Iowa Arrest Records

Arrest records in Iowa refer to information related to an arrest for a public offense (Iowa Code – 2023 §692.1(2)). These records are generated by criminal justice agencies, including county sheriff's offices, city police departments, and the Iowa State Patrol when individuals are taken into custody. The responsible agency for processing arrest records may vary depending on the jurisdiction. Arrest records in Iowa typically contain the following information:

• Subject’s full name and biodata.
• Physical description
• Face photograph
• Charge: Specifies the alleged criminal offense for which the individual was arrested.
• Date and Time: Indicates the exact moment when the arrest occurred.
• Place: Specifies the location where the arrest took place.
• Arrest Warrants: Includes information on outstanding arrest warrants for public offenses that have not been served.
• Filing of Charges: Encompasses the initiation of charges through preliminary information filed by a peace officer or law enforcement officer or through indictment.
• Date and Place of Alleged Commission: Provides details about when and where the alleged criminal act occurred.
• County of Jurisdiction: Specifies the jurisdictional county overseeing the arrest.

Are Arrest Records Public in Iowa?

Yes. In Iowa, the disclosure of arrest records falls under the Iowa Open Records Law, Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code. This code specifies that records about current and past arrests, as well as criminal history data, are public records. Generally, every individual and media organization has access to arrest records in Iowa. Interested parties may obtain information regarding current and prior arrests from the appropriate custodian unless restricted by law.

Circumstances that might prevent disclosure include ongoing investigations, where the disclosure of information may compromise the integrity of the investigation. Furthermore, the disclosure of arrest records may be restricted in cases where it would plainly and seriously compromise the safety of an individual. Notwithstanding these confidentiality provisions, immediate facts and circumstances surrounding a crime or incident are generally open unless there is clear danger associated with disclosure.

How Do I Look Up Arrest Records in Iowa?

County, state, and federal resources provide the means to look up arrest records in Iowa. These resources are outlined below, along with guidelines for retrieving arrest records.

County Law Enforcement

Individuals have the option to access arrest records through city police departments and county sheriff's offices. They can submit requests using various methods, including online, by mail, or in person. One example is the provision of Inmate Search by the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office through an online platform accessible to the public.

State Law Enforcement

The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains public criminal records and provides citizens with access to individuals' arrest records. To obtain arrest records, individuals can initiate requests online, by mail, fax, email, or in person. The required information includes the person's full name and date of birth. Optionally, individuals may include additional details such as gender, social security number, and middle name to refine the search.

• Online Request: Individuals must fill out both the DCI Record Check form and the DCI Billing form online. They should then submit the interactive PDF online, providing payment information along with it. The cost for each background check is $15, and payment can be made using MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.

• Mail or In-person Request: Individuals should download and fill out both the DCI Record Check form and the DCI Billing form. After completing the forms, they are to save the document, print it, and then send it via email, fax, or U.S. mail or in person during walk-in processing hours from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at DCI's office:

  Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation

  Support Operations Bureau

  Dissemination Unit

  215 East 7th Street

  Des Moines IA 50319

  Fax: 515-725-6080

  *Email: dcirecordchecks@dps.state.ia.us *

For an in-person self-request, individuals must visit DCI with a state-issued photo ID to obtain immediate results of their records per Iowa law.

Federal Law Enforcement

People in Iowa seeking federal arrest records have the option to acquire an Identity History Summary, commonly referred to as a "rap sheet," from the FBI for a fee of $18. Requests for this document can be initiated online, via mail, or using an FBI-approved channeler.

To apply online, visit the Identity History Summary Checks website. To make an electronic submission directly to the FBI, visit a participating U.S. Post Office for fingerprinting, with the application and payment completed online beforehand. Alternatively, applicants can mail the completed fingerprint card along with the confirmation email to the provided address. In this scenario, the request will be processed as an electronic submission upon receiving the fingerprint card, with additional fees applicable.

Meanwhile, individuals who prefer requesting arrest records by mail must send a completed Applicant Information Form, along with a fingerprint card and a fee of $18, to the following address:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request

1000 Custer Hollow Road

Clarksburg, WV 26306.

The fee can be paid using a credit card or a money order/certified check payable to the Treasury of the United States.

Free Arrest Record Search in Iowa

Some county sheriff's websites provide free access to arrest records. For instance, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office offers an online inmate listing for individuals who wish to access information about current arrestees for free. Alternatively, the searcher may visit independent aggregate websites that provide arrest information. However, because these websites are not affiliated with the government, there is no guarantee of the accuracy of the information obtained.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record in Iowa?

Indefinitely. In Iowa, arrest records persist in a criminal record indefinitely unless expunged, dismissed, not filed, or acquitted per legal action and the Iowa Code.

How to Seal Arrest Record in Iowa

In Iowa, individuals seeking to seal or destroy arrest records through expungement must adhere to specific eligibility criteria and filing procedures. Expungement in Iowa involves keeping records in a secure database, away from public access. Eligibility depends on the offense category, and the application must align with the circumstances outlined in the Iowa Code as follows:

• Deferred Judgements: Individuals who pleaded guilty may qualify under Section § 907.9. After completing probation and settling related costs, the court may expunge records, subject to the individual's consent for disclosure in certain situations.
• Dismissal or Acquittals: Section § 901C.2 allows expungement if the case results in dismissal or acquittal. Conditions include payment of all court costs, a waiting period of about 180 days, and competency to stand trial. Eligibility requires dismissal/acquittal of all counts in the charge.
• Specific Offenses: These include public intoxication, possession of alcohol under the legal age, and certain prostitution cases. Expungement is available for specific offenses under Sections §§ 123.46(6), 123.47(8), 725.1. Eligibility criteria involve no additional criminal convictions for two years after the conviction, except for minor traffic offenses.
• Other Misdemeanor Convictions: Section § 901C.3, offenders are allowed one misdemeanor expungement in a lifetime, provided eight years have passed, no pending charges, and no prior deferred judgments. The applicant must cover all costs, fines, and fees imposed.

To initiate an expungement process, individuals must obtain their criminal record from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and submit the application to expunge court record form to the relevant court. The court reviews applications, often involving a hearing, and decides whether to grant or deny expungement.