> >West Burlington Arrest Records

West Burlington Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in West Burlington, Iowa?

Arrest records are public in West Burlington, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Public Records Law. This statute establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. The Iowa Public Records Law operates under the principle that governmental transparency and accountability are best served when citizens have access to information about law enforcement activities, including arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

Members of the public should be aware that while arrest records are generally available, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims in accordance with Iowa Code § 22.7, which outlines specific confidentiality exceptions. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different regulations under Iowa Code Chapter 232 and may have limited public accessibility.

How to Look Up West Burlington Arrest Records in 2025

The retrieval of arrest records in West Burlington involves several procedural options established by local and state authorities. Individuals seeking such information may utilize the following official channels:

Submit a formal request in person at the West Burlington Police Department, located at 122 Broadway Street, West Burlington, IA 52655. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Mail a written public records request to the Records Division at the West Burlington Police Department address listed above.
Contact the Des Moines County Sheriff's Office at 512 North Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601, for county-level arrest records that may include West Burlington arrests.
Access the Des Moines County Clerk of Court for court records related to arrests, located at 513 North Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601.
Utilize the Iowa Courts Online Search portal for case information resulting from arrests, though this system may not include the initial arrest records.

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, agencies may charge reasonable fees for the actual costs of providing records, including staff time for record retrieval and copying expenses. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the arrest record being sought, including the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may facilitate the search process.

Contents of a West Burlington Arrest Record

West Burlington arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Iowa law enforcement protocols. These official documents typically include the following components:

Complete legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Identifying information of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Detailed enumeration of charges filed, including Iowa Code citations
Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
Biometric data, including fingerprints and, in some cases, DNA samples
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and distinguishing physical characteristics
Residential address at time of arrest
Case or incident number assigned by law enforcement
Preliminary hearing date, if scheduled at time of booking
Bail or bond information, when applicable

In accordance with Iowa Code § 804.29, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, particularly in cases involving confidential informants, ongoing investigations, or matters of public safety. Additionally, medical information collected during booking is protected under federal HIPAA regulations and Iowa privacy statutes.

Expungement of Arrest Records in West Burlington

The expungement process for arrest records in West Burlington is governed by Iowa Code Chapter 901C. Individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances as prescribed by state law. The legal framework for expungement includes:

Iowa Code § 901C.2 permits expungement when:

The criminal charge was dismissed with prejudice
The defendant was acquitted (found not guilty)
The defendant has been granted a deferred judgment and has successfully completed the terms of probation

The procedural requirements for expungement include:

Filing a petition with the court in the county where the arrest occurred
Payment of filing fees as established by the Iowa Judicial Branch
Submission of supporting documentation verifying eligibility
Attendance at a scheduled court hearing, if required by the presiding judge

Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the arrest record from public view. Pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2(5), expunged records shall be treated as if they never occurred for most purposes. However, expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings.

Individuals seeking expungement should be aware that the process typically takes 60-90 days from filing to completion. The Des Moines County Clerk of Court, located at 513 North Main Street, Burlington, IA 52601, can provide the necessary forms and procedural guidance for initiating an expungement petition.

Agencies Maintaining West Burlington Arrest Records

Multiple governmental entities maintain and process arrest records for West Burlington. These agencies operate under specific jurisdictional authorities and maintain distinct record-keeping systems:

West Burlington Police Department
122 Broadway Street
West Burlington, IA 52655
Phone: 319-754-8555
Official Website

The West Burlington Police Department serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the city and maintains records of all arrests conducted within municipal boundaries. The Records Division processes public requests during regular business hours.

Des Moines County Sheriff's Office
512 North Main Street
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: 319-753-8212
Official Website

The Sheriff's Office maintains county-wide arrest records, including those from West Burlington when county deputies are involved in the arrest or when individuals are transferred to county detention facilities.

Des Moines County Clerk of Court
513 North Main Street
Burlington, IA 52601
Phone: 319-753-8272
Official Website

The Clerk's Office maintains all court records resulting from arrests, including case filings, hearing schedules, and disposition information. This office operates under the authority of the Iowa Judicial Branch.

Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-725-6066
Official Website

The Department of Public Safety maintains the central repository for criminal history information statewide, including arrest data from West Burlington that is reported through standardized protocols.

Legal Considerations When Accessing Arrest Records

Individuals seeking West Burlington arrest records should be cognizant of several legal considerations that govern the acquisition and use of such information:

Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.2, while arrest records are public, they represent only the fact that an arrest occurred and not a determination of guilt. The presumption of innocence applies until a conviction is secured.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) imposes restrictions on how arrest record information can be used, particularly for employment, housing, or credit decisions. Employers and landlords must comply with specific notification requirements when using arrest records in decision-making processes.
Iowa Code § 715A.8 prohibits the use of another person's identification information, including arrest records, to fraudulently obtain benefits, goods, services, or other advantages.
Dissemination of arrest record information with the intent to harass or intimidate may constitute criminal harassment under Iowa Code § 708.7.
Records that have been legally expunged should not be accessed or distributed, as doing so may violate court orders and subject the violator to contempt proceedings.
Juvenile arrest records are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Iowa Code Chapter 232 and may not be publicly accessible without specific court authorization.

Individuals who believe their arrest records contain inaccuracies may file a challenge with the originating agency. The West Burlington Police Department has established procedures for record correction in accordance with Iowa Administrative Code 661-82.3.