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Mason Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Mason, Iowa?

Yes, arrest records are public in Mason, Iowa. This accessibility is governed by the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), which establishes the public's right to access government records. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.2, "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." The principle behind making arrest records public is to maintain transparency in law enforcement operations and ensure accountability of government agencies to the citizenry.

The Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory duties. While most arrest information is publicly accessible, certain exceptions may apply in accordance with Iowa Code § 22.7, which outlines specific categories of confidential records, including ongoing investigation materials and juvenile records.

How to Look Up Mason Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Mason, Iowa have multiple avenues available for accessing this information. The following methods are authorized pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, which requires government bodies to provide reasonable access to public records:

In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office during regular business hours to request arrest record information. Identification may be required, and applicable fees for copying services may apply as permitted under Iowa Code § 22.3(2).
Online Database Access: The Cerro Gordo County Jail Information System provides limited public access to current inmate information and recent arrest data. This service is available 24 hours per day.
Court Records Search: The Cerro Gordo County Clerk of Court maintains records of criminal proceedings that may contain arrest information. These records can be accessed through Iowa Courts Online or in person at the courthouse.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3(1), individuals may submit written requests for specific arrest records. Agencies must respond to such requests within a reasonable timeframe.

Cerro Gordo County Sheriff's Office
17262 Lark Ave.
Mason City, IA 50401
Phone: (641) 421-3000
Official Website

Cerro Gordo County Clerk of Court
220 North Washington
Mason City, IA 50401
Phone: (641) 421-0307
Official Website

Contents of a Mason Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Mason law enforcement agencies typically contain the following information as prescribed by Iowa Administrative Code 661-8:

Full legal name and known aliases of the arrested individual
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye and hair color, identifying marks)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint records
Date, time, and location of arrest
Statutory charges filed pursuant to the Iowa Criminal Code
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking information and inmate number if applicable
Bail or bond amount as determined by the court
Court docket number and scheduled appearance dates

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 804.29, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including personal identifiers of victims in specific cases and information that could compromise ongoing investigations. Additionally, records pertaining to dismissed charges may be subject to different disclosure rules under Iowa Code § 901C.2.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The public's right to access arrest records in Mason is established through a comprehensive legal framework. Iowa's commitment to government transparency is codified in Iowa Code Chapter 22, which creates a presumption of openness for government records while balancing privacy concerns and investigative integrity.

Under Iowa Code § 22.1(3), public records include "all records, documents, tape, or other information, stored or preserved in any medium, of or belonging to this state or any county, city, township, school corporation, political subdivision, nonprofit corporation other than a fair."

The Mason City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies must comply with these statutory provisions when processing requests for arrest information. Key legal provisions governing access include:

Iowa Code § 22.2(1): Establishes the fundamental right of every person to examine public records
Iowa Code § 22.3: Outlines procedures for requesting access to records
Iowa Code § 22.7: Enumerates specific categories of confidential records
Iowa Code § 22.8: Provides for injunctions to restrain examination of specific records
Iowa Code § 22.10: Establishes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations

Local ordinances, such as those referenced in the Cerro Gordo County Zoning Ordinance, may contain additional provisions regarding public records access that complement state law requirements.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Mason

Individuals may petition for expungement of certain arrest records in Mason pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2. Expungement removes an arrest record from public access, effectively sealing it from routine background checks. The process requires filing a formal petition with the Cerro Gordo County District Court.

To qualify for expungement under Iowa law, applicants must meet specific statutory criteria:

The criminal case must have been dismissed, or the defendant found not guilty
All court costs, fees, and other financial obligations ordered by the court must be paid in full
At least 180 days must have elapsed since the dismissal or acquittal
The case must not have been dismissed due to the defendant being found incompetent to stand trial
The defendant must not have been acquitted by reason of insanity

The expungement process involves several procedural steps:

Filing a verified petition with the district court where the case was heard
Serving notice on the prosecuting attorney
Attending a hearing if scheduled by the court
Receiving a court order if expungement is granted

Upon successful expungement, pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2(5), the record is removed from the public domain, though it remains accessible to law enforcement agencies and the judicial department.

Cerro Gordo County District Court
220 North Washington
Mason City, IA 50401
Phone: (641) 421-0307
Official Website