Pickerington Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Pickerington, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in Pickerington, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The City of Pickerington maintains these records in accordance with statutory requirements to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations and judicial proceedings.
Members of the public may access these records through designated channels established by local law enforcement agencies and court systems. The public nature of these records serves multiple civic purposes, including:
- Promoting accountability within the criminal justice system
- Enabling community awareness of law enforcement activities
- Supporting journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
- Facilitating background checks for employment and housing purposes
- Providing statistical data for policy development and research
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or withheld if they contain sensitive information protected by privacy laws, involve ongoing investigations, or include details about minors. The Pickerington Police Department follows established protocols for determining which components of arrest records must be withheld in accordance with applicable exemptions under Ohio law.
How to Look Up Pickerington Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Pickerington provides multiple avenues for accessing arrest records. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following official channels:
In-person requests may be submitted at the Pickerington Police Department located at:
Pickerington Police Department
1311 Refugee Road
Pickerington, OH 43147
Phone: (614) 575-6911
City of Pickerington Police Department
Office hours for public record requests are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. Requesters must complete a standard public records request form, which can be obtained at the front desk. Identification may be required, though Ohio law does not mandate that requesters identify themselves or state the purpose of their request.
Electronic access to certain arrest information is available through the Fairfield County Municipal Court's online portal. This system provides case information for arrests that have resulted in formal charges within the court's jurisdiction.
Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division at the address listed above. 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 Pickerington Police Department typically processes requests within 3-5 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6) and are as follows:
- Paper copies: $0.05 per page
- Electronic copies: No charge if provided via email
- Certified copies: $1.00 per document plus copy fees
Contents of a Pickerington Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Pickerington Police Department and Fairfield County law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code 4501:2-10. These records document the circumstances and processing of individuals taken into custody and generally include:
Subject identification information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Physical descriptors (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address at time of arrest
- Government-issued identification numbers (redacted in public copies)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory violations and offense descriptions
- Incident report number and booking reference
- Weapon involvement, if applicable
Processing documentation:
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint classification data
- Property inventory
- Medical screening information (partially redacted in public copies)
- Temporary detention location
Case disposition information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Case number
- Bond amount and conditions
- Preliminary hearing date
- Initial plea entered
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 resulted in no charges or were subsequently dismissed remain in the system but may be noted with the appropriate disposition status.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Pickerington
The State of Ohio provides legal mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as codified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.61. Individuals with arrest records in Pickerington may petition for expungement through the Fairfield County Court of Common Pleas or Fairfield County Municipal Court, depending on the nature of the original case.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Pickerington include:
- For cases resulting in acquittal, dismissal, or no bill: Individuals may apply immediately after case conclusion
- For minor misdemeanor convictions: Eligible one year after final discharge
- For other misdemeanor convictions: Eligible one year after final discharge if the applicant has no more than one misdemeanor conviction
- For certain felony convictions: Eligible three years after final discharge if the applicant meets statutory requirements
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the appropriate court
- Payment of filing fees (currently $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies)
- Completion of a background check through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation
- Attendance at a scheduled hearing before a judge
- Demonstration that the applicant has been rehabilitated
Upon approval of an expungement petition, the court issues an order to all relevant agencies, including the Pickerington Police Department, to seal the records. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(C)(2), sealed records are removed from public access and may only be viewed by law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances prescribed by law.
Expunged records are not destroyed but are segregated from public records and may not be disclosed except under specific statutory exceptions. Individuals whose records have been expunged may legally state that the arrest did not occur in most circumstances, including on employment applications.
Applications for expungement may be filed at:
Fairfield County Municipal Court
136 W. Main Street
Lancaster, OH 43130
Phone: (740) 687-6621
Fairfield County Municipal Court
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