Westerville Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Westerville, Ohio?
Arrest records in Westerville, Ohio are considered public documents and are accessible to members of the general public. This accessibility is governed by the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43), which establishes that governmental records, including those pertaining to arrests, shall be made available for public inspection. The Westerville Division of Police maintains these records in accordance with state law, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations while balancing privacy considerations as prescribed by statute. Public access to these records serves multiple civic purposes, including governmental accountability, public safety awareness, and informed community participation.
Individuals seeking arrest records should note that certain information may be redacted pursuant to exemptions outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which protects specific categories of sensitive information from disclosure. These exemptions may include juvenile records, ongoing investigation details, and certain personal identifying information as specified by law.
How to Look Up Westerville Arrest Records in 2025
The Westerville Division of Police maintains arrest records and provides multiple methods for public access to these documents. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following officially sanctioned channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Westerville Division of Police Records Bureau during standard business hours to submit a records request. Staff members will assist with the proper completion of required forms and provide guidance regarding available information.
Written Requests: Members of the public may submit written requests via postal mail. All written requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Online Portal Access: The Westerville Division of Police maintains an electronic records portal through which certain arrest information may be accessed. Users must register for an account and may be subject to identity verification procedures.
Public Records Request Form: The official City of Westerville public records request form may be utilized to formally request arrest records. This standardized form ensures all necessary information is provided to facilitate efficient processing.
Processing times for records requests vary based on request volume, complexity, and staff availability. Standard requests are typically processed within 3-5 business days, though more complex requests may require additional time.
Westerville Division of Police Records Bureau
29 South State Street
Westerville, OH 43081
(614) 901-6450
Westerville Police Department
Contents of a Westerville Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Westerville Division of Police contain standardized information as required by Ohio law and departmental policy. These official documents typically include the following elements:
Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), gender, and race.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of the arrest; arresting officer's name and badge number; agency case number; and circumstances leading to the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Specific violations of Ohio Revised Code or Westerville Municipal Code for which the individual was arrested, including statute numbers and charge descriptions.
Booking Information: Fingerprints, photographs (mugshots), property inventory, and processing details.
Custody Status: Information regarding bail, bond amounts, court dates, and detention facility.
Prior Record: References to previous arrests or convictions may be included if relevant to the current case.
Victim Information: Limited information regarding victims may be included, though such information is frequently redacted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1)(h) to protect victim privacy.
It should be noted that arrest records reflect only the fact that an arrest occurred and do not constitute proof of guilt. All arrested individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law pursuant to constitutional protections.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Westerville
The State of Ohio provides statutory mechanisms through which eligible individuals may petition for the sealing or expungement of arrest records maintained by the Westerville Division of Police and other law enforcement agencies. This legal process is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which establishes specific eligibility criteria and procedural requirements.
Individuals may qualify for expungement under the following circumstances:
- Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
- Non-conviction records (arrests not leading to formal charges)
- Successfully completed diversion programs
- Certain conviction records after statutorily defined waiting periods
- Victims of human trafficking (special provisions under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.38)
The expungement process requires petitioners to:
- File an application with the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas or Franklin County Court of Common Pleas (depending on jurisdiction of original case)
- Pay applicable filing fees (fee waivers available for indigent applicants)
- Attend a scheduled hearing before a judge
- Demonstrate eligibility under relevant statutory provisions
Upon judicial approval of an expungement petition, the court will issue an order directing the Westerville Division of Police and other relevant agencies to seal the specified records. Once sealed, these records are no longer accessible to the general public, though limited access remains available to law enforcement agencies under specific circumstances as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
117 North Union Street
Delaware, OH 43015
(740) 833-2500
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
345 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 525-3621
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
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