Kettering Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Kettering, Ohio?
Arrest records are public documents in Kettering, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This legislation establishes that most records maintained by government agencies, including law enforcement entities, are subject to public disclosure. The statute supports governmental transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to access records documenting arrests and other law enforcement activities, unless specifically exempted by statutory provisions.
The Kettering Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law. Members of the public seeking arrest information may submit requests through established channels, with the understanding that certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or personal privacy in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1).
Kettering Police Department
3600 Shroyer Road
Kettering, OH 45429
(937) 296-2555
Official Website
How to Look Up Kettering Arrest Records in 2025
The Kettering Police Department provides multiple methods for obtaining arrest records, in compliance with Ohio's public records statutes. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official channels:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Police Records Division located at the Kettering Government Center, 3600 Shroyer Road, Kettering, Ohio 45429. The records counter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Written Requests: Written public records requests may be submitted via postal mail to the Records Division. Requests must specify the information sought with reasonable clarity to facilitate prompt processing.
Electronic Submissions: The department accepts records requests via email. Requestors should provide specific information regarding the arrest record being sought, including names, dates, and case numbers when available.
Telephone Inquiries: Basic information may be obtained by calling the Records Division at (937) 296-2570 during regular business hours.
Online Portal Access: The Kettering Municipal Court provides electronic access to certain case information through their Authority Web Connect system, which includes arrest-related court records.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), public offices must promptly prepare records and make them available for inspection at reasonable times during regular business hours. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time.
Contents of a Kettering Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Kettering Police Department typically contain comprehensive documentation of law enforcement interactions with detained individuals. Standard arrest records include the following components as mandated by Ohio law and departmental policies:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory violations and formal charges filed
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photographs (commonly referred to as "mugshots")
- Biometric data including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA samples
- Demographic information including date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, and identifying characteristics
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Incident report narratives describing the circumstances of the arrest
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of booking
- Detention facility assignment and custody status
- Court appearance scheduling information
- Bond or bail determination
The Kettering Police Records Division maintains these records in accordance with departmental retention schedules and state archival requirements. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with exemptions provided in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), particularly in cases involving juveniles, sexual assault victims, or ongoing investigations.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Kettering
Ohio law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which establishes eligibility criteria and procedural requirements for removing arrest information from public access.
Individuals seeking expungement in Kettering must file a formal petition with the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas or Kettering Municipal Court, depending on the nature and jurisdiction of the original case. Eligibility considerations include:
- The nature and severity of the offense
- Time elapsed since arrest or case disposition
- Prior criminal history and subsequent law-abiding conduct
- Successful completion of any imposed sentences or diversion programs
- Statutory waiting periods as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32
The expungement process requires:
- Filing of a formal petition with the appropriate court
- Payment of filing fees (subject to potential waiver for indigent applicants)
- Criminal background check conducted through the Bureau of Criminal Investigation
- Notification to the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office
- Judicial hearing to determine eligibility and public interest considerations
- Court order directing relevant agencies to seal records if petition is granted
When expungement is granted, the Kettering Police Department and other agencies must comply with court orders to remove records from public access. However, certain law enforcement and governmental entities may retain limited access to sealed records for specific statutory purposes.
Legal representation is advisable but not required for expungement proceedings. The Montgomery County Public Defender's Office may provide assistance to qualifying individuals with limited financial resources.
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