> >Toledo Arrest Records

Toledo Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Toledo, Ohio?

Arrest records in Toledo, Ohio are public documents pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that government records, including those documenting arrests made by law enforcement agencies, shall be accessible to members of the public upon request. The legislative intent behind this provision is to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to maintain accountability of law enforcement activities within the community.

The Ohio Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access arrest records, with limited exceptions as prescribed by statute. These exceptions primarily pertain to ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and certain sensitive information that may compromise public safety if disclosed. Members of the public seeking arrest records should be aware that while the records themselves are public, certain information contained therein may be redacted in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

How to Look Up Toledo Arrest Records in 2025

The City of Toledo has implemented several methods through which members of the public may access arrest records as of 2025. These methods have been established to comply with Ohio's public records laws while accommodating technological advancements in record-keeping systems.

Individuals seeking arrest records may utilize the following official channels:

Toledo Police Department: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records directly to the Records Section of the Toledo Police Department. Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the department's online portal.

Toledo Police Department Records Section
525 N. Erie Street
Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: (419) 245-3246
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Lucas County Clerk of Courts: The Lucas County Clerk of Courts maintains records of all criminal cases processed through the county court system, including arrest information.

Lucas County Clerk of Courts
700 Adams Street, Suite 201
Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: (419) 213-4400
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the Toledo Public Library main branch and at the Lucas County Courthouse for public use in accessing digitized arrest records.
Ohio Incident Based Reporting System (OIBRS): Law enforcement agencies throughout Ohio, including the Toledo Police Department, submit crime data to this centralized system, which may be accessed by authorized personnel for statistical and research purposes.

Requestors should note that fees may apply for copies of records, as authorized by Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6). Current fee schedules are posted at each facility where records may be requested.

Contents of a Toledo Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by the Toledo Police Department and other law enforcement agencies within Lucas County contain standardized information as required by Ohio law and departmental policies. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description, including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest, with reference to applicable sections of the Ohio Revised Code or Toledo Municipal Code
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Booking photograph ("mugshot") taken during processing
Fingerprint impressions collected during booking procedures
Property inventory documenting items in the arrestee's possession at the time of arrest
Initial case report narrative describing the circumstances leading to the arrest
Custody status information, including bond amounts if applicable

Pursuant to the Toledo Police Department's records management protocols, arrest records are maintained in both physical and digital formats, with retention schedules governed by state archival requirements and departmental policies.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Toledo, certain statutory and administrative restrictions limit access to specific categories of records or information contained within those records. These restrictions serve to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and law enforcement operational needs.

The following restrictions apply to arrest record access in Toledo:

Sealed or Expunged Records: Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32 and § 2953.52, records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court are not accessible to the general public.
Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to arrests of individuals under 18 years of age are subject to special confidentiality provisions under Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14 and are not generally available for public inspection.
Ongoing Investigations: Information related to pending investigations may be temporarily withheld if disclosure would impede law enforcement activities, as permitted under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(2).
Confidential Informant Information: Details that could identify confidential informants are exempt from disclosure requirements.
Victim Information: Certain identifying information regarding victims, particularly in cases involving sexual offenses, domestic violence, or human trafficking, may be redacted from public records.

The Code Compliance Division of Toledo may also maintain records related to arrests for municipal code violations, which are subject to similar disclosure rules.

Code Compliance Division
One Government Center, Suite 1800
Toledo, OH 43604
Phone: (419) 245-1400
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Expungement of Arrest Records in Toledo

The expungement process in Toledo allows eligible individuals to petition for the sealing of arrest records, effectively removing them from public access. This process is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36 and is administered through the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas.

Eligibility criteria for expungement in Toledo include:

For misdemeanor offenses: Individuals may apply one year after the final discharge of the case
For felony offenses: Individuals may apply three years after the final discharge of the case
First-time offenders have broader eligibility than those with multiple convictions
Certain offenses, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and offenses against minors, are ineligible for expungement

The expungement procedure requires:

Filing a petition with the Lucas County Clerk of Courts
Payment of applicable filing fees (currently $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies)
Completion of a background check through the Toledo Police Department
Attendance at a scheduled court hearing
Judicial review and determination

If granted, an expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Toledo Police Department, to seal the records related to the arrest and subsequent proceedings. These sealed records are then removed from public access and may only be viewed by law enforcement agencies under limited circumstances as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).

Individuals with questions regarding common code violations that may lead to arrests should consult the City of Toledo's online resources for clarification.