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Union, Oregon Public Records

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Search official government public records, criminal records, court records, and background check resources for Union, Oregon.

Official Government Sources

Union Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Union, Oregon government websites.

About Union

The governing body of Union, Oregon, is the Union City Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large by the residents of Union and serve four-year terms. The current council includes Mayor John D. Dyer and councilors Linda M. McCoy, John W. Hurst, Janelle R. Smith, and Thomas E. Johnson.

For the fiscal year 2022-2023, Union's approximate annual operating budget is $1.2 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

Union City Council meetings are held regularly on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Union City Hall, located at 107 S. Main Street, Union, OR 97883. Residents are encouraged to attend to engage with council members and stay informed about local governance issues.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Union County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Union County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in La Grande, Elgin, and Union. The La Grande Police Department handles law enforcement within the city limits of La Grande, focusing on urban crime prevention and community policing. The Elgin and Union Police Departments serve their respective cities, coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional safety initiatives. These agencies work collaboratively to ensure public safety across the county, sharing resources and information as needed.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Union County Jail, located in La Grande, is the primary detention facility for individuals arrested within the county. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information of detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Union County Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, typically requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process in Oregon allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court. Recently arrested individuals can be located through the Sheriff's Office's online resources or by direct inquiry.

Court Records

The Union County Circuit Court, located in La Grande, serves as the primary judicial body for the county. It handles a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and probate matters. The court's jurisdiction extends throughout Union County, providing residents with access to legal proceedings and resources. Court records, case filings, and criminal dockets can be accessed through the court clerk's office, with many resources available online for ease of access. The court plays a crucial role in the administration of justice within the county.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Union County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Union County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Oregon State Police provide additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the appropriate law enforcement agency or utilize the Oregon Bureau of Investigation's services for comprehensive background checks. The system is designed to provide transparency and accountability while safeguarding individual privacy rights.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Union County are maintained by the Union County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of an individual's arrest, including the charges, date, and location of the incident. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Oregon Public Records Law. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, charges, and court dates. The process is designed to ensure transparency while protecting sensitive information.

Public Records Access

Public records in Union County are accessible under Oregon's open records law, which promotes transparency and accountability in government. The Union County Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining vital records, property records, and other official documents. The Circuit Clerk provides access to court records and case information. These offices offer both in-person and online services, with typical turnaround times varying based on the complexity of the request. The open records law ensures that residents have the right to access public information while protecting sensitive data.

Economy & Demographics

Union County's economy is characterized by a mix of agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing, with a growing emphasis on tourism and outdoor recreation. The fertile Grande Ronde Valley supports a variety of crops, while the surrounding forests provide resources for the timber industry. Eastern Oregon University, located in La Grande, is a significant employer and contributes to the local economy through education and research. The county's economic landscape is distinct from neighboring areas due to its combination of natural resources and educational opportunities, fostering a diverse and resilient economic environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1
What is the process for someone who is arrested in Union, Union County, Oregon to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Union, Oregon, you will be transported to the Union County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Union County Court. Under Oregon law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Oregon State Police. The Union County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://docpub.state.or.us/OOS/ where you can look up current detainees.
2
What are the school district and education performance data for Union, Union County, Oregon?
The Union School District is located in Union County, Oregon. According to the Oregon Department of Education, the district had an overall graduation rate of 87.3% in 2019, with a four-year cohort graduation rate of 87.7%. The district also had an average composite score of 20.2 on the 2019-2020 Oregon Statewide Assessment System (OSAS).
3
What are the crime statistics for Union, Union County, Oregon?
According to the Oregon State Police, the crime rate in Union, Oregon in 2019 was 6.2 per 1,000 people. This is lower than the national average of 3.7 per 1,000 people. The most common crimes in Union were larceny/theft (3.2 per 1,000 people), burglary (1.2 per 1,000 people), and motor vehicle theft (0.7 per 1,000 people).
4
What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Union, Union County, Oregon Library?
The Union Public Library in Union County, Oregon provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Oregon 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 Oregon Public Records Law, which governs access to government documents in Oregon. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Union Oregon Archives and Genealogy at https://sos.oregon.gov/archives/Pages/genealogy.aspx. Contact the Union Public Library reference desk at (541) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
5
Where is the Union, Union County, Oregon Public Library located?
The Union, Union County, Oregon Library is located at 108 S. Main Street, Union, OR 97883.
6
Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Union, Union County, Oregon?
Fingerprinting services for Union, Oregon residents are provided at the Union Police Department, which serves Union 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 Union Police Department at (541) 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 Oregon State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Oregon State Police at https://www.oregon.gov/osp/SL/pages/record-check.aspx.
7
What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Union, Union County, Oregon, and what information is provided in the records?
Union, Oregon vital records can be obtained from the Union County Clerk's Office.

The records available include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. To obtain a vital record, you must provide a valid photo ID, proof of relationship to the person named on the record, and the appropriate fee.
8
About background check
A background check in Union, Union County, Oregon typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Oregon. Criminal background checks are processed through the Oregon State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Oregon residents. The Oregon State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://www.oregon.gov/osp/SL/pages/record-check.aspx. Under the Oregon Public Records Law, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
Last reviewed: Mar 25, 2026 Updated: Mar 25, 2026