Arkansas Criminal Records at a Glance
Arkansas criminal records are maintained by the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) under the Department of Public Safety. The Arkansas State Police processes fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Court records are searchable through SearchARCourts, the portal for courts using the Contexte Case Management System. The ACIC maintains the Arkansas Sex Offender Registr
1Arkansas Statewide Criminal Search Resources
The Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) states directly: ACIC/NCIC information cannot be released to the public. Access to the statewide criminal history system is restricted to governmental criminal justice officials for criminal justice purposes.
- Arkansas Sex Offender Registry (ACIC)sexoffenderregistry.ar.govSearch for registered sex offenders in Arkansas by address, city, county, or zip code. Maintained by the Arkansas Crime Information Center.
- Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC)dps.arkansas.govACIC community information including sex offender registration, assessment, and notification. Links to change of address forms and resources.
- SearchARCourts, Court Case Searchcaseinfo.arcourts.govPortal to public case information for Arkansas courts using the Contexte Case Management System. Search criminal and civil cases online.
- Arkansas Judiciary, Court Connectarcourts.govSearchARCourts portal providing public access to court case information across Arkansas courts.
- Arkansas DOC, Inmate Searchadc.arkansas.govSearch the Arkansas Department of Correction inmate population by name, ADC number, or other criteria. Includes offense and sentencing details.
- Arkansas Department of Public Safetydps.arkansas.govOfficial DPS portal overseeing the Arkansas State Police, Crime Information Center, crime lab, and criminal justice services.
- Arkansas State Police, Background Checkwww.arcourts.govArkansas State Police conducts criminal background checks for employment, licensing, and court-ordered purposes. Fingerprint card submission required.
- ACIC Registered Sex Offendersdps.arkansas.govACIC lists names and addresses of registered sex offenders assessed by the Arkansas Department of Correction Assessment Team.
- Arkansas VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in Arkansas custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Arkansas's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Arkansas state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Arkansas Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.