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Cerro Gordo County, Iowa Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa?

Arrest records in Cerro Gordo County are public documents pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Open Records Law. This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Cerro Gordo County, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The Iowa Open Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities.

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within their jurisdiction, which includes rural areas of the county and several smaller municipalities. These records are considered public information under Iowa Code § 22.2, which states that "every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record and to publish or otherwise disseminate a public record or the information contained in a public record."

Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in cases involving:

  • Ongoing investigations
  • Juvenile records
  • Records sealed by court order
  • Information that would jeopardize an individual's safety
  • Records containing confidential personal information as defined in Iowa Code § 22.7

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cerro Gordo County?

Cerro Gordo County provides digital access to certain arrest records through official county platforms. The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate population report that is updated regularly. This report, accessible through the CGSO Jail Online Population Report, provides information about current inmates including names, charges, and booking dates.

The Iowa Judicial Branch also maintains the Iowa Courts Online Search system, which allows members of the public to access court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings in Cerro Gordo County. This system provides case information including:

  • Case numbers
  • Charges filed
  • Court dates
  • Disposition information
  • Sentencing details when applicable

Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 22.10, government bodies are encouraged to implement electronic access to public records where feasible. The online availability of these records enhances public access while reducing administrative burden on county offices.

How to Look Up Cerro Gordo County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Cerro Gordo County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

Online Resources:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may submit requests in person at:

Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office
17262 Lark Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401
Phone: 641-421-3000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Cerro Gordo County Clerk of Court
Cerro Gordo County Courthouse
220 N. Washington Avenue
Mason City, IA 50401
Phone: 641-423-8624
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to either of the above addresses. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, requests should include:

  • Specific information being requested
  • Requestor's contact information
  • Date range of records sought
  • Any identifying information to assist in locating records

Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with Iowa Code § 22.3, which permits charging reasonable fees that do not exceed the actual cost of providing the records. Current fees include $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.

Contents of a Cerro Gordo County Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Cerro Gordo County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. Standard information included in these records is as follows:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual
  • Any known aliases or alternative names
  • Date of birth and age at time of arrest
  • Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
  • Home address (may be partially redacted in public versions)
  • Date, time, and location of the arrest
  • Specific criminal charges filed, with reference to applicable Iowa Code sections
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Mason City Police Department, etc.)
  • Booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots)
  • Fingerprint information
  • Case or incident number
  • Bail or bond information
  • Detention status
  • Court appearance dates

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Iowa law enforcement standards and retention schedules established by the Iowa Records Commission. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.7(5), certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records if disclosure would jeopardize an investigation or constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cerro Gordo County

Under Iowa law, certain individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records expunged from public access. The expungement process in Cerro Gordo County is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 901C, which provides specific criteria for record expungement.

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2, individuals may petition for expungement if:

  • The criminal case was dismissed with prejudice
  • The defendant was acquitted of all charges
  • The defendant has been granted a deferred judgment and has successfully completed the terms of probation
  • More than 180 days have passed since the date of the arrest, and no charges were filed

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Cerro Gordo County Clerk of Court. The petition must include:

  • The date of the arrest
  • The county where the arrest occurred
  • The case number
  • The name of the agency that made the arrest
  • The offense for which the person was arrested

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing. If the court determines that the statutory requirements have been met, an order of expungement will be issued. This order directs all agencies with custody of the records to remove them from the public record and mark them as expunged.

It is important to note that expunged records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes, but they will no longer be available to the general public through standard record searches.

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