Des Moines Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Des Moines, Iowa?
Arrest records are public documents in Des Moines, Iowa, pursuant to the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22). This legislation establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public. The Iowa Open Records Law serves to promote governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities.
The public nature of these records allows individuals to obtain information about arrests conducted within Des Moines city limits, subject to certain statutory exemptions. Such exemptions may include records sealed by court order, juvenile records, or those pertaining to ongoing investigations where disclosure might compromise public safety or the integrity of legal proceedings.
The Polk County Sheriff's Office and Des Moines Police Department maintain these records in accordance with state retention schedules. Members of the public seeking arrest information must follow established protocols for record requests as outlined in Iowa Administrative Code.
How to Look Up Des Moines Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Des Moines. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information to facilitate record location and may be required to pay nominal fees as authorized under Iowa Code § 22.3. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest records:
- In-Person Requests at Des Moines Police Department: Individuals may submit requests by visiting the Records Division during regular business hours. Proper identification must be presented, and applicable fees paid at time of request.
Des Moines Police Department
25 East 1st Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 283-4811
www.dsm.city/departments/police
- Polk County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff maintains booking records and arrest information for the county jurisdiction.
Polk County Sheriff's Office
1985 NE 51st Place
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 286-3800
www.polkcountyiowa.gov/sheriff
- Iowa Courts Online: The Judicial Branch provides a searchable database of court records, including information about criminal cases resulting from arrests.
Iowa Judicial Branch
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 348-4700
www.iowacourts.gov
Written Requests: Formal written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the appropriate agency's records division. Requests must specify the information sought and include payment for associated fees.
Online Portal Access: The Des Moines Police Department and Polk County Sheriff's Office maintain online portals through which certain arrest information may be accessed. Users must register and may be subject to verification procedures.
Pursuant to Iowa Code § 22.3, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record reproduction and staff time required to fulfill requests. Fee schedules are established by each agency and are subject to periodic revision.
Contents of a Des Moines Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Des Moines law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Iowa Administrative Code. These documents serve as official accounts of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases or known pseudonyms
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citations and descriptions of alleged offenses
- Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
- Booking information including unique identification numbers and processing details
- Custody status and bail determination information
- Fingerprint classification data collected pursuant to Iowa Code § 690.2
- Photographic identification (mugshot) taken during booking procedures
- Incident report number and related case identifiers
- Disposition information if available (pending court appearance, released, transferred)
The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the nature of the offense, the arresting agency's protocols, and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records pertaining to arrests that result in formal charges contain additional documentation regarding court proceedings.
Law enforcement agencies in Des Moines adhere to the Iowa Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) standards for record creation and maintenance. These standards ensure uniformity and accuracy in arrest documentation across jurisdictions.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Des Moines
The expungement process in Des Moines operates under the provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 901C. Eligible individuals may petition for the removal of arrest records from public access under specific statutory conditions. The expungement procedure requires formal legal action and judicial review.
Pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2, individuals may qualify for expungement if:
- The criminal charge was dismissed with prejudice
- The defendant was acquitted (found not guilty)
- The defendant has paid all court costs, fees, and financial obligations ordered by the court
- At least 180 days have elapsed since the date of the dismissal or acquittal
- The case did not involve a deferred judgment or deferred sentence
Additional expungement provisions exist under Iowa Code § 123.46(6) for public intoxication offenses and § 907.9 for successfully completed deferred judgments. The Iowa Legislature periodically revises expungement statutes, and applicants should consult current law before proceeding.
The expungement petition must be filed in the court where the criminal case was adjudicated. Standard forms are available through the Iowa Judicial Branch website. The petition requires:
- Case number and court of jurisdiction
- Date of arrest and dismissal/acquittal
- Law enforcement agency that made the arrest
- Criminal charges that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal
- Verification of payment of all court costs and fees
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing. The county attorney's office receives notice and may object to the expungement request. If the court grants the expungement, an order is issued directing all relevant agencies to remove the record from public access.
It is important to note that expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors for legitimate law enforcement purposes pursuant to Iowa Code § 901C.2(4). Expungement does not constitute complete destruction of records but rather restricts public accessibility.
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