>Scott County Arrest Records Online

Scott County, Iowa Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Scott County, Iowa?

Arrest records are public documents in Scott County, Iowa, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 22, commonly known as the Iowa Public Records Law. This statute establishes that government records, including those maintained by the Scott County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to the public. The law operates under the presumption of openness, meaning all records are considered public unless specifically exempted by statute. This legal framework ensures governmental transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to obtain information about arrests and other law enforcement activities.

The Iowa Public Records Law (Iowa Code § 22.2) specifically 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." This provision applies to arrest records maintained by Scott County law enforcement agencies, making them available for public inspection during regular business hours.

Certain exceptions may apply to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal privacy in specific circumstances as outlined in Iowa Code § 22.7. However, the general rule remains that arrest records in Scott County are public information that citizens have a legal right to access.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Scott County?

Scott County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county agencies. The Scott County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current inmate information through their official inmate listing portal. This online resource is updated regularly and includes information about individuals currently in custody and those who have been in custody within the previous seven days.

The online availability of these records is consistent with Iowa Code § 22.3A, which addresses the accessibility of government records in electronic format. The statute permits agencies to provide reasonable public access to records through electronic means. Scott County has implemented this provision by establishing online databases that allow members of the public to search for arrest information without physically visiting county offices.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is available online, more comprehensive records may require formal requests through the Sheriff's Records Division. Additionally, case disposition information may be accessed through the Iowa Courts Online Search system, which provides electronic access to court dockets and case information.

How to Look Up Scott County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Scott County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:

Visit the Scott County Sheriff's Office Records Division in person to submit a formal request for arrest records. The division is located at:

Scott County Sheriff's Office
Scott County Courthouse
400 W. 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801-1104
Phone: 563-326-8625
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Access the Scott County Inmate Listing online, which provides information about current inmates and those who have been in custody within the past seven days.
Submit a request for criminal history information through the Records and Reports Division. Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 661-11.2, requestors must complete the appropriate forms and may be required to pay applicable fees.
Search court records related to arrests through the Iowa Courts Online system, which provides case information for arrests that have proceeded to court action.
Contact the Scott County Clerk of Court for records related to court proceedings stemming from arrests:

Scott County Clerk of Court
Scott County Courthouse
400 W. 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801
Phone: 563-326-8783
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information about the subject of their inquiry, including full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known. Fees may apply for certain types of record requests in accordance with Iowa Code § 22.3, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for record retrieval and copying.

Contents of a Scott County Arrest Record

Scott County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Iowa law and departmental policies. These official documents typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or alternative identifications
Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, and physical descriptors
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s) and the law enforcement agency involved
Detailed enumeration of all charges filed, including the Iowa Code sections alleged to have been violated
Classification of charges as misdemeanors or felonies, with appropriate degree designations
Booking information including the arrestee's identification number and processing details
Bail or bond amount set, if applicable, and conditions of release
Detention status indicating whether the individual remains in custody
Mugshot photographs and fingerprint records as collected during the booking process
Initial court appearance information and scheduled hearing dates
Case numbers assigned by the arresting agency and the court system

These records are maintained in accordance with Iowa Code § 804.29, which governs the documentation of arrests by peace officers. The information contained in arrest records serves both law enforcement purposes and the public's right to information about criminal justice activities in Scott County.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records, including social security numbers, medical information, and other data protected by privacy laws. Juvenile arrest records are generally confidential under Iowa Code § 232.147, with limited exceptions for specific authorized parties.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Scott County

The expungement process in Scott County allows for the removal of certain arrest records from public access under specific circumstances defined by Iowa law. Iowa Code Chapter 901C governs the expungement of criminal records, with § 901C.2 specifically addressing the expungement of dismissed and acquitted cases.

Individuals may qualify for expungement of their Scott County arrest records if they meet the following criteria:

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

Additionally, Iowa Code § 123.46(6) provides for the expungement of public intoxication arrests under certain conditions, and § 907.9 addresses expungement related to deferred judgments after successful completion of probation.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Scott County District Court. Standard forms for expungement petitions are available through the Iowa Judicial Branch website. Upon granting of an expungement order, all records pertaining to the arrest or criminal case are removed from the public record, though they may be retained by law enforcement agencies for internal use.

Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process can be legally complex, and consultation with legal counsel may be beneficial. The Scott County Bar Association can provide referrals to attorneys who specialize in expungement proceedings.