Arrest records are public in Pike County, Ohio, in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, commonly known as the Ohio Public Records Act. This statute establishes that all public records, including arrest records, shall be made available for inspection to any person during regular business hours. The legislative intent behind this provision is to ensure transparency in governmental operations and to maintain accountability in law enforcement activities throughout Pike County and the state of Ohio.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple civic purposes. These records document the actions of law enforcement agencies, provide statistical data for policy analysis, and inform community members about public safety matters. The Pike County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations to document all official law enforcement actions within their jurisdiction.
Pursuant to Ohio law, certain exceptions may apply to the public disclosure of arrest records. These exceptions typically involve ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety or individual privacy rights as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1).
Pike County arrest records are accessible online through several authorized digital platforms. The Pike County Sheriff's Office maintains an electronic database that provides public access to arrest information as part of their commitment to transparency and public service. This online accessibility is consistent with Ohio's public records laws that encourage governmental agencies to utilize technology to facilitate public access to records.
The Pike County Common Pleas Court provides an online portal where members of the public may search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This system allows for remote access to public records without requiring physical presence at county facilities.
Online records typically include basic arrest information such as:
It should be noted that pursuant to Ohio Administrative Code 1301:47-1-10, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records to protect privacy interests while still maintaining the public nature of the records themselves.
Members of the public seeking Pike County arrest records have multiple methods available for accessing this information. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access while maintaining record integrity:
Online Access Methods:
In-Person Requests:
Pike County Sheriff's Office
109 N. Market Street
Waverly, OH 45690
Phone: (740) 947-2111
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Pike County Clerk of Courts
Pike County Courthouse
100 East Second Street
Waverly, OH 45690
Phone: (740) 947-2713
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency by mail. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), such requests must be reasonably specific and should include:
Fees for copies of arrest records are established in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6) and are subject to periodic adjustment. Current fee schedules are available at each respective agency.
Pike County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio law and the Pike County Court of Common Pleas rules. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
Arrest Details:
Case Processing Information:
These records are maintained in accordance with Ohio's records retention schedules as established by the Ohio Historical Society and the State Archives. The completeness and accuracy of these records are subject to regular audits to ensure compliance with state standards.
The expungement process in Pike County provides a legal mechanism for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as authorized by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953. Expungement (legally referred to as "sealing of records" in Ohio) renders the records inaccessible to the general public while maintaining their availability to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes.
Eligibility Criteria:
Application Process: The expungement procedure requires filing a formal petition with the Pike County Court of Common Pleas. This petition must include:
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court will schedule a hearing date. The Pike County Prosecutor's Office receives notification of the petition and may file objections. The court considers factors including the applicant's criminal history, evidence of rehabilitation, and the public interest in maintaining the record before rendering a decision.
If granted, the expungement order directs all relevant agencies to seal their records pertaining to the case. These agencies include the Pike County Sheriff's Office, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and any other entities maintaining records of the arrest.