Introduction to Indiana Law Enforcement
Indiana's law enforcement landscape comprises a comprehensive three-tiered structure that serves the state's 6.8 million residents across 92 counties. The state maintains approximately 17,000 sworn law enforcement officers working across more than 250 separate agencies, ranging from the Indiana State Police to county sheriff's offices and municipal police departments. The collective annual budget for law enforcement operations in Indiana exceeds $2 billion, reflecting the state's commitment to public safety and criminal justice operations.
The Indiana State Police serves as the primary statewide law enforcement agency, with jurisdiction across all 92 counties and responsibility for highway patrol, criminal investigations, and specialized law enforcement services. County sheriff's offices, established in each of Indiana's counties under Article 6, Section 2 of the Indiana Constitution, hold dual responsibilities as both law enforcement agencies and operators of county jails. Sheriffs are elected officials serving four-year terms, and their deputies provide patrol services in unincorporated areas, serve civil process, and maintain courthouse security.
Municipal police departments operate within incorporated cities and towns throughout Indiana, with their authority limited to their jurisdictional boundaries. Larger departments like the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department employ over 1,700 officers, while smaller town marshal's offices may have only a handful of personnel. This decentralized structure means that public records requests often must be directed to the specific agency that created the records, rather than a centralized state repository. Understanding which agency maintains the records you need is the critical first step in accessing police records in Indiana.
Indiana State Police
The Indiana State Police (ISP), established in 1933, operates as the principal statewide law enforcement agency with full police powers throughout Indiana. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the ISP employs approximately 1,400 sworn officers and 500 civilian personnel across 14 district posts strategically positioned throughout the state. The agency operates under the authority of the Indiana Department of Public Safety and maintains an annual operating budget exceeding $200 million.
The ISP's jurisdiction extends to all Indiana highways, state property, and concurrent jurisdiction with local agencies for criminal investigations. The agency maintains specialized units including the Criminal Investigations Division, Intelligence and Investigative Technologies Section, Special Investigations Section, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, and the Emergency Response Team. The ISP also operates the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, which coordinates threat assessment and information sharing among federal, state, and local agencies.
To request records from the Indiana State Police, citizens must submit requests to the ISP Public Records Office located at 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204. The ISP processes requests under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Indiana Code 5-14-3. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or via the ISP's online portal at in.gov/isp. The agency requires requesters to provide specific details about the incident or record sought, including dates, locations, and case numbers when available.
For traffic crash reports, the ISP maintains a dedicated Crash Records Section that processes approximately 85,000 crash reports annually. The Automated Reporting Information Exchange System (ARIES) allows online purchase of crash reports for accidents investigated by ISP officers. Standard crash reports cost $12 per report and can be obtained within 14 business days of the accident date. Certified copies, which may be required for insurance claims or legal proceedings, cost $15. Requesters need the crash report number, date of accident, county where the accident occurred, or the names of parties involved. Reports can be ordered online at buycrash.com/indiana or by calling 317-899-8577.
The ISP Criminal History Record Check Unit processes background checks for employment, licensing, and volunteer purposes. Non-certified criminal history checks cost $15 and can be requested online through the ISP's system. Fingerprint-based checks, required for many professional licenses, cost $42.25 ($15 state fee plus $27.25 FBI fee). The ISP typically processes criminal history requests within 5-7 business days, though FBI fingerprint results may take 2-3 weeks.
How to Request Police Records in Indiana
Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), found at Indiana Code 5-14-3-1 et seq., establishes the framework for accessing police records throughout the state. The act presumes that all records maintained by public agencies are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by statute. However, law enforcement records present unique challenges because certain investigatory records may be withheld to protect ongoing investigations or individual privacy rights.
Incident Reports
Incident reports documenting police responses to calls for service are generally public records in Indiana, though agencies may redact information related to ongoing investigations, confidential informants, or personal information protected by other statutes. To request an incident report, contact the specific law enforcement agency that responded to the incident. Most agencies require requesters to provide the date, location, and nature of the incident, along with the case number if known.
Fees for incident reports vary by agency but typically range from $1 to $5 for the first page and $0.10 to $0.25 for each additional page, as permitted under IC 5-14-3-8. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department charges $8 for incident reports, while many smaller agencies charge $3-5. Agencies must respond to public records requests within a "reasonable time," which Indiana courts have generally interpreted as 24 hours for simple requests and up to seven days for complex requests requiring review or redaction.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Indiana are public information under IC 5-2-5, which requires law enforcement agencies to make arrest records available for inspection and copying. These records typically include the arrestee's name, age, arrest date and time, charges filed, arresting agency, and booking photograph. However, arrest records for juvenile offenders are confidential under IC 31-39-1-2, with limited exceptions for serious violent crimes.
Most county sheriff's offices maintain online inmate rosters showing current jail populations and recent arrests. These databases can be searched by name or booking date at no charge. Historical arrest records must typically be requested directly from the arresting agency or the county sheriff's office that operates the jail where booking occurred. Some agencies charge $5-10 for certified arrest records needed for expungement proceedings or legal matters.
Traffic and Crash Reports
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) maintains the statewide repository for traffic crash reports submitted by all law enforcement agencies. The Automated Reporting Information Exchange System (ARIES) provides online access to purchase crash reports dating back to 2004. Reports cost $12 for standard copies or $15 for certified copies. Requesters need either the crash report number or details about the accident including date, county, and parties involved.
For crashes investigated by local police departments, reports may also be obtained directly from the investigating agency, often at lower cost. Many municipal police departments charge $3-8 for crash reports. However, reports may not be available from local agencies for 30-60 days while they complete their investigation and submit reports to the state system.
Body Camera Footage
Indiana's body-worn camera statute, IC 5-14-3-5.7, established specific rules for accessing police body camera footage effective July 1, 2016. Under this law, body camera recordings are not automatically public records. Instead, agencies must balance the public interest in disclosure against privacy concerns and the potential to compromise ongoing investigations. Individuals who are subjects of the recording - meaning they are depicted or their voice is recorded - have greater access rights than the general public.
To request body camera footage, submit a written request to the law enforcement agency that created the recording, specifying the date, time, location, and incident involved. The agency must respond within seven days, either providing the footage, denying the request with written explanation, or requesting an extension up to an additional seven days. Agencies may charge actual costs for copying and labor to redact portions of the recording, which can range from $25 to several hundred dollars depending on the length and complexity.
If denied access to body camera footage, IC 5-14-3-5.7(g) allows requesters to file suit in circuit or superior court to compel disclosure. The court will review the recording in camera and determine whether disclosure is warranted under the statutory balancing test.
911 Call Recordings
Emergency 911 call recordings are generally considered public records in Indiana, subject to the same investigatory records exceptions that apply to other police records. Under IC 36-8-15-20, recordings of 911 calls must be maintained for at least 60 days and may be retained longer if needed for investigations or litigation. Most county 911 centers and public safety answering points (PSAPs) process requests for 911 recordings, though some agencies route requests through the law enforcement agency that responded to the call.
Fees for 911 recordings typically include actual costs for copying media, which ranges from $5-15 for a CD or digital file, plus potential labor costs if the agency must review and redact portions of the recording. Processing time varies from 5-14 business days depending on the complexity of the request and whether redactions are necessary.
Filing Formal Public Records Requests
To file a formal public records request with an Indiana law enforcement agency, submit a written request (email is acceptable) to the agency's records custodian. Include: (1) your name and contact information; (2) a specific description of the records sought, including dates, case numbers, locations, and parties involved; (3) your preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, digital files, or inspection); and (4) acknowledgment that you will pay reasonable copying fees.
If an agency denies your request or fails to respond within a reasonable time, you may file a complaint with the Indiana Public Access Counselor, an independent state official who mediates public records disputes. The Public Access Counselor can be reached at 317-234-0906 or through the online complaint form at in.gov/pac. Alternatively, you may file suit in circuit or superior court under IC 5-14-3-9 to compel disclosure and potentially recover attorney fees if you prevail.
Criminal Justice Information in Indiana
The Indiana State Police operates the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS), which serves as the state's central repository for criminal history information. This system maintains records of arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by law enforcement agencies and courts throughout Indiana, as well as information from the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index.
Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) searches are available through the ISP's Criminal History Records Unit for employment screening, professional licensing, volunteer organizations, and personal review. Under IC 10-13-3-27, individuals have the right to review and challenge the accuracy of their own criminal history records. Third-party access to CHRI is governed by IC 10-13-3, which restricts access to authorized purposes including employment decisions, licensing determinations, and criminal justice operations.
The ISP offers two types of background checks: name-based and fingerprint-based. Name-based checks search Indiana records only and cost $15. These checks are processed through the ISP's online system at indianastatepolice.org and typically return results within 5-7 business days. Name-based checks have limitations because they rely on matching names and dates of birth, which can produce false positives or miss records filed under variations of a person's name.
Fingerprint-based checks provide more accurate results by searching both Indiana and FBI databases using biometric identification. These checks cost $42.25 and require submission of fingerprints through an approved fingerprinting service, typically using electronic LiveScan technology. Many Indiana State Police posts offer fingerprinting services by appointment, as do private fingerprinting vendors. Results from fingerprint-based checks typically arrive within 2-3 weeks, though FBI processing times can vary.
Criminal records in Indiana generally remain on file indefinitely, though IC 35-38-9 provides procedures for expungement of certain convictions. Under Indiana's "second chance" law, misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for expungement after five years, while most felony convictions require an eight-year waiting period. Arrests that did not result in conviction may be expunged after one year. Successfully expunged records are sealed and removed from public criminal history databases, though they may still be accessible to criminal justice agencies for specific purposes.
Employers conducting background checks must comply with both Indiana law and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Indiana law permits employers to consider convictions that are "relevant" to the position sought, but IC 22-5-4-7 prohibits discrimination based solely on an unrelated expunged conviction. Many professional licensing boards in Indiana have specific statutory authority to consider criminal history, including the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency boards for healthcare, real estate, and other regulated professions.
Indiana Attorney General and Statewide Law Enforcement
The Indiana Attorney General serves as the state's chief legal officer and oversees several divisions involved in criminal law enforcement and prosecution. The Office of the Attorney General, established under Article 6, Section 1 of the Indiana Constitution, employs approximately 400 personnel including attorneys, investigators, and support staff. The current annual budget exceeds $40 million for operations across multiple divisions.
The Attorney General's Criminal Division prosecutes appeals of criminal convictions on behalf of the state, defends habeas corpus petitions, and represents the state in death penalty cases. The division handles approximately 4,000 appellate cases annually and provides legal support to county prosecutors throughout Indiana. Under IC 4-6-2-7, the Attorney General has concurrent jurisdiction with county prosecutors to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses, though this authority is typically exercised only at the request of local prosecutors or in cases of statewide significance.
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU), operating within the Attorney General's office under IC 12-15-14, investigates and prosecutes healthcare providers who defraud the Indiana Medicaid program or abuse or neglect residents of healthcare facilities. The MFCU recovers tens of millions of dollars annually through criminal prosecutions and civil settlements. This unit works in coordination with federal authorities and receives partial funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Indiana maintains several multi-agency task forces that coordinate investigations across jurisdictional boundaries. The Indiana State Police coordinates multiple drug task forces, including the Meth Suppression Section and regional drug interdiction teams. The Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, operated by ISP in partnership with federal agencies, coordinates counter-terrorism efforts and information sharing among 250+ Indiana law enforcement agencies. The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, comprising 53 member agencies, investigates online child exploitation and receives federal funding through the U.S. Department of Justice.
The Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division investigates consumer fraud, deceptive business practices, and violations of Indiana's Deceptive Consumer Sales Act (IC 24-5-0.5). While primarily civil in nature, the division refers cases for criminal prosecution when appropriate and coordinates with local prosecutors on complex white-collar crime investigations. Citizens can file complaints with the Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-800-382-5516 or submitting reports online at indianaconsumer.com.
Sex Offender Registry in Indiana
Indiana's Sex and Violent Offender Registry, established under IC 11-8-8 (also known as Zachary's Law), requires individuals convicted of specified sex offenses and violent crimes to register with local law enforcement and maintain current information throughout their registration period. The Indiana State Police administers the statewide registry database, which contains information on approximately 11,000 registered offenders as of 2024.
Indiana law establishes a two-tiered registration system. Sex offenders must register for either 10 years or life, depending on the nature of their conviction and criminal history. Violent offenders convicted of offenses including murder, voluntary manslaughter, kidnapping, and criminal confinement must register for 10 years. Under IC 11-8-8-7, offenders must register in person with the local law enforcement agency (typically the sheriff's office) in the county where they reside within 7 days of establishing residence in Indiana.
Registered offenders must provide extensive information including current address, employment location, vehicle information, internet identifiers, and a recent photograph. They must verify their information annually in person and report any changes of address within 72 hours. Sexually violent predators - those deemed most likely to reoffend - must register every 90 days and are subject to lifetime registration requirements under IC 11-8-8-19.
The public can search Indiana's Sex and Violent Offender Registry online at indianasexoffenders.org, maintained by the Indiana State Police. The searchable database includes photographs, physical descriptions, addresses (displayed on a map), conviction information, and vehicle descriptions for registered offenders. The registry can be searched by name, address, city, county, or zip code. Indiana law prohibits using registry information to harass or threaten registered offenders, with violations constituting a Level 6 felony under IC 35-42-2-1.
The registry displays different levels of information depending on the offender's classification. For sexually violent predators, the registry shows the complete address. For other offenders, the system displays the address to the block level while showing the precise location on a map. Certain offenders who successfully complete their registration period without violations may petition for removal from the public registry under IC 11-8-8-22, though they may still be required to register with law enforcement.
Indiana law also requires the Indiana Department of Correction to maintain a separate registry of offenders against children, accessible at state.in.us/apps/indcorrection/sor/sor. This registry includes additional offenders who committed crimes against victims under age 18. Schools, youth organizations, and childcare facilities regularly check this registry when screening employees and volunteers who will work with children.
Wanted Lists and Crime Data in Indiana
The Indiana State Police maintains a Most Wanted list featuring fugitives sought for serious violent crimes throughout the state. The ISP Most Wanted list is published at in.gov/isp/most-wanted and includes photographs, physical descriptions, charges, and last known locations for wanted individuals. The list is updated regularly as fugitives are apprehended or new cases are added. Citizens with information about wanted fugitives can contact the ISP at 1-800-872-6743 or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
Individual law enforcement agencies throughout Indiana maintain their own wanted lists for local warrants and fugitives. Many county sheriff's offices publish wanted lists on their websites, searchable by name or warrant type. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department maintains a Most Wanted list at indy.gov/agency/indianapolis-metropolitan-police-department, featuring fugitives wanted for homicide, robbery, and other serious crimes in Marion County.
The Indiana Department of Correction operates a separate Absconder Search for individuals who have absconded from parole or probation supervision. This database, available at in.gov/apps/indcorrection/osa/osa, includes photographs and last known information for approximately 2,000 offenders who have violated the terms of their community supervision. Parole violators who remain at large for extended periods may be added to the U.S. Marshals Service's 15 Most Wanted list.
Crime statistics for Indiana are compiled through the Indiana Incident-Based Reporting System (IIBRS), which replaced the traditional Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) system in 2018. The Indiana State Police Statistical Analysis Center collects crime data from more than 350 participating law enforcement agencies representing approximately 95% of Indiana's population. This data is published annually in the Indiana Crime Report, available at in.gov/isp/indiana-data-and-statistics-overview.
The FBI's Crime Data Explorer (cde.ucr.cjis.gov) provides searchable access to crime statistics from Indiana agencies that report through the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). Users can generate custom reports comparing crime rates across Indiana cities, counties, and regions for specific offense categories. In 2022, Indiana reported approximately 102,000 violent crimes and property crimes to the FBI's system, with significant variations across urban and rural jurisdictions.
The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) publishes additional crime data and analysis, including statistics on drunk driving arrests, drug overdose deaths, and domestic violence incidents. The ICJI's Data and Research Division, accessible at in.gov/cji/grants/data-and-research, provides county-level data on traffic fatalities, substance abuse trends, and crime prevention program outcomes. This information is frequently used by researchers, policymakers, and grant applicants seeking to address public safety challenges in Indiana communities.
Police Accountability and Misconduct Records
Indiana law provides limited public access to police disciplinary records and misconduct investigations compared to some other states. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, IC 5-14-3-4(b)(8) exempts "personnel files of public employees" from mandatory disclosure. Indiana courts have interpreted this exemption broadly to include disciplinary records, internal affairs investigations, and performance evaluations of police officers.
However, certain information about police discipline must be disclosed under Indiana law. When an officer is terminated or suspended without pay, the fact of the disciplinary action and the general reason (such as "violation of department policy" or "criminal conduct") is typically considered public information. Also, if disciplinary action results in criminal charges against an officer, court records related to those charges are public under IC 5-14-3-5.
The Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board, operating under IC 5-2-1-9, maintains certification records for all law enforcement officers in the state. The Board has authority to decertify officers who are convicted of felonies or who engage in serious misconduct that renders them unfit for law enforcement service. Decertification proceedings and final orders are public records available through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy at in.gov/ilea. The Board's decertification database lists officers who have lost their certification and are prohibited from serving as law enforcement officers in Indiana.
Use-of-force reports in Indiana occupy a gray area of public access law. While IC 5-2-1-1.1 requires law enforcement agencies to maintain use-of-force policies and report certain data to the state, individual use-of-force reports are often withheld as investigatory records under IC 5-14-3-4(b)(1) or personnel records. Some agencies voluntarily release redacted use-of-force reports in response to public records requests, particularly in high-profile incidents involving serious injury or death. The level of disclosure varies significantly among Indiana's 250+ law enforcement agencies.
Indiana's Office of Public Access Counselor has issued numerous opinions addressing police accountability records. Notable opinions include 09-FC-241 (holding that the fact of an officer's suspension is public information) and 13-FC-13 (finding that statistical summaries of disciplinary actions may be public even when individual personnel files are exempt). These opinions provide persuasive guidance but are not binding on courts or agencies.
When police officers are involved in shootings or in-custody deaths, investigations are typically conducted by specialized units such as the Indiana State Police Shooting Investigation Team or multi-agency critical incident teams. Final investigative reports from these incidents may be released to the public after the conclusion of any criminal or administrative proceedings, though agencies retain discretion to withhold information related to ongoing investigations or personnel matters. Families of individuals killed in police encounters often must file civil lawsuits to obtain comprehensive investigative records through the discovery process.
Traffic Violations and Driving Records
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) maintains driving records for all licensed drivers in the state under IC 9-14-3. These records include traffic violations, license suspensions, accidents, and driver's license status information. Indiana uses a point system established under IC 9-30-2-2, where traffic violations add points to a driver's record. Accumulating 18 points within a 24-month period results in license suspension for up to one year.
Drivers can request their own driving records through the BMV's online system at myBMV.indiana.gov or by visiting any BMV branch in person. The BMV offers two types of driving records: an uncertified record suitable for personal review costs $4, while a certified record required for court proceedings or employment verification costs $8. Online orders are typically processed immediately, while mail requests require 10-14 business days for processing.
Under the federal Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA), 18 U.S.C. ยง 2721, Indiana restricts third-party access to driving records containing personal information. Employers, insurance companies, and other authorized users must establish a permissible purpose under IC 9-14-3-3 before accessing another person's driving record. Common permissible purposes include employment screening for positions requiring driving, insurance underwriting and claims investigation, and court proceedings involving driving-related matters.
Traffic violations in Indiana range from minor infractions carrying 2 points (such as failure to signal) to serious violations carrying 8 points (such as reckless driving). Under IC 9-30-2-3, points remain on a driving record for two years from the date of conviction. However, the underlying violation remains on the record permanently unless expunged. Indiana law allows drivers to reduce points by completing a defensive driving course approved by the BMV, which removes up to 4 points from the record once every three years.
Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders face stricter standards under federal regulations incorporated into Indiana law. The BMV maintains separate CDL records accessible through the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS). CDL holders cannot mask or reduce violations through defensive driving courses, and many violations that would result in points for regular drivers result in automatic CDL suspension. Employers of commercial drivers can access limited CDL records through the BMV's electronic reporting system to verify driver qualifications and safety records.
Driving records can be expunged in limited circumstances under Indiana law. If a traffic ticket is dismissed or the driver is found not guilty, the BMV will remove the violation from the public record upon receipt of court documentation. However, convictions for traffic violations generally cannot be expunged even after the points expire. DUI convictions remain on the driving record permanently and count toward Indiana's lifetime lookback period for subsequent DUI offenses under IC 9-30-5-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a police report in Indiana?
Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, law enforcement agencies must respond to public records requests within a "reasonable time," which courts have generally interpreted as 24 hours for simple requests and up to 7 days for requests requiring review or redaction. However, some records may take longer if the agency needs to redact confidential information or if the incident is part of an ongoing investigation. For routine incident reports, most agencies provide records within 3-5 business days. If an agency cannot fulfill your request within seven days, they should notify you of the delay and provide an estimated completion date.
Are mugshots public record in Indiana?
Yes, booking photographs (mugshots) are generally public records in Indiana under IC 5-2-5, which requires law enforcement agencies to make arrest records available for public inspection. Most county jails publish current inmate mugshots on their websites as part of online inmate rosters. However, mugshots of juvenile offenders are confidential under IC 31-39-1-2 except in cases involving serious violent crimes. Some commercial websites aggregate mugshot data from Indiana jails; under IC 24-5-14-8, these websites must remove mugshots without charge within 30 days if the individual submits documentation that charges were dismissed or the arrest record was expunged.
Can I get a criminal background check on myself in Indiana?
Yes, Indiana residents have the right to review their own criminal history records under IC 10-13-3-27. You can request your Indiana criminal history through the Indiana State Police online system at indianastatepolice.org. A name-based check costs $15 and typically provides results within 5-7 business days. For a more comprehensive check including FBI records, you can submit fingerprints for a national background check, which costs $42.25 and takes 2-3 weeks. Reviewing your own record is important because it allows you to identify and challenge any errors before employers or licensing agencies access your information.
How do I obtain body camera footage from police in Indiana?
Indiana's body camera statute, IC 5-14-3-5.7, requires you to submit a written request to the law enforcement agency that created the recording. Your request should specify the date, time, location, and incident involved. If you are a "subject" of the recording (meaning you appear in or your voice is recorded), you have greater access rights than the general public. The agency must respond within 7 days, either providing access, denying the request with written explanation, or requesting an extension. Agencies may charge actual costs for copying and redacting the footage. If your request is denied, you can file a complaint with the Indiana Public Access Counselor or file suit in court to compel disclosure.
How long do I have to get a copy of a police accident report in Indiana?
There is no legal deadline limiting when you can obtain a crash report in Indiana. The Indiana State Police and local law enforcement agencies maintain crash reports indefinitely, though older reports may require additional time to retrieve from archives. Through the statewide ARIES system (buycrash.com/indiana), you can purchase crash reports dating back to 2004 for $12 per report. For crashes investigated by local police, reports are typically available 30-60 days after the accident once the investigation is complete and the report has been submitted to the state database. Insurance companies typically request crash reports within 30 days of an accident, but you can obtain reports years later if needed for litigation or personal records.
Are 911 calls public record in Indiana?
Generally yes, 911 call recordings are considered public records in Indiana subject to the Access to Public Records Act. However, agencies may withhold portions of recordings that would interfere with ongoing investigations, reveal confidential informant identities, or disclose information protected by other statutes under IC 5-14-3-4(b)(1). To request a 911 recording, contact the county 911 center or public safety answering point (PSAP) that received the call. Some agencies route requests through the law enforcement agency that responded. Fees typically include $5-15 for copying to CD or digital file, plus potential labor costs for review and redaction. Processing time ranges from 5-14 business days depending on whether redactions are necessary.
Can I find out if someone has a warrant in Indiana?
Yes, warrant information is generally public record in Indiana. Many county sheriff's offices maintain online warrant searches on their websites where you can search by name. The Indiana Supreme Court's public case search system (mycase.in.gov) allows you to search court records by name and view whether warrants have been issued in criminal cases. However, not all warrants appear in online systems immediately, particularly newly issued warrants or warrants from smaller counties. For definitive warrant information, contact the clerk's office of the court that issued the warrant or the sheriff's office in the county where the warrant was issued. Keep in mind that active warrants typically lead to immediate arrest, so searching for your own warrant online from home is safer than appearing in person at a law enforcement agency.
How do I expunge my criminal record in Indiana?
Indiana's expungement law, IC 35-38-9, allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal and restrict access to criminal records. Misdemeanor convictions can be expunged after 5 years from the date of conviction, while most felony convictions require an 8-year waiting period. Arrests that did not result in conviction may be expunged after one year. To expunge your record, you must file a petition in the court where the conviction occurred, pay a filing fee (which may be waived for indigent petitioners), and demonstrate that you meet the statutory requirements including completing your sentence and having no pending charges. The court will review your petition and may hold a hearing before deciding whether to grant expungement. Successfully expunged records are removed from public criminal history databases, though they remain accessible to criminal justice agencies for certain purposes. Many people hire attorneys to handle expungement petitions, though it is possible to file pro se using forms available from the Indiana Supreme Court's website.