Parma Heights Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Parma Heights, Ohio?
Arrest records in Parma Heights, Ohio are considered public documents pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which establishes the state's Public Records Act. This legislation mandates that governmental entities, including law enforcement agencies, make records available for inspection by members of the public during regular business hours. The statute defines public records as any records kept by public offices that document governmental activities and functions.
The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records, affirming that these documents serve the essential function of government transparency. Public access to arrest records enables citizens to monitor law enforcement activities, ensures accountability of public officials, and provides valuable information regarding public safety within the community.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in specific circumstances as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), such as:
- Records pertaining to ongoing investigations
- Juvenile records (subject to restrictions under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14)
- Records that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel
- Information that would compromise the security of the criminal justice system
Notwithstanding these exceptions, the majority of arrest records maintained by the Parma Heights Police Department remain accessible to the public in accordance with state law.
How to Look Up Parma Heights Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Parma Heights have multiple avenues through which they may obtain this information. The Ohio Public Records Act establishes that governmental agencies must provide reasonable access to public records within a reasonable time period. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records in Parma Heights:
In-Person Requests at the Parma Heights Police Department The primary repository for arrest records is the Parma Heights Police Department. Individuals may submit requests in person during regular business hours.
Parma Heights Police Department 6184 Pearl Road Parma Heights, OH 44130 Phone: (440) 884-1234 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
When making an in-person request, requestors should be prepared to provide:
- The full name of the individual whose records are being sought
- Approximate date of arrest (if known)
- Valid identification
- Completed public records request form (available at the department)
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts The county courthouse maintains records of arrests that resulted in formal charges within the jurisdiction.
Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts 1200 Ontario Street Cleveland, OH 44113 Phone: (216) 443-7950 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Online Access Systems The Parma Heights Police Department provides limited online access to certain public records. Users may search for basic arrest information through the department's public portal. Additionally, the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts maintains an electronic docket that may be searched for cases resulting from arrests in Parma Heights.
Written Requests Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(5), individuals may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email. Written requests should include:
- Specific information being requested
- Name and contact information of the requestor
- Preferred method of receiving the records
Contents of a Parma Heights Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Parma Heights Police Department typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances of an arrest and the individual taken into custody. These records are created in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10, which establishes standards for law enforcement recordkeeping. Standard arrest records in Parma Heights contain the following elements:
Biographical Information
- Full legal name of the arrestee
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity (as reported)
- Home address
- Social security number (partially redacted in public copies)
Physical Descriptors
- Height and weight
- Hair and eye color
- Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Details
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Statutory violations alleged
- Incident report number
- Arresting officer(s) identification
- Narrative description of circumstances leading to arrest
- Witness information (may be redacted)
- Property/evidence seized during arrest
Post-Arrest Processing
- Booking number
- Detention facility information
- Bond amount (if applicable)
- Court appearance date
- Case disposition (if resolved)
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h), certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies of arrest records, including social security numbers, medical information, and information that would compromise ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Parma Heights
The State of Ohio provides legal mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records maintained by the Parma Heights Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. This process is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.61.
Eligibility Criteria Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- First-time offenders who have completed all court-ordered requirements
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Cases where no formal charges were filed following arrest
- Certain non-violent offenses after statutorily prescribed waiting periods
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, eligible individuals must wait the following periods before applying for expungement:
- One year for misdemeanor convictions
- Three years for felony convictions
- Immediate eligibility for dismissals or acquittals
Application Process The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the court of jurisdiction. For arrests occurring in Parma Heights, petitions are typically filed with:
Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas 1200 Ontario Street Cleveland, OH 44113 Phone: (216) 443-8560 Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The petition must include:
- Certified copy of the final disposition of the case
- All case numbers associated with the arrest
- Fingerprint card obtained from an authorized agency
- Filing fee (approximately $50, subject to change)
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing and notify the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor may file objections to the expungement request. The court will consider factors including the petitioner's criminal history, evidence of rehabilitation, and the public interest in maintaining the record.
If granted, the expungement order directs all governmental agencies, including the Parma Heights Police Department, to seal the records relating to the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D), sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as specified by statute.
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