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Kansas Arrest Records

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Are Arrest Records Public in Kansas?

In Kansas, arrest records are generally considered public information under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). This means that most arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities are accessible to the public. However, there are specific exceptions and limitations to this access, particularly for records involving juveniles, ongoing investigations, or cases that have been expunged or sealed by court order.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Kansas?

The primary legislation governing access to arrest records in Kansas is the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), K.S.A. 45-215 through 45-223. This law establishes the presumption that all government records, including arrest records, are open to the public unless specifically exempted by statute.

Additional laws that impact access to arrest records include:

These laws collectively establish a framework that balances the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and the state's interest in effective law enforcement and rehabilitation.

What Information Is Included in a Kansas Arrest Record?

A typical Kansas arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records generally include:

  • Personal identifying information (name, date of birth, address, physical description)
  • Arrest date, time, and location
  • Arresting agency and officer information
  • Charges filed at the time of arrest
  • Booking information, including mugshot and fingerprints
  • Detention facility information
  • Case numbers and court information
  • Disposition of the case (if available)
  • Bond information
  • Warrant information (if applicable)

It's worth noting that arrest records represent only the initial stage of the criminal justice process and do not necessarily indicate guilt or conviction. The record may be updated as the case progresses through the judicial system.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Kansas in 2025

There are several methods to obtain arrest records in Kansas, depending on your needs and the specific information you're seeking:

  1. Direct Agency Request: Contact the law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Most agencies have procedures for requesting records in person, by mail, or online.

  2. Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI): For statewide criminal history information, you can request records from the KBI's Central Repository.

    Kansas Bureau of Investigation
    1620 SW Tyler Street
    Topeka, KS 66612
    Phone: (785) 296-8200
    Kansas Bureau of Investigation

  3. County Sheriff's Offices: For local arrests, contact the sheriff's office in the county where the arrest occurred.

  4. Court Records: If the arrest led to charges, court records may be available through the district or municipal court where the case was processed.

  5. Kansas Department of Corrections: For information about individuals who have been incarcerated.

    Kansas Department of Corrections
    714 SW Jackson, Suite 300
    Topeka, KS 66603
    Phone: (785) 296-3317
    Kansas Department of Corrections

Most agencies require a formal request that includes the subject's full name, date of birth, and other identifying information. Some agencies may require fingerprints for a complete criminal history check.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Kansas

Kansas offers several online resources for accessing arrest records:

  1. Kansas Criminal History Record Check Portal: The KBI provides an online system for requesting criminal history information at http://www.kansas.gov/kbi/criminalhistory/.

  2. Kansas District Court Records Search: The Kansas District Court Records Search allows users to search for court cases, which may include information about arrests that led to court proceedings.

  3. County Sheriff's Office Websites: Many county sheriff's offices maintain online inmate lookup tools or arrest logs. For example:

  4. Municipal Police Department Websites: Larger city police departments often provide online access to recent arrest information.

  5. Kansas Public Offender Registry: For sex, drug, and violent offenders, information is available through the KBI Offender Registry.

When using these online resources, be aware that the information may not be complete or up-to-date, and additional verification may be necessary.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Kansas?

Under Kansas law, the following entities and individuals can access arrest records:

  • General Public: Most basic arrest record information is available to any member of the public, though some details may be redacted.

  • Criminal Justice Agencies: Law enforcement, courts, and corrections have full access for official purposes.

  • Government Agencies: For employment screening, licensing, and other official functions.

  • Employers: May access records for background checks, subject to certain limitations under the Kansas Fair Credit Reporting Act.

  • Record Subject: Individuals have the right to access their own criminal history records.

  • Researchers and Media: May access records for statistical analysis or reporting purposes, often with identifying information removed.

  • Attorneys: May access client records or records relevant to cases they are handling.

Access levels vary based on the requester's identity and purpose, with criminal justice agencies having the most comprehensive access.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Kansas?

Yes, Kansas agencies typically charge fees for providing arrest records:

  • Kansas Bureau of Investigation: The standard fee for a criminal history record check is $20 per name searched.

  • County Sheriff's Offices: Fees vary by county, typically ranging from $5 to $25 per record.

  • Court Records: District courts generally charge $1-$2 per page for copies of court documents.

  • Online Access: The Kansas District Court Records Search requires a subscription fee for full access, though basic case information may be available for free.

  • Certified Copies: Additional fees may apply for certified copies, typically $5-$10 per document.

Some agencies may waive fees for certain requesters, such as criminal justice agencies or individuals requesting their own records for employment purposes. Fee waivers may also be available for indigent individuals in some circumstances.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kansas

Kansas maintains arrest records for extended periods, often permanently. The retention schedules vary by agency and record type:

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: Most arrest records are retained permanently, especially for felony arrests.

  • Kansas Bureau of Investigation: Criminal history information is maintained indefinitely unless expunged by court order.

  • Court Records: Court case files related to arrests are typically kept permanently, though some misdemeanor records may have shorter retention periods.

  • Department of Corrections: Inmate records are generally maintained for 5 years after final discharge, though basic information may be kept longer.

These retention periods are governed by the Kansas State Records Management Manual and agency-specific policies.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Kansas Arrest Records?

Certain information is commonly redacted or restricted in Kansas arrest records:

  • Juvenile Information: Records of arrests for individuals under 18 are generally not public.

  • Victim Information: Personal identifying information of victims, especially in sensitive cases like sexual assault.

  • Social Security Numbers: Redacted to prevent identity theft.

  • Medical Information: Details about the arrestee's medical or mental health conditions.

  • Ongoing Investigation Details: Information that might compromise an active investigation.

  • Confidential Informant Information: Details that could identify confidential sources.

  • Expunged or Sealed Records: Information from records that have been legally expunged or sealed by court order.

  • Diversion Program Participants: Information about individuals who successfully completed diversion programs may be restricted.

These restrictions are based on various Kansas statutes, including exemptions listed in the Kansas Open Records Act and privacy protections in other laws.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Kansas

Kansas law provides mechanisms for sealing (expunging) arrest records under certain circumstances:

  1. Eligibility: Generally, you may be eligible if:

    • The arrest did not result in a conviction
    • You've completed your sentence and waited the required time period (3-5 years for most misdemeanors, 5-10 years for most felonies)
    • The offense is eligible for expungement under K.S.A. 21-6614

  2. Process:

    • File a Petition for Expungement in the court where the case was handled
    • Pay the filing fee (typically $100-$200)
    • Attend a hearing if required by the court
    • If granted, obtain certified copies of the expungement order

  3. Effect: Once expunged, the record is sealed from public view, though it remains accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies.

For assistance with expungement, you may contact:

Kansas Legal Services
712 S Kansas Ave, Suite 200
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: (800) 723-6953
Kansas Legal Services

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Kansas?

Kansas law imposes several limitations on how arrest records can be used:

  • Employment Decisions: Under the Kansas Fair Credit Reporting Act, employers must notify applicants if they are denied employment based on criminal history information.

  • Housing Decisions: Landlords must follow fair housing laws when using arrest records in rental decisions.

  • Expunged Records: It is unlawful to disclose or use expunged records for any purpose, including employment decisions.

  • Non-Conviction Records: Using records of arrests that did not lead to conviction may be restricted in certain contexts.

  • Juvenile Records: These have special protections and generally cannot be used in most non-criminal justice contexts.

  • Discrimination: Using arrest records as a pretext for discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin violates state and federal civil rights laws.

Violations of these limitations can result in civil liability, fines, and in some cases, criminal penalties.

Lookup Arrest Records in Kansas

State Repository for Criminal History Records
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
1620 SW Tyler Street
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-8200
Kansas Bureau of Investigation

Kansas Highway Patrol
122 SW 7th Street
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: (785) 296-6800
Kansas Highway Patrol

Kansas Department of Corrections
714 SW Jackson, Suite 300
Topeka, KS 66603
Phone: (785) 296-3317
Kansas Department of Corrections

Kansas Judicial Branch
Kansas Judicial Center
301 SW 10th Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-2295
Kansas Judicial Branch

Kansas Attorney General's Office
120 SW 10th Ave., 2nd Floor
Topeka, KS 66612
Phone: (785) 296-2215
Kansas Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices:

  • Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office
    141 W Elm
    Wichita, KS 67203
    Phone: (316) 660-3900
    Sedgwick County Sheriff

  • Johnson County Sheriff's Office
    125 N Cherry
    Olathe, KS 66061
    Phone: (913) 715-5800
    Johnson County Sheriff

  • Shawnee County Sheriff's Office
    320 S Kansas Ave
    Topeka, KS 66603
    Phone: (785) 251-2200
    Shawnee County Sheriff

  • Wyandotte County Sheriff's Office
    710 N 7th Street
    Kansas City, KS 66101
    Phone: (913) 573-2861
    Wyandotte County Sheriff

  • Douglas County Sheriff's Office
    111 E 11th Street
    Lawrence, KS 66044
    Phone: (785) 841-0007
    Douglas County Sheriff

  • Leavenworth County Sheriff's Office
    601 S 3rd Street
    Leavenworth, KS 66048
    Phone: (913) 682-5724
    Leavenworth County Sheriff

  • Riley County Sheriff's Office
    1001 Seth Child Road
    Manhattan, KS 66502
    Phone: (785) 537-2112
    Riley County Sheriff

  • Reno County Sheriff's Office
    210 W 1st Avenue
    Hutchinson, KS 67501
    Phone: (620) 694-2735
    Reno County Sheriff

  • Butler County Sheriff's Office
    141 S Gordy
    El Dorado, KS 67042
    Phone: (316) 322-4254
    Butler County Sheriff

  • Saline County Sheriff's Office
    251 N 10th Street
    Salina, KS 67401
    Phone: (785) 826-6500
    Saline County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments:

Federal Agencies Operating in Kansas:

Counties in Kansas
Anderson Brown Butler Chase Cloud Coffey Cowley Crawford Doniphan Douglas Ellis Ford Franklin Geary Gove Hamilton Jackson Jefferson Johnson Labette Leavenworth Lyon Miami Montgomery Neosho Osborne Pratt Reno Riley Saline Sedgwick Shawnee Sherman Thomas Trego Wilson Woodson Wyandotte
Other Public Records Categories in Kansas
Birth Records Court Records Criminal Records Death Records Divorce Records Driving Records Inmate Records Land Records Marriage Records Police Records Property Records Sex Offender Records Tax Records Vital Records Warrant Records