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Brunswick Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Brunswick, Ohio?

Arrest records are public documents in Brunswick, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This statute establishes that all government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies within Brunswick, must be made available for public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. The Ohio Public Records Act operates under the principle that transparency in governmental operations is essential for maintaining public trust and accountability.

Members of the public may access these records regardless of their purpose or intended use of the information. The Brunswick Division of Police maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules and makes them available upon request. Certain sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, may be redacted prior to release in compliance with privacy protection provisions of Ohio law.

How to Look Up Brunswick Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for obtaining arrest records in Brunswick, Ohio as of 2025. The Brunswick Division of Police provides several options for accessing these public documents:

  • In-person requests may be submitted at the Brunswick Police Department located at 4095 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

  • Police reports and information requests can be submitted through the official city website. The online portal allows requestors to specify the type of record sought and provide identifying information to facilitate the search.

  • Written requests may be submitted via mail to: Brunswick Police Department, Records Division, 4095 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212.

  • Telephone requests can be made by calling the Records Division at (330) 225-9111 during regular business hours.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), the Brunswick Division of Police must provide copies of requested records within a reasonable period. Standard processing time is typically 3-5 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Fees for copies are assessed in accordance with the city's established fee schedule, currently set at $0.05 per page for standard documents and $2.00 for certified copies.

Contents of a Brunswick Arrest Record

Brunswick arrest records contain standardized information as mandated by Ohio law and departmental policies. These records typically include:

  • 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 location of the arrest
  • Specific charges filed, including applicable Ohio Revised Code sections
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking information, including mugshot photographs and fingerprint data
  • Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
  • Initial court appearance information
  • Bail or bond determination, if applicable
  • Detention facility information

The Brunswick Division of Police maintains these records in both physical and digital formats. Pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 1301:7-9-21, certain elements of arrest records may be withheld if their release would compromise an ongoing investigation or endanger an individual's safety.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Brunswick

The management and accessibility of arrest records in Brunswick is governed by a comprehensive legal framework. The primary statutes include:

Ohio Public Records Act (ORC § 149.43) establishes the fundamental right of public access to government records, including arrest documentation. This statute mandates that public offices promptly prepare records for inspection and provide copies within a reasonable timeframe.

The Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Policy, as implemented by the Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway (OHLEG), establishes protocols for the secure handling and transmission of criminal justice information, including arrest records.

Brunswick Codified Ordinances Chapter 242 outlines local regulations regarding the maintenance and dissemination of police records within city jurisdiction. These ordinances operate in conjunction with state law to ensure proper records management.

The Brunswick Division of Police adheres to these legal requirements under the supervision of the Brunswick Law Department:

Brunswick Law Department
4095 Center Road
Brunswick, OH 44212
(330) 558-6826
Brunswick Law Department

Restrictions on Access to Certain Arrest Records

While arrest records are generally public in Brunswick, certain categories of information are subject to statutory exemptions from disclosure. These restrictions include:

  • Juvenile arrest records are confidential pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2151.14, except under specific circumstances authorized by the juvenile court.

  • Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld if their release would impede law enforcement activities or compromise case integrity, as permitted under ORC § 149.43(A)(2).

  • Information that would disclose the identity of confidential informants is exempt from public disclosure.

  • Medical and mental health information obtained during arrest processing is protected under both state law and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

  • Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information are redacted prior to release to prevent identity theft.

The Brunswick Mayor's Court, which handles misdemeanor cases and traffic violations, maintains separate records that may supplement arrest documentation:

Brunswick Mayor's Court
4095 Center Road
Brunswick, OH 44212
(330) 273-8000
Brunswick Mayor's Court

Expungement of Arrest Records in Brunswick

Under Ohio law, individuals may petition for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process in Brunswick is administered through the Medina County Court of Common Pleas for felony matters and the Brunswick Mayor's Court for qualifying misdemeanors.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

  • Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may qualify for immediate expungement under ORC § 2953.52.
  • First-time offenders may be eligible after a waiting period (typically one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies) pursuant to ORC § 2953.32.
  • Certain offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses, are statutorily ineligible for expungement.

The expungement process requires filing a formal petition with the appropriate court, payment of filing fees (currently $50 for misdemeanors and $100 for felonies), and attendance at a hearing. If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies, including the Brunswick Police Department, to seal the records from public view.

Once expunged, arrest records are no longer accessible through standard public records requests. However, sealed records remain available to law enforcement agencies and may be considered in subsequent criminal proceedings or for certain employment positions as specified in ORC § 2953.32(D).

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Arrest records from Brunswick may be utilized for background screening purposes in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Ohio law establish parameters for the use of criminal history information in employment and housing decisions.

Employers and landlords conducting background checks should be aware of the following regulations:

  • Ohio Revised Code § 4112.02 prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction.
  • The FCRA requires disclosure to individuals when adverse actions are taken based on information in background reports.
  • Brunswick arrest records used for employment screening must be relevant to the position in question.

The Brunswick Building Department, which oversees licensing for certain professions within city limits, may consider arrest records when evaluating applications:

Brunswick Building Department
4095 Center Road
Brunswick, OH 44212
(330) 558-6830
Brunswick Building Department

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