
• Date issued
• Type of warrant

Booking Information:

• Booking date and time
• Booking agency
• Booking officer
• Inmate identification number

Bond/Bail Information:

• Bond amount
• Bond type
• Bond status
• Release eligibility

Court Information:

• Court of jurisdiction
• Scheduled court appearances
• Court case number

Custody Status:

• Current detention status
• Facility of incarceration
• Expected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

• Prior arrest history
• Probation/parole status
• Risk assessment scores
• Medical screening information (non-private)
• Property inventory

The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Sedgwick County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Sedgwick County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that are accessible through established procedures:

1. Submit a Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) Request:

   • Complete the official KORA request form available from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Records Division.
   • Include specific information about the record being requested (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest).
   • Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email to the designated KORA officer.
   • Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (fees are established pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-219).

2. Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division in person:

   Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Records Division
   141 W. Elm Street
   Wichita, KS 67203
   (316) 660-3888
   Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Records

   Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

3. Request Criminal History Information:

   • For official criminal history records, submit a request to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI).
   • Complete the required forms and provide fingerprints if necessary.
   • Pay the established fee for record search and retrieval.

4. Court Records Search:

   • Visit the Sedgwick County District Court Clerk's Office for records related to criminal cases.
   • Search court records using the public access terminals available at the courthouse.
   • Request copies of specific case documents related to arrests and subsequent proceedings.

   Sedgwick County District Court
   525 N. Main Street
   Wichita, KS 67203
   (316) 660-5800

Requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification when requesting records in person and should allow adequate processing time for record retrieval, which may vary depending on the complexity of the request and current workload of records personnel.

How To Find Sedgwick County Arrest Records Online

Sedgwick County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient access to public information while maintaining compliance with state laws regarding record disclosure:

1. Sedgwick County Inmate Search:

   • Navigate to the Sedgwick County Inmate Search portal.
   • Enter search criteria such as the individual's name or booking number.
   • Review results showing current inmates in custody of the Sedgwick County Sheriff.
   • Access basic arrest information, charges, and custody status.

2. Kansas Criminal Justice Information System (KCJIS):

   • Authorized users can access the KCJIS portal maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.
   • This system provides comprehensive criminal history information for law enforcement and approved agencies.
   • Public access is limited to authorized purposes and requires proper credentials.

3. Kansas Department of Corrections Offender Search:

   • Use the Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER) to find information about individuals under supervision.
   • Search by name or Kansas Department of Corrections number.
   • View information about current inmates and those on parole or post-release supervision.

4. Sedgwick County District Court Records:

   • Access the Kansas District Court Public Access portal.
   • Search for criminal cases by name or case number.
   • Review case information including charges, hearings, and disposition.
   • Note that full case documents may require in-person requests.

5. Sheriff's Office Website:

   • Visit the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office website for information about recent arrests and booking logs.
   • Check for press releases about significant arrests or incidents.
   • Access information about most wanted individuals and outstanding warrants.

When using online resources, users should be aware that information may be limited compared to official records obtained through formal requests. Additionally, online records may not include expunged or sealed cases, and there may be a delay between an arrest and when the information appears in online databases.

How To Search Sedgwick County Arrest Records for Free?

Members of the public have several options for accessing Sedgwick County arrest records without incurring fees. These free resources provide basic information while more detailed records may require payment of statutory fees:

1. Online Inmate Search:

   • The Sedgwick County Inmate Search database is available at no cost.
   • This resource provides information on currently incarcerated individuals.
   • Search by name to view booking information, charges, and custody status.
   • The database is updated regularly to reflect current inmate population.

2. Public Access Terminals:

   • Visit the Sedgwick County Courthouse to use public access terminals.
   • These terminals provide free access to basic court case information.
   • Located in the public areas of the courthouse during regular business hours.

   Sedgwick County Courthouse
   525 N. Main Street
   Wichita, KS 67203
   (316) 660-5800
   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

3. Sheriff's Office Website:

   • The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office website provides free information about recent significant arrests.
   • Press releases about major incidents are available at no cost.
   • Warrant information and most wanted lists can be viewed without charge.

4. Public Records Inspection:

   • Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-218) allows for free inspection of public records during regular business hours.
   • While copying fees may apply, viewing records in person is typically free of charge.
   • Contact the Sheriff's Records Division to schedule a time to inspect available records.

5. Local Library Resources:

   • Wichita Public Library provides free internet access to search public databases.
   • Library staff may assist with navigating public records resources.
   • Some historical arrest information may be available through newspaper archives.

It is important to note that while basic record inspection may be free, fees may apply for copies, certified records, or extensive searches requiring staff time. Additionally, some detailed criminal history information may only be available through paid services or formal requests to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Sedgwick County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Sedgwick County involves legal procedures established under Kansas law. There are two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement and sealing.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

• Expungement: Under K.S.A. § 21-6614, expungement is the legal process that removes an arrest or conviction from public records. While records are not physically destroyed, they are removed from public access and the individual may legally state they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense.
• Sealing: This process restricts access to records without completely removing them. Sealed records remain available to law enforcement and certain government agencies but are not accessible to the general public.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Pursuant to Kansas law, arrest records may be eligible for expungement under the following circumstances:

1. The arrest was made with probable cause but no charges were filed.
2. The case was dismissed or the defendant was acquitted.
3. The defendant completed a diversion agreement.
4. The defendant completed their sentence for a conviction and has satisfied the waiting period required by statute (varies by offense type).
5. The arrest was the result of mistaken identity or false information.

Expungement Process:

1. Determine Eligibility:

   • Review the specific requirements under K.S.A. § 21-6614.
   • Ensure all waiting periods have been satisfied (typically 3-5 years for misdemeanors and 5-10 years for felonies, depending on the offense).
   • Verify all fines, restitution, and court costs have been paid in full.

2. File a Petition for Expungement:

   • Obtain the appropriate petition form from the Sedgwick County District Court Clerk's Office.
   • Complete the petition with accurate information about the arrest and case.
   • Pay the filing fee (approximately $195 per case).
   • File the petition with the court where the case was handled.

   Sedgwick County District Court
   525 N. Main Street
   Wichita, KS 67203
   (316) 660-5800

3. Court Hearing:

   • The court will schedule a hearing on the petition.
   • The prosecutor's office will be notified and may object to the expungement.
   • Attend the hearing prepared to explain why expungement should be granted.

4. Order of Expungement:

   • If granted, the court will issue an Order of Expungement.
   • This order directs all agencies to remove the record from public access.
   • The petitioner should obtain certified copies of the order to provide to agencies that may have records.

5. Notification of Agencies:

   • Provide copies of the expungement order to all agencies that may have records, including:
     • Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office
     • Arresting police department
     • Kansas Bureau of Investigation
     • Federal Bureau of Investigation
     • Department of Corrections (if applicable)

Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with an attorney familiar with Kansas expungement law, as the process can be complex and requirements vary based on the specific circumstances of each case.

What Happens After Arrest in Sedgwick County?

Following an arrest in Sedgwick County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Kansas state law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

1. Booking Process:

   • The arrestee is transported to the Sedgwick County Detention Facility.
   • Personal information is recorded, including name, address, and demographic details.
   • Fingerprints and photographs (mugshots) are taken.
   • Personal property is inventoried and secured.
   • Medical screening is conducted to identify immediate health concerns.
   • The arrestee is placed in appropriate housing within the facility.

2. Initial Appearance/First Appearance:

   • Occurs within 48 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays).
   • The judge informs the defendant of the charges and their constitutional rights.
   • Bail or bond conditions are established.
   • For misdemeanors, a plea may be entered at this stage.
   • For those who cannot afford an attorney, a public defender may be appointed.

3. Bail/Bond Determination:

   • The court sets bail based on factors including:
     • Severity of the alleged offense
     • Criminal history
     • Flight risk
     • Community ties
     • Public safety considerations
   • Types of release may include:
     • Release on own recognizance (ROR)
     • Cash bond
     • Surety bond
     • Property bond
     • Conditional release with supervision

4. Preliminary Hearing (for felony cases):

   • Typically occurs within 10-14 days of the first appearance.
   • The prosecution must demonstrate probable cause that a crime was committed and the defendant committed it.
   • If probable cause is established, the case proceeds to arraignment.
   • If not, charges may be dismissed.

5. Arraignment:

   • Formal reading of charges against the defendant.
   • Defendant enters a plea (guilty, not guilty, no contest).
   • Trial date may be set if a not guilty plea is entered.

6. Pre-trial Proceedings:

   • Discovery process where evidence is exchanged between prosecution and defense.
   • Pre-trial motions may be filed (e.g., motion to suppress evidence).
   • Plea negotiations may occur between defense and prosecution.

7. Trial:

   • Jury selection (for jury trials).
   • Opening statements by prosecution and defense.
   • Presentation of evidence and witness testimony.
   • Closing arguments.
   • Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials).

8. Sentencing (if convicted):

   • May occur immediately after verdict or at a later date.
   • Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted.
   • Victim impact statements may be presented.
   • Judge imposes sentence based on Kansas sentencing guidelines and case factors.
   • Potential sentences include:
     • Probation
     • Fines
     • Restitution
     • Incarceration
     • Community service
     • Treatment programs

9. Post-Conviction:

   • Right to appeal within specified timeframes.
   • Potential post-conviction relief options.
   • Supervision under probation or parole if applicable.

Throughout this process, arrest records are created and maintained by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office and become part of the individual's criminal history record, accessible through the procedures outlined in previous sections.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Sedgwick County?

Arrest records in Sedgwick County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Kansas law and administrative regulations. The Kansas State Records Management Manual provides guidance on record retention for law enforcement agencies throughout the state, including Sedgwick County.

Pursuant to K.S.A. § 45-403, government agencies must follow established retention schedules for public records. For law enforcement records specifically, the following retention periods generally apply:

1. Arrest Records and Booking Information:

   • Felony Arrests: Maintained permanently or for a minimum of 25 years from the date of arrest.
   • Misdemeanor Arrests: Typically retained for 5-10 years from the date of arrest.
   • Non-Criminal Detentions: Generally kept for 3-5 years.

2. Fingerprint Records:

   • Maintained permanently in electronic databases.
   • Physical fingerprint cards may be retained for the duration of the individual's lifetime.
   • Submitted to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Federal Bureau of Investigation for inclusion in state and national databases.

3. Mugshot Photographs:

   • Retained for the same duration as the corresponding arrest record.
   • May be maintained in both physical and electronic formats.

4. Investigative Reports:

   • Homicide Cases: Maintained permanently.
   • Other Felony Cases: Retained for 25 years or until statute of limitations expires, whichever is longer.
   • Misdemeanor Cases: Kept for 5-10 years.
   • Unfounded/Unsubstantiated Cases: Generally retained for 5 years.

5. Incident Reports:

   • Typically maintained for 5-10 years depending on the nature of the incident.
   • Reports related to serious crimes may be kept longer.

It is important to note that even when records reach the end of their retention period, they may not be automatically destroyed. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Records Division follows specific procedures for record disposition, and some records may be transferred to archives for historical preservation rather than being destroyed.

Additionally, records that have been expunged pursuant to court order under K.S.A. § 21-6614 are removed from public access but may still be maintained with restricted access for law enforcement purposes.

The retention of arrest records serves several important public interests:

• Preservation of evidence for potential future legal proceedings
• Documentation of law enforcement activities for accountability
• Statistical analysis of crime patterns and trends
• Background checks for employment in sensitive positions
• Historical documentation of criminal justice system operations

How to Find Mugshots in Sedgwick County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, also known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. These images serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. In Sedgwick County, mugshots are taken as part of standard booking procedures at the Sedgwick County Detention Facility and are considered public records under certain circumstances.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Mugshots in Sedgwick County are primarily maintained by the following agencies:

1. Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office:

   • The Sheriff's Records Division maintains booking photographs as part of arrest records.
   • These images are stored in both physical and electronic formats.
   • Access is governed by the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA).

2. Detention Facility Records:

   • The Sedgwick County Detention Facility maintains mugshots of current inmates.
   • These photographs are linked to inmate records in the jail management system.

3. Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI):

   • Copies of mugshots may be forwarded to the KBI for inclusion in state criminal history records.
   • These records become part of the official state repository of criminal history information.

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Sedgwick County have several options:

1. Submit a KORA Request:

   • File a formal request with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Records Division.
   • Specify the individual's name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest.
   • Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying.

   Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office Records Division
   141 W. Elm Street
   Wichita, KS 67203
   (316) 660-3888

2. Check Current Inmate Information:

   • For individuals currently in custody, limited booking information including mugshots may be available through the Sedgwick County Inmate Search.
   • This online resource provides basic information about current inmates.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online?

While some mugshots may be available online, their accessibility varies:

1. Official Government Sources:

   • The Sedgwick County Inmate Search may display mugshots of current inmates.
   • The Sheriff's Office website may post mugshots of wanted individuals or those on most wanted lists.

2. Third-Party Websites:

   • Various commercial websites collect and publish mugshots obtained from public records.
   • These sites may charge fees for removal of images.
   • Kansas law (K.S.A. § 22-2310) prohibits commercial websites from charging fees to remove mugshots if the person was not convicted or the record was expunged.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

For official copies of mugshots, the following process applies:

1. Complete a KORA request form specifying the mugshot being requested.
2. Provide identifying information about the subject (name, DOB, date of arrest).
3. Submit the request to the Sheriff's Records Division with applicable fees.
4. Allow processing time as specified by the records division.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:

1. Expunged Records: If an arrest record has been expunged pursuant to K.S.A. § 21-6614, the associated mugshot is removed from public access.

2. Juvenile Records: Mugshots of juvenile offenders are generally not public records unless the juvenile was prosecuted as an adult.

3. Ongoing Investigations: Mugshots related to active investigations may be temporarily withheld if disclosure would interfere with the investigation.

4. Privacy Concerns: In some cases, release of mugshots may be restricted if it would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under K.S.A. § 45-221(a)(30).

Lookup Arrest Records in Sedgwick County

Inmate Search database

Criminal History Records information

Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff's Records Division

Kansas Adult Supervised Population Electronic Repository (KASPER)