Oregon Arrest Records

Oregon Public Records /Oregon Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Oregon?

Yes. Under the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311–192.513), every person has a right to inspect or obtain copies of public records—this includes arrest records—unless a specific exemption applies. In practice, that means agencies such as the Oregon State Police, local sheriff’s offices, and municipal police departments are required to release arrest documentation (e.g., incident reports, booking logs) to the public upon request.

However, access is not universal. Certain arrest-related information is exempt from disclosure—such as records linked to ongoing criminal investigations, sensitive personal data, juvenile matters, and other confidential criminal justice information—per the exemptions in ORS 192.345 and 192.355. For full criminal history checks, including non–conviction data, a formal request must be made to the Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division, which handles fingerprint-based and name-based record reviews under strict statutory conditions.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Oregon?

Access to arrest records in Oregon is primarily governed by the Oregon Public Records Law, codified in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 192. This law establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal history.

Key legal provisions that affect access to arrest records include:

ORS 192.311 to 192.478: These sections establish the general right of public access to government records and outline the procedures for requesting such records.
ORS 181A.230: This statute specifically addresses criminal history record information and establishes guidelines for its dissemination.
ORS 419A.255: Governs the confidentiality of juvenile court records, which are generally more restricted than adult records.
ORS 137.225: Known as Oregon's "expungement statute," this law provides the legal basis for sealing certain arrest records under specific circumstances.

Additionally, access to arrest records may be affected by:

Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 257-010-0025: These rules establish procedures for accessing criminal history record information through the Oregon State Police.
Federal laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which may apply to federal agencies operating in Oregon.

These laws collectively create a framework that balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

What Information Is Included in a Oregon Arrest Record?

Oregon arrest records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. The specific content may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest, but generally includes:

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or known nicknames
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking information
Detention facility information

Case Processing Information:

Case or docket number
Court appearance dates
Bail or bond information
Plea information
Case disposition (if available)
Sentence information (if convicted)

Additional Information:

Prior arrest history (may be referenced)
Probation or parole status at time of arrest
Warrant information (if applicable)

It's important to note that arrest records document the fact that an arrest occurred but do not necessarily indicate guilt. The record may or may not include the final disposition of the case, such as whether charges were dropped, the person was acquitted, or a conviction was obtained.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Oregon in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Oregon involves contacting the appropriate agency that maintains the records you seek. The process varies depending on whether you're requesting your own records or those of another person, and which agency holds the information you need.

For Your Own Records:

Oregon State Police (OSP): For a complete criminal history record, submit a request to the OSP's Criminal Justice Information Services Division.

Oregon State Police - Criminal Justice Information Services
3565 Trelstad Ave SE
Salem, OR 97317
Phone: (503) 378-3070
Oregon State Police

You'll need to complete a fingerprint card, provide identification, and pay the required fee.
Local Law Enforcement Agency: Contact the police department or sheriff's office that made the arrest.
County Circuit Court: If you're seeking information about a case that went to court, contact the circuit court in the county where the case was processed.

For Records of Another Person:

Public arrest records can be requested from the arresting agency or the county court where the case was processed.
For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to the Oregon State Police using their Open Records Request form.

Required Information for Requests:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth
Approximate date of arrest
Location of arrest (if known)
Case number (if available)
Your contact information
Purpose of the request (may be required for certain types of records)

Request Methods:

In-person at the agency's public records counter
By mail with a written request
Online through agency websites (where available)
By email or fax (accepted by some agencies)

Most agencies require a form of payment for record searches and copies. Processing times vary from immediate access for in-person requests to several weeks for more complex searches or older records.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Oregon

Finding arrest records online in Oregon has become increasingly accessible through various official and third-party platforms. Here are the primary online resources for accessing Oregon arrest records in 2025:

Official Government Resources:

Oregon Judicial Department's Online Records Search The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) provides access to court records, including criminal cases resulting from arrests. The system allows searches by name or case number.
Oregon State Police Open Records Request The OSP offers an online portal for submitting requests for criminal history information, though complete records typically require a formal request process.
County Sheriff's Office Websites Many county sheriff's offices maintain online inmate rosters or recent arrest logs:
Municipal Police Department Websites Larger police departments often provide online access to recent arrest information:

Search Tips:

Use the exact legal name of the person (including middle name if known)
Include date of birth when possible to distinguish between individuals with similar names
Be aware that recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
Some online systems may require registration or payment for access
Not all arrest information is available online; older records may require direct agency contact

Important Considerations:

Online records may be incomplete or lack final case dispositions
Some sensitive cases may be restricted from online access
Information found online should be verified through official channels before being relied upon for important decisions
Third-party websites that aggregate arrest records may contain outdated or inaccurate information

For the most comprehensive and accurate information, it's advisable to supplement online searches with direct requests to the relevant government agencies.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Oregon?

In Oregon, access to arrest records varies depending on who is requesting the information and the purpose of the request. While the general principle is that these records are public, there are different levels of access for different categories of requesters:

General Public Access:

Any member of the public can request basic arrest record information
Access is typically limited to non-confidential information
Requesters generally don't need to state a reason for standard public records
Some information may be redacted to protect privacy or sensitive details

Enhanced Access for Specific Entities:

Law Enforcement Agencies: Have complete access to all arrest records and criminal history information for legitimate law enforcement purposes
Courts and Prosecutors: Full access for case processing and judicial functions
Corrections Departments: Access for inmate management and supervision purposes
Licensing Boards: May have special access rights for professional licensing decisions
Employers in Sensitive Fields: Organizations in healthcare, education, childcare, elder care, and financial services may have enhanced access rights for background checks as authorized by specific statutes

Special Access Provisions:

Self-Requests: Individuals have the right to access their own complete criminal history records
Legal Representatives: Attorneys can access their clients' records with proper authorization
Research Organizations: May be granted access for legitimate research purposes with appropriate privacy safeguards
Media Organizations: While subject to the same general rules as the public, media may have enhanced practical access due to regular monitoring of police and court activities

Statutory Restrictions:

Access to juvenile arrest records is significantly more restricted under ORS 419A.255
Records related to certain domestic violence cases may have additional protections
Expunged or sealed records are not accessible to the general public
Records of arrests that did not lead to charges or convictions may have restricted access in some circumstances

The Oregon State Police serves as the central repository for criminal history information and applies these access rules according to state and federal law.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Oregon?

Yes, there are fees associated with obtaining arrest records in Oregon. These fees vary depending on the agency providing the records, the type of record requested, and the method of access. Here's a breakdown of the typical fee structure in 2025:

Oregon State Police (OSP) Fees:

Criminal History Record Check: $33.00 per name-based request
Fingerprint-based Criminal History Check: $45.00
Certified copies of records: Additional $5.00 per document

County Sheriff's Offices:

Record search fees typically range from $10.00 to $25.00
Copy fees: Generally $0.25 to $1.00 per page
Certified copies: Additional $3.00 to $5.00 per document

Municipal Police Departments:

Record search fees: $10.00 to $30.00 depending on the department
Copy fees: $0.25 to $0.50 per page
Research fees may apply for complex or older records: $25.00 to $40.00 per hour

Oregon Judicial Department:

Court record searches through OJCIN: $8.00 per name search
Case document copies: $0.25 per page
Certified court documents: $5.00 per document

Fee Waivers and Reductions:

Some agencies may reduce or waive fees for:
- Requests that primarily benefit the general public
- Individuals with demonstrated financial hardship
- Certain non-profit organizations
- Victims of crimes seeking their own case information

Payment Methods: Most agencies accept:

Credit/debit cards (online or in-person)
Checks or money orders
Cash (for in-person requests only)

It's advisable to contact the specific agency before submitting a request to confirm current fees, as these may change over time. Additionally, expedited processing may be available for an additional fee at some agencies.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Oregon

Oregon maintains arrest records for extensive periods, with retention schedules varying by agency type and record category. These retention policies are governed by state archival laws and agency-specific requirements.

State-Level Record Retention:

The Oregon State Police maintains criminal history information indefinitely for most serious offenses. For less serious offenses, records may be maintained according to the following general guidelines:

Felony arrests and convictions: Permanent retention
Misdemeanor convictions: Minimum of 15 years, often longer
Arrests without convictions: Generally maintained for 5-7 years, though policies vary
Juvenile records: Typically maintained until the individual reaches age 25, unless expunged earlier

Local Law Enforcement Retention:

Local police departments and sheriff's offices typically follow these general retention schedules:

Arrest reports and booking information: 10-75 years depending on offense severity
Fingerprints and photographs: Often retained permanently for adults
Investigative reports: 10 years to permanent, depending on case type
Incident reports: 5-10 years minimum

Court Record Retention:

The Oregon Judicial Department maintains court records according to the following general schedule:

Felony case records: 75 years from case creation
Misdemeanor case records: 25 years from case creation
Violation case records: 10 years from case creation
Juvenile delinquency records: Until the individual reaches age 25, unless extended

These retention periods are established by the Oregon State Archives' retention schedules for various government agencies. It's important to note that even after the minimum retention period has passed, many records are archived rather than destroyed, particularly for serious offenses.

Digital records have increasingly replaced paper records, allowing for longer practical retention periods. However, the accessibility of older records may be limited, as they might not be included in modern searchable databases.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Oregon Arrest Records?

When arrest records are released to the public in Oregon, certain types of information are commonly redacted or restricted to protect privacy, safety, and the integrity of the criminal justice system. The specific information that is withheld varies depending on the type of record, the requesting party, and applicable laws.

Commonly Redacted Information:

Personal Identifiers:
- Social Security Numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Date of birth (may be partially redacted, showing only year)
- Home addresses of crime victims
- Phone numbers and email addresses of involved parties
Sensitive Case Information:
- Names and identifying information of sexual assault victims
- Information identifying minor victims of any crime
- Child abuse investigation details
- Confidential informant identities
- Undercover officer identities
- Medical and mental health information
- Information that would reveal intelligence gathering methods
Juvenile Information:
- Records related to juvenile offenders are generally more heavily redacted or entirely restricted
- Names and identifying details of minors involved in cases
Ongoing Investigation Materials:
- Information that could compromise an active investigation
- Details that might prejudice a pending prosecution
- Grand jury materials

Legal Basis for Redactions:

These redactions are authorized under various provisions of Oregon law, including:

ORS 192.345: Conditionally exempt public records
ORS 192.355: Information exempt from disclosure
ORS 419A.255: Confidentiality of juvenile court records
ORS 135.873: Materials protected from disclosure in criminal proceedings

When records are released with redactions, the agency is generally required to cite the specific statutory exemption that justifies each redaction. Requesters who believe information has been improperly withheld can appeal redaction decisions through administrative or judicial review processes.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Oregon

In Oregon, individuals may be eligible to have their arrest records sealed (expunged) under certain circumstances. The process is governed by ORS 137.225, Oregon's expungement statute. Here's a comprehensive guide to the process:

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for expungement in Oregon, you must meet these general criteria:

Waiting Period:
- For most misdemeanors and Class C felonies: 3 years after case conclusion
- For most Class B felonies: 7 years after case conclusion
- For arrests without charges: 1 year from arrest date
- For dismissals or acquittals: No waiting period
Clean Record Requirement:
- No pending criminal charges anywhere
- No convictions within the applicable waiting period
- No more than one other conviction (with some exceptions)
Ineligible Offenses:
- Most sex crimes
- Child abuse offenses
- Traffic offenses (including DUII)
- Most Class A felonies
- Certain violent felonies

Application Process:

Obtain Records:
- Request a complete criminal history from the Oregon State Police
- Obtain copies of court records for each case you want to expunge
Prepare Documents:
- Complete the Motion for Setting Aside Conviction or Arrest Record
- Prepare an affidavit explaining why you qualify
- Draft a proposed order
File with the Court:
- Submit documents to the circuit court in the county where the arrest/conviction occurred
- Pay the filing fee (approximately $281 as of 2025)
- Fee waivers may be available for those with financial hardship
Notification Requirements:
- Serve copies of your motion on the District Attorney's office
- The DA has 120 days to object to your motion
Court Hearing:
- If the DA objects, a hearing will be scheduled
- If no objection is filed, the judge may rule without a hearing

After Expungement:

If your expungement is granted:

All official records of the arrest, citation, charge, or conviction will be sealed
You may legally answer "no" when asked if you have been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense
The expunged record will not appear in standard background checks

Professional Assistance:

While you can complete this process without an attorney, many applicants seek legal help due to the complexity of the requirements. Resources include:

Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service: (503) 684-3763
Legal Aid Services of Oregon: Provides assistance to low-income individuals
Oregon Judicial Department Self-Help Resources: Offers forms and guidance

The expungement process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion, depending on court caseloads and whether there are any objections.

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

Oregon law places significant restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These limitations are designed to protect individuals from discrimination based on arrests that did not result in convictions and to support rehabilitation efforts. Here are the key limitations:

Employment Restrictions:

Under ORS 659A.030, employers generally cannot require applicants to disclose arrests that did not lead to convictions
The Oregon Fair Chance Act (also known as "Ban the Box") prohibits employers from asking about criminal history on initial job applications
Employers must delay criminal background checks until after making a conditional offer of employment
If an employer intends to reject an applicant based on criminal history, they must conduct an individualized assessment considering:
- The nature and gravity of the offense
- The time elapsed since the offense
- The nature of the specific position

Housing Limitations:

Housing providers are restricted in how they can use arrest records when evaluating rental applications
Under ORS 90.303, landlords must disclose screening criteria and cannot consider arrests that did not result in convictions
Some localities, such as Portland, have additional "Fair Housing" ordinances that further restrict the use of criminal history in housing decisions

Licensing and Certification:

Professional licensing boards must follow the requirements of ORS 670.280, which limits denial of licenses based on criminal convictions
Licensing authorities must consider evidence of rehabilitation and cannot base decisions solely on arrest records without convictions
The connection between the criminal history and the specific duties of the licensed profession must be direct and reasonable

Credit and Financial Services:

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act limits how consumer reporting agencies can report arrest records
Arrest records that did not result in conviction generally cannot be reported after seven years

Educational Institutions:

Oregon public colleges and universities have limitations on how they can use criminal history in admissions decisions
Many institutions have adopted policies that delay consideration of criminal history until after academic qualifications are reviewed

Penalties for Misuse:

Improper use of arrest records can result in:

Civil liability under anti-discrimination laws
Administrative penalties from regulatory agencies
Potential legal action by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries or the Attorney General's office

These limitations reflect Oregon's policy of balancing public safety concerns with the recognition that arrest records, particularly those not resulting in conviction, should not create permanent barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.

Lookup Arrest Records in Oregon

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Oregon State Police - Criminal Justice Information Services Division
3565 Trelstad Ave SE
Salem, OR 97317
Phone: (503) 378-3070
Oregon State Police

State Department of Justice

Oregon Department of Justice
1162 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 378-4400
Oregon Department of Justice

State Department of Corrections

Oregon Department of Corrections
2575 Center Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 945-9090
Oregon Department of Corrections

State Court System

Oregon Judicial Department
1163 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 986-5500
Oregon Judicial Department

State Supreme Court

Oregon Supreme Court
1163 State Street
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 986-5555
Oregon Supreme Court

Attorney General's Office

Oregon Attorney General's Office
1162 Court Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 378-4400
Oregon Attorney General's Office

County Sheriff's Offices

Multnomah County Sheriff's Office
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 350
Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 988-4300
Multnomah County Sheriff's Office

Washington County Sheriff's Office
215 SW Adams Avenue
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2700
Washington County Sheriff's Office

Clackamas County Sheriff's Office
2223 Kaen Road
Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 655-8211
Clackamas County Sheriff's Office

Lane County Sheriff's Office
125 E 8th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541) 682-4150
Lane County Sheriff's Office

Marion County Sheriff's Office
100 High Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 588-5094
Marion County Sheriff's Office

Jackson County Sheriff's Office
5179 Crater Lake Highway
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: (541) 774-6800
Jackson County Sheriff's Office

Deschutes County Sheriff's Office
63333 Highway 20 West
Bend, OR 97703
Phone: (541) 388-6655
Deschutes County Sheriff's Office

Linn County Sheriff's Office
1115 Jackson Street SE
Albany, OR 97322
Phone: (541) 967-3950
Linn County Sheriff's Office

Douglas County Sheriff's Office
1036 SE Douglas Avenue
Roseburg, OR 97470
Phone: (541) 440-4450
Douglas County Sheriff's Office

Josephine County Sheriff's Office
601 NW 5th Street
Grants Pass, OR 97526
Phone: (541) 474-5123
Josephine County Sheriff's Office

Municipal Police Departments

Portland Police Bureau
1111 SW 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 823-3333
Portland Police Bureau

Eugene Police Department
300 Country Club Road
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone: (541) 682-5111
Eugene Police Department

Salem Police Department
333 Division Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 588-6123
Salem Police Department

Gresham Police Department
1333 NW Eastman Parkway
Gresham, OR 97030
Phone: (503) 618-2318
Gresham Police Department

Hillsboro Police Department
250 SE 10th Avenue
Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 681-6190
Hillsboro Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Oregon

FBI - Portland Field Office
9109 NE Cascades Parkway
Portland, OR 97220
Phone: (503) 224-4181
FBI Portland Field Office

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Oregon
1000 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 600
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 326-2209
U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. District Court - District of Oregon
Mark O. Hatfield United States Courthouse
1000 SW 3rd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204
Phone: (503) 326-8000
U.S. District Court - District of Oregon