Iowa Arrest Records

Iowa Public Records /Iowa Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Iowa?

Yes, arrest records in Iowa are generally considered public under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22). This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including those maintained by law enforcement, are open for inspection by the public unless a specific exemption applies. As a result, basic arrest information such as the name of the individual arrested, the charges filed, the arresting agency, and the date and location of the arrest is typically available. These records are often accessible through sheriff’s offices, police departments, or online inmate search portals provided by county jails.

However, access to more detailed criminal history records is restricted. While arrest logs are public, a person’s complete criminal history—including all arrests, convictions, and dispositions—is only available through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), and usually requires the subject’s consent or specific legal authorization. Certain categories of records, such as juvenile arrests, sealed or expunged cases, and documents tied to ongoing investigations, are exempt from disclosure to protect privacy and law enforcement operations. This distinction balances the public’s right to know with individual rights and public safety considerations.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Iowa?

Access to arrest records in Iowa is primarily governed by the Iowa Open Records Law, codified in Chapter 22 of the Iowa Code. This law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

The Iowa Open Records Law operates under the presumption that government records should be accessible to the public. Section 22.2 of the Iowa Code specifically states that "every person shall have the right to examine and copy a public record and to publish or otherwise disseminate a public record or the information contained in a public record."

Additional regulations that impact access to arrest records include:

Iowa Code Chapter 692 - Criminal History and Intelligence Data
Iowa Administrative Code 661-8 - Criminal History and Fingerprint Records
Iowa Code Section 232.147 - Confidentiality of Juvenile Court Records

The Iowa Department of Public Safety's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state and implements these laws through its policies and procedures.

While the law generally favors disclosure, it also includes provisions to protect certain sensitive information. For example, ongoing investigations may have limited disclosure, and juvenile records typically have greater protections than adult records.

What Information Is Included in a Iowa Arrest Record?

Iowa arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual arrested. Standard information found in Iowa arrest records includes:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Booking number
- Charges filed (including Iowa Code citations)
- Arrest circumstances
Case Processing Information:
- Court case number
- Court appearance dates
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility information
- Disposition of charges (if available)
Additional Information:
- Prior arrest history (if applicable)
- Warrant information (if the arrest was pursuant to a warrant)
- Vehicle information (if relevant to the arrest)
- Property seized during arrest

The level of detail may vary depending on the specific law enforcement agency that created the record and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Safety's Division of Criminal Investigation typically include the most comprehensive information, while local agencies may maintain records with varying levels of detail.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Iowa in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Iowa can be accomplished through several official channels. The process varies depending on whether you're seeking your own records or those of another individual.

For Personal Records:

Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information.

Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 725-6066
Iowa Department of Public Safety

To request your own criminal history record:
- Complete a Criminal History Record Check Request Form
- Provide a set of fingerprints
- Submit the required fee
- Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID
Local Law Enforcement Agencies Contact the specific police department or sheriff's office that made the arrest.
Iowa Courts For case information related to arrests:

Iowa Judicial Branch
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 348-4700
Iowa Judicial Branch

For Third-Party Requests:

When requesting someone else's arrest records, you'll generally need:

The subject's full name
Date of birth
Social Security Number (if available)
A signed release from the subject (for complete records)
Payment of applicable fees

For official purposes, agencies may require:

A notarized request
Proof of your identity
Documentation of your legal right to access the information

Processing times vary by agency but typically range from 7-30 business days. Expedited services may be available for additional fees through some agencies.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Iowa

Iowa offers several online resources for accessing arrest records and related information digitally. These platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

Official State Resources:

Iowa Courts Online Search The Iowa Judicial Branch maintains a searchable database of court records, including those related to arrests and criminal cases. Iowa Courts Online Search
- Allows searches by name, case number, or citation number
- Provides case summaries, charges, and disposition information
- Updated regularly with new court filings
Iowa Department of Corrections Offender Information For individuals who have been incarcerated in the state prison system. Iowa DOC Offender Search
- Includes current inmates and some released offenders
- Provides basic demographic information and conviction details
- Shows custody status and location
Iowa Sex Offender Registry Maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Iowa Sex Offender Registry
- Contains information on registered sex offenders in Iowa
- Searchable by name, location, or compliance status
- Includes photographs and offense information

County and Local Resources:

Many Iowa counties and municipalities maintain their own online portals for accessing local arrest records:

Polk County Sheriff's Office Inmate Lookup Polk County Jail Inmate Information
Linn County Inmate Search Linn County Inmate Search
Scott County Inmate Search Scott County Sheriff's Office

When using online resources, be aware that:

Information may be limited compared to official record requests
Some records may not be available online due to privacy restrictions
Recent arrests may not appear immediately in online databases
Complete criminal history information typically requires a formal request

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Iowa?

In Iowa, access to arrest records varies based on the requester's identity and purpose. While the Iowa Open Records Law establishes a general right of public access, certain restrictions apply.

Public Access:

General members of the public can access basic arrest information
News media organizations have the same access rights as the general public
Researchers and statistical analysts may access aggregate data

Enhanced Access:

Criminal Justice Agencies
- Law enforcement departments
- Prosecutors' offices
- Courts
- Correctional facilities
- Probation and parole departments
Government Agencies
- Licensing boards
- Child protection services
- Public housing authorities
- Military recruitment offices
Authorized Non-Governmental Entities
- Employers for certain positions (healthcare, education, financial services)
- Volunteer organizations working with vulnerable populations
- Professional licensing bodies
The Subject of the Record
- Individuals have the right to access their own arrest records
- May authorize third parties to access their records through signed releases

Restricted Access:

Juvenile arrest records (with limited exceptions)
Sealed or expunged records
Records related to ongoing investigations
Information specifically exempted by court order

The level of detail available may differ based on the requester's category. Criminal justice agencies typically have access to complete records, while public access may be limited to basic information such as name, charges, and arrest date.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Iowa?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Iowa typically involves fees that vary depending on the agency providing the records and the type of request. These fees are authorized under Iowa Code Section 22.3, which allows government bodies to charge reasonable fees for record retrieval and processing.

State-Level Fee Structure:

Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Criminal History Record Check: $15 per name-based search
Fingerprint-based Record Check: $25
Certified Records: Additional $5 per certification
Expedited Service (when available): Additional $10-$25

Iowa Judicial Branch

Court Records Search: $5-$15 per name
Certified Court Documents: $10-$20 per document
Complete Case File Copies: $0.50-$1.00 per page

County and Local Agency Fees:

Fees at the county and municipal level vary across Iowa's 99 counties and numerous municipalities. Typical ranges include:

Sheriff's Office Records: $5-$25 per record
Police Department Records: $5-$20 per record
Booking Photos: $5-$15 per photo
Incident/Arrest Reports: $5-$25 per report

Payment Methods:

Most agencies accept:

Credit/debit cards (for online requests)
Money orders
Cashier's checks
Personal checks (some agencies)
Cash (for in-person requests only)

Fee Waivers:

Fee waivers or reductions may be available in certain circumstances:

For individuals who demonstrate financial hardship
For requests serving a public interest
For certain government agencies making official requests
For victims of crimes seeking their case information

It's advisable to contact the specific agency before submitting a request to confirm current fees and acceptable payment methods, as these may change over time.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Iowa

Iowa maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record, the severity of the alleged offense, and the final disposition of the case. These retention policies are governed by the Iowa Records Retention Manual and agency-specific schedules.

Standard Retention Periods:

Arrest Records with No Charges Filed
- Typically retained for 3-5 years
- May be eligible for earlier expungement under certain conditions
Misdemeanor Convictions
- Generally kept for 10-20 years depending on severity
- Some minor misdemeanors may be eligible for expungement after 8 years
Felony Arrests and Convictions
- Maintained for a minimum of 20 years
- Serious felonies (Class A and B) are typically permanent records
- Sexual offenses and violent crimes have extended retention periods
Juvenile Records
- Usually sealed when the individual reaches age 18
- May be destroyed when the individual reaches age 21 if no subsequent offenses
- Certain serious juvenile offenses may be maintained longer

Record Repositories and Their Retention Policies:

Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) Maintains the central criminal history repository with the longest retention periods, often keeping records for the lifetime of the individual.
County Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments Generally follow state guidelines but may have shorter retention periods for local records, typically 5-10 years for minor offenses.
Iowa Courts Court records related to arrests and prosecutions are typically maintained according to case type and outcome, with felony case records kept permanently and misdemeanor records for 10-20 years.
Iowa Department of Corrections Records of incarcerated individuals are maintained for at least 10 years after final discharge from supervision.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Iowa Arrest Records?

When accessing arrest records in Iowa, certain information is typically redacted or restricted to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and sensitive personal data. These redactions are governed by various provisions in the Iowa Code, particularly Chapters 22 and 692.

Commonly Redacted Information:

Personal Identifiers
- Social Security Numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Personal telephone numbers and email addresses
- Home addresses (in certain circumstances)
Sensitive Information
- Medical and mental health information
- Substance abuse treatment records
- HIV/AIDS status
- Information about sexual assault victims
- Child abuse victim identities
Confidential Investigative Details
- Confidential informant identities
- Undercover officer information
- Specific investigative techniques
- Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
- Grand jury proceedings
Juvenile Information
- Records of arrests for individuals under 18 years of age
- School records included in juvenile case files
- Family information in juvenile proceedings
Other Protected Information
- Information sealed by court order
- Expunged record information
- Information protected by federal laws (HIPAA, FERPA)
- Victim information in domestic abuse cases

Special Categories with Enhanced Protection:

Deferred Judgments: After successful completion of probation, information about the case may be restricted from public view
Dismissed Charges: Information about charges that were dismissed may have limited accessibility
Acquittals: Records of arrests that resulted in acquittals may have special handling
Domestic Violence: Victim information in domestic violence cases receives additional protection

The extent of redaction varies depending on who is requesting the records. Criminal justice agencies typically have access to complete, unredacted records, while public requesters receive versions with protected information removed.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Iowa

Iowa law provides several pathways for eligible individuals to seal or expunge arrest records under specific circumstances. These processes can help minimize the negative impact of past arrests on employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Expungement Eligibility:

Dismissed Cases or Acquittals Under Iowa Code Section 901C.2, records of dismissed cases or acquittals may be expunged if:
- The case was dismissed with prejudice
- The defendant was acquitted of all charges
- All court costs and fees have been paid
- At least 180 days have passed since the dismissal or acquittal
Deferred Judgments Per Iowa Code Section 907.9, after successful completion of probation:
- The guilty plea is withdrawn
- The case is dismissed
- The record becomes eligible for expungement
Public Intoxication and Similar Offenses Iowa Code Section 123.46 allows expungement of certain alcohol-related offenses if:
- Two years have passed since the conviction
- The person has had no other criminal convictions during that period
- All court costs and fees have been paid
Marijuana Possession (First Offense) Under Iowa Code Section 124.413, first-time marijuana possession convictions may be expunged if:
- The offense was a first offense
- At least three years have passed
- No subsequent criminal convictions (excluding traffic violations)

Application Process:

File a Petition
- Complete the appropriate petition form for your specific situation
- File with the clerk of court in the county where the case occurred
- Pay any required filing fees (typically $100-$185)
Supporting Documentation
- Certified copies of the dismissal or acquittal
- Proof that all court costs have been paid
- Criminal history verification (if required)
- Personal statement (optional but recommended)
Court Hearing
- Some expungement requests require a court hearing
- Others may be decided based on the petition alone
- Prepare to explain why expungement serves the interests of justice
Court Order
- If granted, the court issues an order to seal the records
- This order is sent to relevant agencies holding records
- Follow up to ensure all agencies comply with the order

Important Limitations:

Expungement in Iowa does not completely destroy records but restricts public access
Law enforcement and some government agencies may still access sealed records
Federal agencies may still maintain records even after state expungement
Some professional licensing boards may require disclosure of expunged arrests
Multiple offenses or serious crimes typically have limited expungement options

For best results, consulting with an attorney experienced in Iowa expungement law is recommended, as the process can be complex and requirements change periodically.

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

Iowa law places several important restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These limitations aim to balance public safety interests with individual rights and opportunities for rehabilitation.

Employment Restrictions:

Under Iowa law and federal regulations:

Employers cannot ask about arrests that did not lead to convictions in most circumstances
Iowa Code Section 715.8 prohibits discrimination based solely on arrest records without convictions
Public employers must demonstrate job-relatedness before considering criminal history
Many licensing boards have adopted "fair chance" policies limiting the use of old or minor arrests

Housing Limitations:

Public housing authorities must follow HUD guidelines on the use of arrest records
Landlords cannot implement blanket bans based solely on arrest history
Housing providers must consider the nature, severity, and recency of charges
Discrimination based on arrest records may violate fair housing protections in certain contexts

Commercial Use Restrictions:

Data brokers and background check companies must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Companies cannot report arrests older than seven years under FCRA guidelines
Arrest information must be complete and accurate when reported
Subjects must be notified when adverse actions are taken based on background checks

Additional Protections:

Juvenile arrest records have enhanced protections against disclosure
Expunged or sealed records cannot be used against individuals in most contexts
Deferred judgments that have been discharged should not be considered as convictions
Records of arrests without charges being filed have limited permissible uses

Penalties for Misuse:

Improper use of arrest records may result in:

Civil liability under state and federal laws
Administrative penalties from regulatory agencies
Loss of professional licenses or certifications
Potential discrimination claims under various legal theories

While these limitations exist, enforcement mechanisms vary, and individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly used may need to pursue legal remedies to address violations.

Lookup Arrest Records in Iowa

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Iowa Department of Public Safety - Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
215 E 7th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 725-6066
Iowa Department of Public Safety

State Department of Corrections

Iowa Department of Corrections
510 E 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 725-5701
Iowa Department of Corrections

State Court System

Iowa Judicial Branch
1111 East Court Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 348-4700
Iowa Judicial Branch

Attorney General's Office

Iowa Attorney General's Office
1305 E Walnut Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-5164
Iowa Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Polk County Sheriff's Office
1985 NE 51st Place
Des Moines, IA 50313
(515) 286-3800
Polk County Sheriff

Linn County Sheriff's Office
310 2nd Avenue SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 892-6100
Linn County Sheriff

Scott County Sheriff's Office
400 W 4th Street
Davenport, IA 52801
(563) 326-8625
Scott County Sheriff

Johnson County Sheriff's Office
511 S Capitol Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-6020
Johnson County Sheriff

Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office
225 E 6th Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 291-2587
Black Hawk County Sheriff

Woodbury County Sheriff's Office
407 7th Street
Sioux City, IA 51101
(712) 279-6010
Woodbury County Sheriff

Dubuque County Sheriff's Office
770 Iowa Street
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 589-4406
Dubuque County Sheriff

Story County Sheriff's Office
1315 South B Avenue
Nevada, IA 50201
(515) 382-6566
Story County Sheriff

Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office
1400 Big Lake Road
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
(712) 890-2200
Pottawattamie County Sheriff

Dallas County Sheriff's Office
201 N Nile Kinnick Drive
Adel, IA 50003
(515) 993-4567
Dallas County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Des Moines Police Department
25 E 1st Street
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 283-4811
Des Moines Police Department

Cedar Rapids Police Department
505 1st Street SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 286-5491
Cedar Rapids Police Department

Davenport Police Department
416 Harrison Street
Davenport, IA 52801
(563) 326-7979
Davenport Police Department

Iowa City Police Department
410 E Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
(319) 356-5275
Iowa City Police Department

Waterloo Police Department
715 Mulberry Street
Waterloo, IA 50703
(319) 291-4340
Waterloo Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Iowa

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Omaha Division (covers Iowa)
4411 S 121st Court
Omaha, NE 68137
(402) 493-8688
FBI Omaha Division

U.S. Marshals Service - Southern District of Iowa
U.S. Courthouse
123 E Walnut Street, Suite 300
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515) 284-6240
U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. Courts – PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)
Online Access System
(800) 676-6856
PACER