Roland Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Roland, Iowa government websites.

  About Roland City Government
Government Type City Council

Roland is a city in Story County, Iowa. Use the official town and county resources on this page to reach the clerk, court, assessment, public-records, and Freedom of Information request pages serving residents and researchers.

  About Roland, Iowa

Set against the picturesque backdrop of central Iowa, this quaint town, situated along the scenic Highway 30, captures the essence of small-town America. Established in the late 19th century, around 1881, Roland has grown into a close-knit community of approximately 1,300 residents, according to recent Census data. This charming locale is characterized by its tree-lined streets and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a desirable place for families and retirees alike. Major neighborhoods, such as the historic district and newer developments, showcase a mix of architectural styles that reflect the town’s rich history and modern aspirations. The local economy thrives on a blend of agriculture, small businesses, and educational services, with establishments such as the Roland-Story Community School District serving as significant employers. What truly sets Roland apart is its tight community spirit, often highlighted by local events and festivals, which foster a sense of belonging among residents and visitors alike.

When it comes to law enforcement, the Roland Police Department plays a vital role in maintaining public safety within the community. Additionally, the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office oversees law enforcement for the broader county area, including Roland, and operates the Iowa County Jail, where individuals are detained pending legal proceedings. To obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history in Roland, individuals can begin by contacting the local police department directly. The Roland Police Department maintains a records unit that is responsible for providing access to local arrest reports. For broader inquiries, including those related to offenses investigated by the county, residents can reach out to the Iowa County Sheriff’s Office. Furthermore, individuals seeking statewide criminal history may contact the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, often referred to as the Iowa State Police. For convenience, many of these records are available through online lookup portals, allowing residents to access information efficiently.

The judicial system serving Roland is the Iowa County District Court, which handles a variety of civil and criminal matters. If residents need to request court records, they can do so through the Iowa Courts Online portal, which provides remote access to many documents. For those preferring in-person assistance, the clerk of court’s office welcomes visitors to facilitate requests directly. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are managed by the Iowa County Clerk-Recorder's office, where residents can submit requests either online or in person. Property records are maintained by the county assessor and recorder, and can also be accessed through various online platforms, ensuring transparency and ease of access for property owners and prospective buyers. Additionally, under the Iowa Open Records Law, residents can make general public records requests, with typical response times ranging from 5 to 10 business days. This framework not only encourages civic engagement but also reinforces the community's commitment to openness and accountability in governance.

  Roland, Iowa Public Records & Government Resources

About Roland

Set against the picturesque backdrop of central Iowa, the quaint town of Roland captures the essence of small-town America. Established in the late 19th century, this community of 1,472 residents along scenic Highway 30 has a rich history and vibrant present.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Roland, Story County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Story County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Ames Police Department, Nevada Police Department, and Huxley Police Department. Each city department handles law enforcement within its jurisdiction, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Story County Jail, located in Nevada, is the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, and detainees can be searched through the online inmate lookup system provided by the Sheriff's Office. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to a schedule. Inmates may post bond through cash or surety bonds, following the procedures outlined by Iowa law.

Court Records

The Roland community falls under the jurisdiction of the Iowa Judicial Branch, and all court-related records and proceedings can be accessed through the statewide court system's online portal at [https://www.iowacourts.gov/ESAWebApp/SelectFrame]. This includes information on criminal cases, civil lawsuits, and other judicial matters involving Roland residents and businesses.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Story County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Story County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Sheriff's Office or the Iowa Courts Online Search portal. The Iowa Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for background checks and criminal history information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Story County are maintained by the Story County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request these records by submitting a formal request to the respective law enforcement agency. Story County arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. The Iowa Open Records Law governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring transparency and public access to arrest information.

Public Records Access

The City of Roland maintains comprehensive public records, including municipal codes, council meeting minutes, and community development plans. These can be accessed through the city's official website at [http://www.cityofroland.org/]. Residents and interested parties can also obtain criminal history background checks through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at [https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/iowa-division-criminal-investigation/criminal-history-record-check-information].

Economy & Demographics

Roland's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and small-scale retail and service industries. The city's major employers include local farms, food processing plants, and various small businesses. Economic data, including employment figures, tax revenues, and major industry trends, can be found on the City of Roland's website and through the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Law enforcement services in Roland are provided by the Story County Sheriff's Office and the Iowa State Patrol. Information on local crime statistics, incident reports, and the Roland Police Department's operations can be obtained through the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation's public records system at [https://dps.iowa.gov/divisions-iowa-department-public-safety/iowa-division-criminal-investigation/criminal-history-record-check-information].

Vital Records

Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates for Roland, are maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Health. Individuals can request copies of these documents through the state's vital records office. The Iowa Courts website at [https://www.iowacourts.gov/ESAWebApp/SelectFrame] also provides information on upcoming criminal and civil cases within the jurisdiction.

Business & Licensing Records

The Roland area is home to a diverse array of businesses, from local shops and restaurants to larger industrial and agricultural operations. The city's economic development initiatives are overseen by the local government, and information on registered businesses, commercial properties, and economic activity can be found on the City of Roland's website.

Elections & Voter Records

ELECTION HUB for Roland, Iowa voters

Roland, Iowa voters are served by the Story County Elections Office, located at 900 6th Street, Nevada, IA 50201. The office can be reached at 515-382-7300, and their website is www.storycountyiowa.gov/elections.

To register to vote in Roland, Iowa, residents can do so online at sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/voterregistration.html. The registration deadline is 15 days prior to an election. Voters will need to provide a valid Iowa driver's license or non-operator's ID number.

Roland has municipal elections for mayor and city council. These elections typically occur in November of odd-numbered years. Candidate information can be found on the Story County Elections website.

Voters in Roland can look up their polling place at the Iowa Secretary of State's Voter ID Lookup tool: sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx.

In Iowa, many election records are considered public documents, including voter registration lists, campaign finance reports, and election results. These can be requested from the Story County Elections Office.

In the 2024 general election, Story County saw a voter turnout rate of 74.5%.

The November 2026 ballot for Roland/Story County voters is expected to include races for Iowa State Senate, Iowa State House, Story County Board of Supervisors, and potentially city-level positions in Roland.

Iowa allows no-excuse absentee/mail-in voting. Voters can request a ballot at sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/absenteeinfo.html. Ballots must be received by the county auditor's office by the time polls close on election day.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: 8/10 | Property: 9/10 | Arrest Logs: 7/10 | Vital Records: 8/10 | Business: 8/10 | Elections: 9/10 | Overall: 8.3/10 — Story County, Iowa generally has strong government transparency, with comprehensive records available to the public. Election information and processes are particularly well-documented and accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What are the school district and education performance data for Roland, Story County, Iowa?
Roland-Story Community School District is located in Story County, Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Education, the district's most recent overall performance score was a 79.3 out of 100, which is above the state average of 75.1. The district's graduation rate is 97.3%, which is higher than the state average of 90.7%. The district's student proficiency in reading and math is also above the state average.
Unfortunately, the Iowa Department of Public Safety does not provide crime statistics for individual cities or counties. However, the Iowa Department of Public Safety does provide crime statistics for the entire state of Iowa. According to the most recent statistics, there were a total of 33,945 reported crimes in Iowa in 2019.
The Roland Public Library in Story County, Iowa provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Iowa government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Iowa Open Records Law (Iowa Code Chapter 22), which governs access to government documents in Iowa. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Roland Iowa Archives and Genealogy at https://iowaculture.gov/history/research. Contact the Roland Public Library reference desk at (515) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Roland, Story County, Iowa Library is located at 604 Main Street, Roland, IA 50236.
Fingerprinting services for Roland, Iowa residents are provided at the Roland Police Department, which serves Story County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Roland Police Department at (515) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation at https://www.dps.state.ia.us/CriminalHistory/.
In order to obtain vital records from Roland, Story County, Iowa, you must contact the Story County Recorder's Office. You can reach them by phone or by mail.

The vital records available from the Story County Recorder's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain any of these records, you must provide the full name of the person listed on the record, the date of the event, and the place of the event. You may also need to provide additional information, such as the parents' names or the spouse's name. You will also need to provide a valid form of identification and a fee.
  Nearby Cities in Story County, Iowa

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Ames Colo Huxley Nevada Slater