Kentucky Arrest Records

Kentucky Public Records /Kentucky Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Kentucky?

Yes, arrest records in Kentucky are generally considered public under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 – 61.884). This law grants the public the right to inspect and obtain copies of records maintained by state and local government agencies, including law enforcement. As a result, basic arrest information—such as the individual’s name, charges, date and location of the arrest, and the arresting agency—is typically accessible. Many counties and municipalities in Kentucky make this information available through sheriff’s office websites, jail rosters, or police department public records units.

That said, not all information is open. Certain categories of records are exempt to protect privacy and public safety. Examples include juvenile arrest records, sealed or expunged cases, and records connected to ongoing investigations. Additionally, while basic arrest logs are public, access to full criminal history background checks is more restricted. In Kentucky, criminal history reports are maintained by the Kentucky State Police Criminal Identification and Records Branch, and requests generally require formal procedures and payment of fees. This balance ensures public transparency while safeguarding sensitive personal and investigatory information.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Kentucky?

Access to arrest records in Kentucky is primarily governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884), which establishes the framework for public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

The Kentucky Open Records Act operates under the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. KRS 61.878 outlines specific exemptions that may apply to certain arrest record information, such as:

Records of ongoing law enforcement investigations that could harm the investigation if disclosed
Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
Records that are prohibited from disclosure by federal or state law
Juvenile records, which are generally confidential under KRS 610.320 and KRS 610.340

Additionally, the Criminal History Record Information Act (KRS 17.110 to 17.157) regulates the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history information by the Kentucky State Police and other criminal justice agencies.

The Kentucky Court of Justice Rules of Administrative Procedure also govern access to court records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings within the court system.

What Information Is Included in a Kentucky Arrest Record?

A typical Kentucky arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records generally include:

Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints
- Address at time of arrest
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer information
- Booking information
- Charges filed (including statute numbers and charge descriptions)
- Case numbers
Case Processing Information:
- Court appearance dates
- Bail or bond information
- Plea information
- Case disposition (if available)
- Sentencing information (if applicable)
Agency Information:
- Arresting agency name and jurisdiction
- Detention facility information

Completeness of arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific agency maintaining the records. Some information may be updated or added as a case progresses through the system.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Kentucky in 2025

In 2025, Kentucky offers several methods to obtain arrest records, depending on your needs and the specific information you're seeking:

In-Person Requests

For the most comprehensive arrest records, visiting the appropriate agency in person is often the most effective method:

Kentucky State Police Records Branch
1266 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time

Administrative Office of the Courts
1001 Vandalay Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 573-2350
Kentucky Court of Justice

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Time

Mail Requests

To request records by mail, you can send a completed request form along with the required identification and payment to the appropriate agency:

Download and complete the appropriate request form from the agency's website
Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID
Include the required payment (check or money order)
Mail to the agency's address

Agency-Specific Procedures

Different agencies may have specific procedures for requesting arrest records:

Local Police Departments: Contact the records division of the specific police department where the arrest occurred
County Sheriff's Offices: Visit or contact the records division of the relevant county sheriff's office
County Clerk's Offices: For court records related to arrests and case dispositions

When making a request, be prepared to provide:

The full name of the person whose records you're seeking
Date of birth or approximate age
Date or approximate date of the arrest
Location of the arrest (if known)
Your contact information
Proof of identity (for in-person requests)
Payment for any applicable fees

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Kentucky

Kentucky offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally in 2025:

Official Government Portals

Kentucky Court of Justice CourtNet 2.0
The Kentucky Court of Justice provides online access to court records through its CourtNet 2.0 system. This subscription-based service allows users to search for criminal cases, including arrest information, across Kentucky's court system.

Kentucky State Police Records
The Kentucky State Police offers limited online criminal history record checks through their website. These records provide information on convictions and may include arrest data.

Kentucky Department of Corrections Offender Search
The Kentucky Department of Corrections Offender Information Search provides information about individuals currently incarcerated or under supervision, which may include arrest information.

County-Level Resources

Many Kentucky counties maintain their own online portals for accessing local arrest records:

Jefferson County: The Louisville Metro Department of Corrections provides an inmate lookup tool that includes recent arrest information.
Fayette County: The Fayette County Detention Center offers an online inmate search function.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Kentucky?

Under Kentucky's Open Records Act, arrest records are generally available to the public with certain limitations:

Public Access

The general public can access most arrest records, including:

Media organizations
Researchers
Private individuals
Businesses conducting background checks (subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements)

Enhanced Access

Certain entities may have broader access to arrest records, including sealed or restricted information:

Criminal Justice Agencies:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Courts and prosecutors
- Correctional facilities
- Probation and parole departments
Government Agencies:
- Licensing boards
- Child protective services
- Other agencies with statutory authority
Special Circumstances:
- Attorneys representing individuals in criminal cases
- Researchers with approved protocols and confidentiality agreements
- Employers for positions requiring enhanced background checks under Kentucky law

Restricted Access

Access may be limited for:

Juvenile records (generally confidential under KRS 610.320)
Expunged or sealed records
Records subject to court-ordered restrictions
Records related to ongoing investigations

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Kentucky?

Yes, Kentucky agencies typically charge fees for providing arrest records. These fees vary by agency and the type of record requested:

Kentucky State Police

Criminal History Record: $20.00 per record
Certified Records: Additional $5.00 per certification
Expedited Service: Additional fees may apply

Kentucky State Police Records Branch
1266 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police

Administrative Office of the Courts

Court Record Search: $25.00 per name
Certified Court Records: $5.00 per document
CourtNet 2.0 Subscription: Various subscription levels available

Administrative Office of the Courts
1001 Vandalay Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 573-2350
Kentucky Court of Justice

Local Law Enforcement Agencies

Fees vary by agency but typically range from $5.00 to $25.00 per record.

Fee Waivers

Under KRS 61.874(3), certain requesters may qualify for fee waivers or reductions:

Requests for non-commercial purposes
Media organizations
Scholarly or scientific research
Indigent individuals (in some circumstances)

Payment methods typically include:

Cash (in-person only)
Check or money order
Credit/debit cards (for online services or in-person at some agencies)
Electronic payment methods for online services

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Kentucky

Kentucky maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying by agency and record type:

State-Level Records Retention

The Kentucky State Police and the Department of Criminal Justice Training maintain arrest records according to the following general guidelines:

Arrest Records for Felonies: Maintained permanently
Arrest Records for Misdemeanors: Typically maintained for at least 7 years after the case disposition
Arrest Records for Violations: Generally kept for 5 years after case disposition

Court Records Retention

The Administrative Office of the Courts follows retention schedules established by the Kentucky Court of Justice:

Felony Case Records: Maintained permanently
Misdemeanor Case Records: Typically kept for 10 years after case closure
Traffic Violations: Generally maintained for 3-5 years

Local Agency Retention

Local police departments and sheriff's offices typically follow retention schedules that align with state guidelines but may have some variations based on local policies and storage capabilities.

Digital Records

With the transition to digital record-keeping, many agencies now maintain electronic arrest records indefinitely, even when physical records might be destroyed according to retention schedules.

It's important to note that even when records are scheduled for destruction, they may be retained longer if:

They are related to ongoing investigations
They are subject to litigation holds
They have historical significance
They are connected to cases of continuing interest

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Kentucky Arrest Records?

When providing arrest records to the public, Kentucky agencies typically redact or restrict certain sensitive information in accordance with state and federal laws:

Commonly Redacted Information

Personal Identifiers:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Personal telephone numbers
- Home addresses of victims, witnesses, or certain protected individuals
- Financial account information
Sensitive Information:
- Medical and mental health information
- Information about sexual assault victims
- Child abuse details
- Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under KRS 61.878(1)(a)
Operational Security Information:
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Tactical details that could compromise law enforcement methods
Juvenile Information:
- Records related to juvenile offenders are generally confidential under KRS 610.320 and KRS 610.340

Statutory Restrictions

Certain records may be entirely restricted from public access, including:

Records sealed by court order
Expunged records
Records related to ongoing investigations that could be compromised by disclosure
Records specifically exempted by statute

Special Protections

Kentucky law provides enhanced privacy protections for:

Victims of domestic violence, sexual offenses, and human trafficking
Witnesses in certain criminal cases
Law enforcement personnel and their families
Individuals in witness protection programs

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Kentucky

Kentucky law provides several mechanisms for sealing or expunging arrest records under specific circumstances:

Expungement Process

Under KRS 431.073 and KRS 431.076, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following situations:

Acquittals and Dismissals:
- Records of arrests resulting in acquittal or dismissal may be eligible for immediate expungement
- A 60-day waiting period applies after dismissal or acquittal
- Filing fee: $100 (may be waived for indigent persons)
Convictions:
- Certain Class D felonies may be expunged after a 5-year waiting period
- Most misdemeanors may be expunged after a 5-year waiting period
- Violations may be expunged after a 5-year waiting period
- Filing fee: $300 (may be waived for indigent persons)

Application Process

To apply for expungement:

Obtain and complete the appropriate expungement petition form from the Kentucky Court of Justice website
File the petition in the court where the case was handled
Pay the required filing fee
Attend the scheduled hearing (if required)
If granted, the court will order all relevant agencies to expunge the records

Automatic Expungement

Kentucky has implemented limited automatic expungement for certain offenses under KRS 431.076:

Cases resulting in acquittal or dismissal with prejudice
Cases where charges were not pursued (after 60 days)

Ineligible Offenses

Certain offenses are not eligible for expungement, including:

Sex offenses
Crimes against children
Human trafficking offenses
Violent offenses resulting in serious physical injury or death
Multiple felony convictions

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

Kentucky law imposes several important limitations on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts:

Employment Limitations

Under Kentucky law and federal regulations:

Ban the Box Provisions:
- Executive Order 2017-064 prohibits state agencies from asking about criminal history on initial job applications
- Some Kentucky cities, including Louisville, have local "ban the box" ordinances for public employment
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) Requirements:
- Employers using third-party background check companies must:
  - Obtain written consent before conducting a background check
  - Provide pre-adverse action notice if considering denial based on criminal history
  - Provide adverse action notice if denying employment based on criminal history
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Guidelines:
- Employers should conduct individualized assessments considering:
  - Nature and gravity of the offense
  - Time elapsed since the offense
  - Nature of the job sought

Housing Limitations

Housing providers using arrest records may be subject to:

Fair Housing Act restrictions on discriminatory practices
FCRA requirements for consumer reports
Local ordinances in some Kentucky cities limiting the use of criminal history in housing decisions

Licensing Limitations

Professional licensing boards in Kentucky must follow:

KRS Chapter 335B, which limits consideration of criminal records for occupational licensing
Requirements that criminal records must relate directly to the specific occupation
Provisions allowing consideration of rehabilitation evidence

Prohibited Uses

Kentucky law prohibits using arrest records for:

Intimidation or harassment
Fraudulent purposes
Discrimination in violation of state or federal law
Commercial solicitation without consent

Penalties for Misuse

Misuse of arrest records may result in:

Civil liability under various state and federal laws
Administrative penalties from regulatory agencies
Criminal charges for certain types of misuse

Lookup Arrest Records in Kentucky

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Kentucky State Police Criminal Identification and Records Branch
1266 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 227-8700
Kentucky State Police

State Department of Corrections

Kentucky Department of Corrections
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40602
Phone: (502) 564-4726
Kentucky Department of Corrections

State Court System

Administrative Office of the Courts
1001 Vandalay Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 573-2350
Kentucky Court of Justice

Attorney General's Office

Kentucky Attorney General's Office
700 Capitol Avenue, Suite 118
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 696-5300
Kentucky Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
531 Court Place, Suite 600
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 574-5400
Jefferson County Sheriff
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
150 N. Limestone Street, Suite 265
Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 252-1771
Fayette County Sheriff
Kenton County Sheriff's Office
303 Court Street, Room 409
Covington, KY 41011
Phone: (859) 392-1800
Kenton County Sheriff
Boone County Sheriff's Office
3000 Conrad Lane
Burlington, KY 41005
Phone: (859) 334-2175
Boone County Sheriff
Warren County Sheriff's Office
429 East 10th Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 842-1633
Warren County Sheriff
Hardin County Sheriff's Office
150 N. Provident Way, Suite 101
Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Phone: (270) 765-5133
Hardin County Sheriff
Daviess County Sheriff's Office
212 St. Ann Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
Phone: (270) 685-8444
Daviess County Sheriff
Campbell County Sheriff's Office
1098 Monmouth Street
Newport, KY 41071
Phone: (859) 292-3833
Campbell County Sheriff
Madison County Sheriff's Office
135 W. Irvine Street
Richmond, KY 40475
Phone: (859) 623-1511
Madison County Sheriff
Bullitt County Sheriff's Office
300 S. Buckman Street
Shepherdsville, KY 40165
Phone: (502) 543-2514
Bullitt County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Louisville Metro Police Department
633 W. Jefferson Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 574-7111
Louisville Metro Police
Lexington Police Department
150 E. Main Street
Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 258-3600
Lexington Police
Bowling Green Police Department
911 Kentucky Street
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Phone: (270) 393-4000
Bowling Green Police
Owensboro Police Department
222 E. 9th Street
Owensboro, KY 42303
Phone: (270) 687-8888
Owensboro Police
Covington Police Department
1 Police Memorial Drive
Covington, KY 41014
Phone: (859) 292-2222
Covington Police

Federal Agencies Operating in Kentucky

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Louisville Field Office
12401 Sycamore Station Place
Louisville, KY 40299
Phone: (502) 263-6000
FBI Louisville

U.S. Marshals Service - Eastern District of Kentucky
101 Barr Street
Lexington, KY 40507
Phone: (859) 233-2673
U.S. Marshals Service

U.S. Marshals Service - Western District of Kentucky
601 W. Broadway, Room 106
Louisville, KY 40202
Phone: (502) 588-8000
U.S. Marshals Service

Federal Bureau of Prisons - FMC Lexington
3301 Leestown Road
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: (859) 255-6812
Federal Bureau of Prisons