Idaho Arrest Records

Per Idaho Code § 67-3001(4), an arrest record is an official document containing details of the apprehension or detention of an alleged criminal. In Idaho, these records are created by law enforcement agencies like the Idaho State Police, county sheriff's offices, and city police departments when they apprehend individuals suspected of committing criminal offenses. Arrest records are public records disseminated to different individuals to promote public safety. Typically, an arrest record comprises the following information:

• The detainee's person's full name
• Age, mugshot, and race
• Arrest location
• The date and time of the arrest
• Statute/charge(s)
• Arresting agency identifier
• The name of the arresting agency
• Number of counts charged at the time of arrest
• The case number assigned by the arresting agency
• Details of the offense, as well as the basis of probable cause

Are Arrest Records Public in Idaho?

Yes, arrest records are generally public under the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code § 74-102). This Act establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy arrest records maintained by any law enforcement agency. However, some arrest records or information are deemed confidential, especially when considered sensitive or likely to put the safety or well-being of their subject in jeopardy. For example, investigatory, juvenile arrest, and arrest records containing any identifying information of a victim or witness are exempt from public disclosure.

How Do I Look Up Arrest Records in Idaho?

There are various local, state, and federal resources with which inquirers can look up arrest records in Idaho. Some of these resources are as follows:

• Local resources:

Inquirers may search Idaho arrest records at city police departments and county sheriff's offices. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. For example, the Blaine County Sheriff's Office provides Recent Arrest information to members of the public online. Arrest records requests to the City of Fruitland Police Department should be made in writing by submitting a Police Records Request form.

State Resources:

The Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) administers public criminal records accessible to citizens, facilitating the lookup of individuals' arrest records. Individuals can access arrest records by conducting a:

• Name-Based Background Check: Requesters must complete the Name-Based Criminal Background Check Form. The form must be accompanied by a $20 fee payable by check, cash, credit, or debit card. Card payments attract an additional processing fee of $1.00 in addition to 3% of the total transaction amount.
• **Fingerprint-Based Background Checks: **Requesters must submit a complete set of fingerprint cards, a Fingerprint Criminal Background Check Form, and a fee of $20 to the BCI. The payment method is similar to that of a name-based background check. The fingerprint card must contain the date and the signature of the official taking the fingerprints. The date on the card must be within 180 days of the submission of the request. The fingerprint cards must also include specific information like:
• Subject’s name and alias
• Current address
• Citizenship
• Date and place of birth
• Reason for being fingerprinted
• Signature of requester

Federal Resource:

Individuals seeking arrest records in Idaho can obtain an Identity History Summary, commonly known as a "rap sheet," from the FBI for $18. Requests can be made online, by mail, or through an FBI-approved channeler.

To request online, applicants can visit the Identity History Summary Checks website. Inquirers can submit their requests by following the steps outlined in the "Obtaining Your Identity History Summary" section. For electronic submission directly to the FBI, visit a participating U.S. Post Office is required to submit fingerprints electronically. The application and payment must be completed electronically before visiting the Post Office. Alternatively, applicants can mail the completed fingerprint card and confirmation email to the address provided if not using a U.S. Post Office. The request will be processed as an electronic submission upon receiving the fingerprint card, with additional fees applicable. Individuals requesting an arrest record by mail must submit a completed Applicant Information Form to:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306

The form must be submitted alongside a fingerprint card and a fee of $18. The fee can be paid via credit card or a money order/certified check payable to the Treasury of the United States.

Free Arrest Record Search in Idaho

Idaho arrest records are accessible for free on some county sheriff's websites. For example, the Canyon County Sheriff's Office has an Arrest Log where individuals can find information on current arrestees for free.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Idaho?

In Idaho, arrest records remain in a criminal record indefinitely unless the subject takes specific legal action to remove the information completely. Typically, arrest records are only removed when there is approval for expungement.

How to Seal Arrest Record in Idaho

An expungement excludes a person's arrest record or history from public access. Per Idaho Code 67-3004(10), the following individuals may have their arrest records expunged:

• Individuals who were arrested and have not been charged by indictment or information within a year of the arrest;
• Individuals who were acquitted of all offenses arising from an arrest or had all charges dismissed.

Eligible petitioners must mail an Expungement Application form to the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). The processing time is 30 days. Applicants interested in receiving mail notifications regarding their expungement may send a self-addressed stamped envelope with the application. The mailing address is:

*Idaho State Police *

*700 W Stratford Dr. Ste. 120 *

Meridian ID 83642

Fax: (208) 884-7193

BCI requires that the applicant submit one of the following documents with the application form:

• Criminal citation
• Criminal complaint and summons
• An indictment
• Information

AND a certified copy of any of the following:

• Court order of acquittal that states the person is not guilty of the crime(s) charged
• A court order that shows the crime was dismissed.

Inquirers may review the Expungement Flow Chart page on the Idaho State Police site to better understand the process of applying for the expungement of arrest records in Idaho.