Arrests.org IN – Indiana Public Arrest, Inmate & Mugshot Records

Arrests.org IN serves as a central point for viewing Indiana arrest records. This tool connects users to public data from county sheriffs and police departments across the state. Users enter a name to see mugshots, charges, and booking details. The site collects data from government sources and presents it in one place. This allows for quick checks on individuals without visiting multiple county websites. Indiana law makes these records public, and this platform organizes that data for easy viewing.

Users rely on Arrests.org IN to check on friends, family, or neighbors. The search process is direct. You enter a name and a location. The results show recent bookings and older records. This data helps people know who is in custody and why. The platform covers all 92 counties in Indiana. It updates regularly to reflect new arrests made by local law enforcement.

How to Perform a Search on Arrests.org IN

Searching on Arrests.org IN requires specific steps to get the right results. The database contains millions of entries. A precise search helps filter out incorrect matches. Follow these instructions to locate the correct file.

Enter Subject Details

Locate the search box on the homepage. Type the first name and last name of the person. Correct spelling is necessary. A wrong letter will lead to zero results. If the name is common, such as “Michael Smith,” you must add more details. Include the city or county if you know it. This limits the search to a specific area.

Review the Results List

The site displays a list of potential matches. Each entry shows a small photo, full name, and age. Look at the location listed next to the name. Compare the age with what you know about the person. If you see multiple people with the same name, use the mugshot to identify the correct individual.

Analyze the Full Record

Click on the name to open the full report. This page lists the specific charges. It shows the date of the arrest and the agency responsible. You will see the bond amount if the judge set one. Read the statute codes listed next to the charges. These codes identify the specific law the person allegedly broke.

Indiana Arrest Records vs. Criminal Records

People often confuse arrest records with criminal records. They are different documents. An arrest record shows that police took a person into custody. It proves suspicion, not guilt. Police create this record at the jail during booking. It exists even if the prosecutor drops the charges later.

A criminal record lists convictions. This document comes from the court system. It shows that a judge or jury found the person guilty. A criminal record includes the sentence, such as prison time or probation. Employers look for criminal records to see proven offenses. An arrest record only shows police contact.

The Life Cycle of a Record

• Arrest: Police detain a suspect. They create a booking record with a mugshot.
• Charge: The prosecutor files formal charges. A court case begins.
• Disposition: The court decides the outcome. This can be guilty, not guilty, or dismissed.
• Conviction: If guilty, the arrest becomes part of the permanent criminal history.

Reading an Indiana Booking Report

Booking reports contain specific terms and codes. Knowing what these mean helps you interpret the data correctly. The report gives a snapshot of the situation at the time of arrest.

Mugshot and Physical Details

The mugshot is the photo taken at the jail. It identifies the person. The report also lists height, weight, hair color, and eye color. These details confirm the identity of the suspect. Tattoos and scars may also appear in the description.

Charge Description

This section lists the alleged crimes. It might say “Theft,” “Battery,” or “OWI” (Operating While Intoxicated). Next to the text, you will see a code like “IC 35-42-2-1”. This is the Indiana Code citation. It points to the exact written law. You can look up this code online to read the legal definition of the crime.

Bail and Bond Data

The bond amount is the money required for release. If the field says “No Bond,” the person must stay in jail. This happens in serious cases or if the person is a flight risk. If a dollar amount appears, the person can pay to leave jail until their court date.

Official Sources for Indiana Public Records

Arrests.org IN is a third-party viewer. Government agencies hold the official files. When you need a certified copy or the most current court status, use official state resources.

Indiana MyCase (Odyssey)

The Indiana Judicial Branch operates MyCase.in.gov. This is the central system for court cases. It connects to courts in nearly all counties. You can search by case number or name. MyCase shows the judge’s notes, future hearing dates, and final verdicts. It is the most accurate source for the legal status of a case.

Indiana State Police (ISP)

The Indiana State Police maintains the central repository for criminal history. They offer a “Limited Criminal History” check. This is a paid service. Employers and licensing boards often require an ISP report. It filters out non-conviction arrests in some contexts, providing a cleaner look at a person’s background.

Searching by County in Indiana

Indiana has 92 counties. Each county sheriff operates a jail. Arrests.org IN aggregates this data, but knowing the local county procedures helps when the central site is slow or outdated. Here is how to handle searches in major Indiana counties.

Marion County (Indianapolis) Arrests

Marion County is the most populous area. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office handles the jail. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) makes most arrests here. To find a person in Indianapolis, check the “Inmate Lookup” on the Sheriff’s website if Arrests.org IN does not show recent data. The inmate population changes hourly.

Lake County (Crown Point) Records

Lake County sits near Chicago. It has a high volume of records. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department manages the county jail. Users looking for records here should check for arrests from Gary, Hammond, and Crown Point. The county maintains an online roster that updates daily.

Allen County (Fort Wayne) Bookings

Allen County is home to Fort Wayne. The Allen County Sheriff’s Office provides a “Confinement Status” search. This tool shows who is currently in the jail. It lists the charges and the bond amount. Cross-reference this with Arrests.org IN to see past records for the same individual.

Hamilton County (Noblesville) Logs

Hamilton County includes Fishers and Carmel. The Sheriff’s Office here publishes a current inmate list. They also provide a list of recent releases. This helps you see if someone bonded out recently.

St. Joseph County (South Bend) Data

The St. Joseph County Police Department handles the jail in South Bend. Their records include arrests by the South Bend Police and Mishawaka Police. The county website offers a searchable inmate list. It includes the booking photo and the scheduled court date.

Indiana Inmate Search: Prisons vs. Jails

You must know the difference between a jail and a prison. Jails hold people who are waiting for trial or serving short sentences. Prisons hold people convicted of felonies with long sentences. Arrests.org IN mostly shows jail records.

Searching the Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC)

If a person is in prison, they are under the authority of the IDOC. Use the IDOC Offender Search on the state website. You need the name or the DOC number. This search shows the prison location, the earliest release date, and the specific crimes. It also lists the offender’s photo.

Using VineLink for Status Updates

VineLink is a notification service. It connects to Indiana jails and prisons. You can sign up for alerts. The system sends a text or email if the inmate moves to a new facility or gets released. This is a safety tool for victims and a monitoring tool for families.

Checking for Active Warrants in Indiana

An arrest record shows a past event. A warrant shows a future threat. A warrant means a judge has ordered the police to arrest someone. Arrests.org IN may not list active warrants unless the person was recently booked on one.

Types of Warrants

• Arrest Warrant: Issued when police suspect someone of a crime.
• Bench Warrant: Issued when a person misses a court date.
• Probation Violation Warrant: Issued when someone breaks the rules of their release.

How to Search for Warrants

Check the county sheriff’s website. Many counties publish a “Most Wanted” list or a warrant database. You can also call the court clerk in the county where the incident happened. Be careful. Asking about your own warrant can lead to your arrest.

Posting Bail and Bond in Indiana

When you find a friend or relative on Arrests.org IN, the next step is often getting them out. The record lists the bond amount. You have two main options to pay for this.

Cash Bond

You pay the full amount to the court clerk or the jail. If the bond is $500, you pay $500. The court holds this money. If the person attends all court hearings, the court returns the money at the end of the case. They may deduct court fees before returning it.

Surety Bond (Bail Bondsman)

If the bond is high, you can hire a bail bondsman. You pay them a percentage, usually 10%. This fee is non-refundable. The bondsman promises the court to pay the full amount if the person runs away. You may need to provide collateral, like a car or house title, to secure the bond.

Indiana Expungement Laws: Clearing the Record

Indiana has a “Second Chance” law. This allows people to seal their arrest and conviction records. Once sealed, the public cannot see them. Arrests.org IN must remove these records if the court orders it.

Eligibility for Expungement

Not everyone qualifies. You must wait a certain time after your conviction or arrest. For arrests with no conviction, you can file after one year. For misdemeanors, you must wait five years. For felonies, the wait is eight years or more. You cannot have any new charges during this time.

The Expungement Process

You file a petition in the county where the arrest happened. You must list every arrest and conviction you want to seal. If the judge approves, they sign an order. You send this order to the state police, the sheriff, and private data companies. They must then hide the record.

Legal Restrictions on Data Use (FCRA)

Using data from Arrests.org IN carries legal risks. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates background checks. This federal law protects job applicants and tenants.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers cannot use Arrests.org IN for official hiring decisions. They must use a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) that follows FCRA rules. If you deny a job based on a public record found here, you could face a lawsuit. You must verify the data and give the applicant a chance to dispute it.

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords screening tenants must also follow the FCRA. You cannot reject a tenant solely based on an unverified arrest record. An arrest does not prove bad behavior. Always check for a conviction through official channels.

Correcting Errors on Arrests.org IN

Public records sometimes contain mistakes. A clerk might type a name wrong. A charge might be dropped, but the site still shows it. You can fix these errors.

Removal Requests

Look for the “opt-out” or “removal” link on the website. You usually need to provide proof. Upload a court document showing the dismissal or the expungement order. The site administrators review the document. If it is valid, they take down the page or update the status.

Updating the Source

If the error comes from the sheriff’s database, the third-party site will keep showing it. You must fix the mistake at the source. Contact the agency that made the arrest. Ask them to correct their digital file. Once the official source updates, other sites will eventually reflect the change.

Indiana Sex Offender Registry

The arrest search often links to the sex offender registry. Indiana requires certain offenders to register with the sheriff. This is a separate database. It tracks people convicted of sex crimes.

Searching the Registry

Visit the Indiana Sheriff’s Sex and Violent Offender Registry. You can search by name or look at a map. The map shows offenders living near your home or school. The profile includes a photo, the address, and the specific crime. This is a safety tool for families.

Contacting Indiana County Sheriffs

Direct contact with the sheriff’s office is the best way to get current information. They can confirm if someone is in custody and explain the visitation rules. Below is a list of major county sheriff offices in Indiana.

Official State Resources

For official inquiries, use the contact details below. These agencies manage the primary data sources.

Indiana State Police (ISP)
Address: 100 N. Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-8248
Website: www.in.gov/isp

Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC)
Address: 302 W. Washington Street, Room E-334, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (317) 232-5711
Website: www.in.gov/idoc

Frequently Asked Questions

This section answers specific questions about using Arrests.org IN and handling Indiana public records. These answers provide clarity on legal rights, costs, and data accuracy.

Is Arrests.org IN free to use for searching Indiana records?

Yes, searching on Arrests.org IN is free. You can view names, mugshots, and basic charge details without paying. The site generates revenue through advertising or by offering premium background checks that include more data. While the basic view is free, obtaining certified copies of these records from a county clerk or the state police usually involves a small fee.

How often does Arrests.org IN update its database?

The frequency of updates varies by county. Some counties in Indiana push data to the system daily. Others may take several days or weeks to reflect new arrests. Because this is a third-party aggregator, there is always a lag time between the actual arrest and the record appearing on the site. For real-time data, check the specific county sheriff’s inmate roster directly.

Can I get a mugshot removed from Arrests.org IN?

You can request removal if you meet specific criteria. If your case was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or your record was expunged, you have grounds for removal. You must submit proof, such as a court order or dismissal paperwork, through the site’s contact or opt-out form. Indiana law also prohibits companies from charging a fee to remove expunged records.

What should I do if the information on the site is wrong?

If you see incorrect data, verify the official record first. Check MyCase.in.gov to see what the court file says. If the official record is correct but Arrests.org IN is wrong, send a correction request to the website with a screenshot of the official record. If the official record is also wrong, you must contact the clerk of the court or the arresting agency to fix the error at the source.

Does an arrest record on this site mean the person is guilty?

No. An arrest record only proves that police detained the person. It is not a conviction. In the United States justice system, every person is innocent until proven guilty in court. Charges listed on the site are merely accusations. The final court disposition determines guilt. Many people arrested are later released without charges or acquitted at trial.

Can I look up juvenile arrest records in Indiana?

Generally, no. Juvenile records in Indiana are confidential. They do not appear on public sites like Arrests.org IN. Access to these records is restricted to parents, guardians, attorneys, and court officials. However, if a juvenile commits a serious felony and the court waives them to adult court, that specific case becomes public record and may appear in searches.

How far back do the arrest records go?

The database includes records from many years ago. There is no automatic expiration date for public arrest records in Indiana unless they are expunged. You might find records from ten or twenty years ago. The availability of older records depends on when the specific county digitized their files and shared them with the database.