Waterloo Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Waterloo, Iowa?
Arrest records in Waterloo, Iowa are considered public information pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Public Records Law. This legislation establishes the fundamental right of citizens to access government records, including those pertaining to arrests made within city limits. The Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office and Waterloo Police Department maintain these records as part of their official documentation of law enforcement activities.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes:
- Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
- Enables community oversight of police activities
- Provides information for background checks and public safety awareness
- Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
Certain exceptions to public disclosure exist under Iowa Code § 22.7, which protects specific categories of records from release. These protected categories include juvenile records, ongoing investigation materials, and records sealed by court order. Additionally, the Iowa Criminal History Record Check Program, administered by the Iowa Department of Public Safety, governs the dissemination of comprehensive criminal history information.
How to Look Up Waterloo Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for members of the public seeking to obtain arrest records in Waterloo, Iowa. The following methods represent the primary means of accessing this information as of 2025:
In-person requests may be submitted at:
Waterloo Police Department Records Division
715 Mulberry Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 291-4340
Waterloo Police Department
Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office
225 East 6th Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 291-2587
Black Hawk County Sheriff
Hours of operation for both agencies are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays.
Written requests for arrest records must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Approximate date of arrest
- Case number (if available)
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized signature (for certain requests)
Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 661-82.3, fees may apply for record retrieval and reproduction. Standard fees include $15 for a basic record search and $0.25 per page for photocopies. Payment methods accepted include cash, money order, or credit card for in-person requests.
Online access to limited arrest information is available through the Waterloo Police Department's website, which publishes daily arrest logs and calls for service reports in PDF format.
Contents of a Waterloo Arrest Record
Standard arrest records maintained by Waterloo law enforcement agencies contain specific categories of information as prescribed by Iowa Administrative Code 661-82.2. These records typically include:
Biographical information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Known aliases or alternative names
- Date of birth
- 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 arrest
- Statutory charges filed
- Iowa Code sections allegedly violated
- Classification of offense (misdemeanor or felony)
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification data
Case processing information:
- Booking number and facility
- Bond amount and type (if applicable)
- Court docket number
- Initial appearance date
- Detention status
The Iowa Uniform Crime Reporting system requires standardized documentation of arrests, ensuring consistency across jurisdictions. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 690.2, law enforcement agencies must collect and maintain fingerprint and photographic identification of persons arrested for serious misdemeanors and all felonies.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Waterloo
Iowa law provides mechanisms for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The legal process for expungement in Waterloo is governed by Iowa Code § 901C.2, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may petition for expungement when:
- The case resulted in an acquittal or dismissal of all charges
- The defendant has paid all court costs, fees, and financial obligations
- At least 180 days have elapsed since the date of acquittal or dismissal
- The case did not involve operating while intoxicated or a commercial driver's license holder
The expungement petition must be filed with:
Black Hawk County Clerk of District Court
316 East 5th Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
Phone: (319) 833-3331
Iowa Judicial Branch
Filing fees for expungement petitions are set at $85 per case as of 2025, pursuant to Iowa Code § 602.8105. Fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants who complete an Application and Affidavit to Defer Payment of Costs.
Upon successful expungement, Iowa Code § 901C.2(5) mandates that the record be removed from the criminal history data available to the public. However, the record remains accessible to:
- Criminal justice agencies for legitimate investigative purposes
- The department of corrections for supervision assessment
- Judicial officers and court staff in the performance of official duties
- The Iowa Board of Parole for consideration in parole decisions
Expunged records do not appear in background checks conducted by most employers or housing providers, though certain positions requiring heightened security clearance may have access to sealed records.
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