Arrest records are public in Mansfield, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that all government records, including those pertaining to arrests made by law enforcement agencies, are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. The City of Mansfield maintains these records in accordance with state transparency requirements.
The Ohio Public Records Act operates under the principle that government accountability is best served when citizens have access to information about governmental operations, including law enforcement activities. Under this statute, members of the public may request and obtain copies of arrest records maintained by the Mansfield Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in specific circumstances, such as:
Multiple methods exist for accessing arrest records in Mansfield as of 2025. The City of Mansfield has implemented several systems to facilitate public access to these records in compliance with Ohio's public records laws.
Individuals may obtain arrest records by visiting the following agencies during regular business hours:
Mansfield Division of Police Records Department
30 North Diamond Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 755-9724
Mansfield Police Department
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Richland County Sheriff's Office
597 Park Avenue East
Mansfield, OH 44905
Phone: (419) 774-5881
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
The Mansfield Division of Police maintains a digital records system that allows for remote access to certain arrest information:
Arrest records that have proceeded to court action may be accessed through the Mansfield Municipal Court system:
Mansfield Municipal Court Clerk's Office
30 North Diamond Street
Mansfield, OH 44902
Phone: (419) 755-9686
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Pursuant to Chapter 181 of the Mansfield Municipal Code, the Municipal Court maintains records of all cases processed through its system, including those stemming from arrests within its jurisdiction.
Arrest records maintained by Mansfield law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records are standardized in accordance with Ohio law enforcement protocols and Chapter 537 of the Mansfield Codified Ordinances pertaining to offenses against persons.
Standard information included in Mansfield arrest records encompasses:
Additional documentation may include:
The expungement process in Mansfield allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances prescribed by Ohio Revised Code § 2953.31 through § 2953.36. This legal remedy enables eligible individuals to have their arrest records removed from public access, effectively treating the arrest as if it never occurred for most purposes.
Individuals seeking expungement of Mansfield arrest records must meet statutory criteria:
The expungement procedure requires formal petition to the appropriate court:
When granted by the court, expungement has significant legal consequences:
Pursuant to Mansfield Municipal Code provisions regarding appeals and variances, individuals denied expungement may petition for reconsideration under specific circumstances.