Northwood Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Northwood, Ohio?
Arrest records are public in Northwood, Ohio, pursuant to Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code § 149.43). This legislation establishes that government records, including those pertaining to arrests, are subject to public inspection. The Ohio Public Records Act mandates that public offices maintain records that document their activities and functions, and these records must be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person during regular business hours. The statute specifically includes records of law enforcement agencies among those considered public, with certain limited exceptions for ongoing investigations, confidential informants, and juvenile records as outlined in § 149.43(A)(1)(h).
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Northwood may exercise their statutory right to access these documents without providing identification or stating the reason for their request. The City of Northwood maintains these records in compliance with state retention schedules established by the Ohio Historical Society, as required by § 149.39 of the Ohio Revised Code.
How to Look Up Northwood Arrest Records in 2025
The City of Northwood provides multiple channels through which members of the public may access arrest records. Pursuant to Ohio's Public Records Act, these methods are designed to facilitate reasonable access while maintaining the integrity of the records system. Individuals seeking arrest information may utilize the following official procedures:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Northwood Police Department located at 6000 Wales Road, Northwood, OH 43619. The records division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors should complete a public records request form available at the front desk.
Written Requests: Written requests may be submitted via postal mail to: Records Division, Northwood Police Department, 6000 Wales Road, Northwood, OH 43619. Pursuant to § 149.43(B)(2), the department must acknowledge receipt of written requests within three business days.
Electronic Access: The Northwood Municipal Court maintains an online database for court records related to arrests. This system provides 24-hour access to public case information for misdemeanor offenses processed through the municipal court system.
Telephone Inquiries: Limited information may be available by contacting the Northwood Police Department's non-emergency line at 419-691-5053. However, formal records requests typically require written documentation.
The City of Northwood processes all requests in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), which requires that public records be promptly prepared and made available for inspection within a reasonable period of time.
Contents of a Northwood Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Northwood Police Department contain standardized information as prescribed by Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 4501:2-10, which governs records management for law enforcement agencies. These official documents typically include the following elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date of birth and demographic information
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory charges filed, including Ohio Revised Code section numbers
- Case number and incident report reference
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Booking photographs (mugshots) taken during processing
- Fingerprint classification and identification numbers
- Property inventory of items in possession at time of arrest
- Initial appearance information and bail determination
- Detention facility assignment if applicable
The comprehensiveness of these records serves multiple governmental functions, including the documentation of law enforcement actions, facilitation of prosecution, and maintenance of statistical data as required by Ohio Revised Code § 5502.10. While these records are generally public, certain information may be redacted in accordance with exemptions provided in § 149.43(A)(1), such as social security numbers, medical information, and confidential investigatory techniques.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Northwood
The expungement of arrest records in Northwood follows procedures established under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953. This legal process allows for the sealing of records under specific statutory conditions, effectively removing them from public access. The Northwood Municipal Court, located at 6000 Wales Road, Northwood, OH 43619, has jurisdiction over expungement applications for misdemeanor offenses that occurred within its territorial boundaries.
Pursuant to § 2953.32, individuals may apply for expungement if they meet the following criteria:
- For misdemeanor convictions, applicants must wait one year after final discharge
- For cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal, applications may be filed immediately
- Applicants must have no pending criminal proceedings
- Applicants must demonstrate rehabilitation to the satisfaction of the court
The expungement process requires submission of a formal application to the Northwood Municipal Court along with payment of a filing fee, currently set at $50 for non-conviction records and $100 for conviction records. The court will schedule a hearing date, typically within 60-90 days of filing. The Northwood City Prosecutor's Office and any victims identified in the case will receive notification of the application and may present objections at the hearing.
If granted, an expungement order directs all public offices holding records of the arrest to seal those records from public view. Pursuant to § 2953.32(C)(2), these records become accessible only to law enforcement agencies, licensing boards, and certain employers as specifically authorized by statute. The Northwood Police Department and Municipal Court comply with expungement orders by removing the records from public databases and restricting physical access to authorized personnel only.
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility for expungement may contact the Northwood Municipal Court Clerk's Office at 419-691-9351 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
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