Akron Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Akron, Ohio?
Arrest records are public in Akron, Ohio, pursuant to the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that all public records, including arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, shall be made available for inspection to any person during regular business hours. The Ohio Public Records Act operates under the presumption that public records will be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours.
The Akron Police Department maintains these records in accordance with state law and departmental policies. Public access to arrest records promotes transparency in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities within their community. The Akron Police Department provides mechanisms for accessing these records through both in-person requests and electronic means.
Certain exceptions to public disclosure may apply in specific circumstances as outlined in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), such as ongoing investigation materials or records that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel. However, the general presumption favors disclosure of arrest information to maintain governmental accountability.
How to Look Up Akron Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Akron, Ohio may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The City of Akron has established multiple access points to accommodate various needs and preferences of requestors. Available methods include:
In-person requests at the Akron Police Department Records Division, located at 217 S. High Street, Akron, OH 44308. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. Telephone: (330) 375-2552.
Electronic requests through the Akron Police Department's online portal, which allows for remote submission of public records requests 24 hours per day.
Written requests submitted via postal mail to: Akron Police Department, Records Division, 217 S. High Street, Akron, OH 44308.
Requests through the City of Akron Law Department, which coordinates with the police department for records fulfillment at 161 S. High Street, Suite 202, Akron, OH 44308. Telephone: (330) 375-2030.
Utilization of the Akron Police Department's Transparency Hub, which provides access to certain arrest data and departmental statistics.
Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), a public office or person responsible for public records shall promptly prepare and make available for inspection any public record at all reasonable times during regular business hours. Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate efficient record retrieval.
Contents of an Akron Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Akron Police Department typically contain standardized information as required by Ohio law and departmental protocols. These official documents generally include the following elements:
Biographical information of the arrested individual, including full legal name, known aliases, date of birth, physical description, and residential address.
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest incident.
Statutory charges filed against the individual, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers and offense descriptions.
Arresting officer information, including badge number and assigned division.
Booking details, including processing location, booking number, and property inventory.
Photographic documentation of the arrested individual (mugshot), typically including front and profile views.
Biometric data, including fingerprints and, when applicable, DNA collection confirmation.
Detention information, including holding facility assignment and bail determination.
Preliminary court appearance scheduling information.
Case disposition status, if available at time of record creation.
The Akron Police Department maintains these records in accordance with Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501:2-10, which establishes standards for law enforcement record-keeping. Records are preserved in both physical and electronic formats, with retention schedules determined by the nature of the offense and case disposition.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Akron
The expungement and sealing of arrest records in Akron is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953, which provides legal mechanisms for eligible individuals to remove arrest information from public access. The Summit County Court of Common Pleas, located at 209 S. High Street, Akron, OH 44308, processes these petitions for Akron residents.
Eligibility criteria for expungement of arrest records include:
Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal may be sealed pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 2953.52.
First-time offenders may qualify for record sealing under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32, subject to waiting periods (generally one year for misdemeanors and three years for felonies).
Individuals who have completed diversion programs or intervention in lieu of conviction may petition for sealing under Ohio Revised Code § 2951.041.
Victims of human trafficking may qualify for expungement of certain offenses under Ohio Revised Code § 2953.38.
The legal process requires filing a formal petition with the court that handled the original case. Filing fees apply, though fee waivers may be available for indigent applicants. The court schedules a hearing where a judge determines whether the applicant's interest in sealing the records outweighs the government's interest in maintaining them as public records.
Upon approval, the court issues an order directing all governmental agencies, including the Akron Police Department, to seal the records. Sealed records are removed from public access but remain available to law enforcement agencies and certain employers as specified in Ohio Revised Code § 2953.32(D).
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves legal complexities and may benefit from consultation with legal counsel. The Summit County Clerk of Courts provides standardized forms for expungement petitions, available at the courthouse or through their official website.
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