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Middletown Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Middletown, Ohio?

Arrest records in Middletown, Ohio are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, must be made available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. The Middletown Division of Police maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements, ensuring accountability in governmental operations and law enforcement activities.

The Ohio Public Records Act defines public records as any records kept by public offices, including municipal police departments. Under this statute, members of the public have the legal right to inspect and obtain copies of arrest records maintained by the Middletown Division of Police. These provisions support the fundamental principle that government activities, particularly those involving the detention of citizens, should remain transparent and subject to public scrutiny.

How to Look Up Middletown Arrest Records in 2025

The Middletown Division of Police Records Section provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following official channels:

In-person requests at the Middletown Division of Police Records Section, located at One Donham Plaza, Middletown, Ohio 45042. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Electronic access through the Middletown Police Records System, which provides a searchable database of arrest records.
Written requests submitted via postal mail to: Middletown Division of Police, Records Section, One Donham Plaza, Middletown, Ohio 45042.
Telephone inquiries at (513) 425-7700 during regular business hours for basic information and guidance on record requests.
Review of court records at the Middletown Municipal Court, which maintains documentation of arrests that have resulted in criminal charges.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records for inspection and make copies available within a reasonable period. The Middletown Division of Police typically processes record requests within 3-5 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

Contents of a Middletown Arrest Record

Standard arrest records maintained by the Middletown Division of Police contain comprehensive documentation of the arrest event. These records typically include the following elements:

Subject identification information, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and address of residence
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory violations and specific charges filed against the individual
Arresting officer information and badge number
Incident report number and booking reference codes
Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots")
Fingerprint classification data
Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
Detention facility information
Bail or bond determination and conditions
Preliminary hearing date, if applicable
Vehicle information, when relevant to the arrest

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including Social Security numbers, medical information, and information that would jeopardize ongoing investigations.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The disclosure of arrest records in Middletown operates within a specific legal framework established by state and federal statutes. The Ohio Public Records Act serves as the primary authority governing access to these documents, with several key provisions affecting availability:

Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 establishes the presumption that all government records are public unless specifically exempted.
Records of juvenile arrests (under age 18) are subject to different disclosure rules under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14, with greater confidentiality protections.
Federal regulations, including provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, may limit the disclosure of certain arrest information in specific circumstances.
The Middletown Municipal Court operates under Ohio Rules of Superintendence Rule 44, which governs public access to court records related to arrests.

The Middletown Municipal Court Criminal Division processes all misdemeanor citations and criminal complaints resulting from arrests within the jurisdiction. Court records related to these proceedings are maintained separately from police arrest records but are similarly accessible to the public under applicable laws.

Fees and Processing Times for Record Requests

The Middletown Division of Police assesses reasonable fees for copying and providing arrest records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1). Current fee schedules for record requests are as follows:

Standard arrest record copy: $5.00 per report
Certified copies: Additional $2.00 per document
Photographs: $3.00 per image
Audio/video recordings: $10.00 per disc
Background check reports: $25.00 per individual

Payment must be made by cash, money order, or credit card. Personal checks are not accepted. Fee waivers may be available in cases of demonstrated financial hardship, pursuant to departmental policy.

Processing times for record requests typically follow these guidelines:

Standard requests: 3-5 business days
Complex or extensive requests: 7-10 business days
Certified document requests: 5-7 business days
Background check requests: 7-10 business days

Limitations on Access to Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public, certain statutory exemptions and practical limitations affect their accessibility. The following restrictions may apply to arrest record requests in Middletown:

Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(2)(a).
Information that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel may be redacted.
Records sealed by court order following expungement are not available for public inspection.
Juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality requirements.
Records containing confidential informant information are exempt from disclosure.
Medical information contained within arrest records is protected from disclosure.
Traffic violations that do not result in physical arrest may be maintained in separate record systems.

The Middletown Division of Police Records Section determines applicable exemptions on a case-by-case basis in accordance with state law. Requestors may appeal denial decisions through administrative channels or seek judicial review in the Butler County Court of Common Pleas.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Middletown

Under Ohio law, individuals may petition for the expungement (sealing) of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Middletown is governed by Ohio Revised Code §§ 2953.31-2953.36 and requires judicial approval. Eligibility criteria include:

First-time offenders may apply for expungement one year after final discharge for misdemeanors and three years after final discharge for felonies.
Individuals with multiple convictions face more restrictive eligibility requirements.
Certain offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses, are ineligible for expungement.
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may be expunged immediately upon conclusion of proceedings.

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Middletown Municipal Court located at One Donham Plaza, Middletown, Ohio 45042. Required forms are available at the court clerk's office or online. Upon approval of an expungement petition, all public records of the arrest are sealed and removed from public access, though they remain available to law enforcement agencies for official purposes.