Jay County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Jay County in 2026
JayRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Jay County, Indiana. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through the resources described below. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking records, court case filings, jail roster entries, and inmate status information. Access and completeness vary by source and the nature of the underlying record.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are currently available to members of the public seeking arrest record information in Jay County.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Jay County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the Jay County Jail. Members of the public may access current inmate information through the Indiana County Jail Public Portal, which allows searches by last name, first name, and date of birth across participating Indiana counties, including Jay County. The portal is updated on a regular basis and reflects current custody status. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and bond status.
Jay County Sheriff's Office
Jay County Courthouse, 3rd Floor
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-8188
Sheriff's Office – Jay County
2. Local Police Departments
The Portland Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Jay County. Arrest information originating from Portland Police Department activity may appear in court case filings accessible through state online tools. Press releases and public arrest logs may be issued periodically through the department's official communications.
Portland Police Department
321 N. Meridian St.
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-9395
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records in Jay County are frequently linked to criminal case filings maintained by the Jay County Clerk of Courts. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest using MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search, the official online platform operated by the Office of Judicial Administration. Searches may be conducted by the arrestee's name and return associated case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case disposition information.
Jay County Clerk of Courts
Jay County Courthouse
120 N. Court St.
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-4951
The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page provides additional guidance on accessing court records, including criminal case files, at the county level.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Indiana Department of Correction maintains the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search, which allows the public to search for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in state correctional facilities. Searches may be conducted by last name or by both first and last names. This resource is distinct from county jail records and reflects individuals sentenced to state custody following conviction, rather than those held pretrial at the county level.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: Jay County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, Portland, IN 47371
- Records division is located within the Sheriff's Office on the third floor of the courthouse
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Phone: (260) 726-8188
- What to bring: Valid government-issued photo identification and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
- Fees for copies: Standard copy fees apply per Indiana law; contact the office for current per-page rates
Police Departments:
- Portland Police Department, 321 N. Meridian St., Portland, IN 47371, (260) 726-9395
- Records requests are submitted in writing or in person during business hours
- Fees for copies are assessed per the agency's current fee schedule
Clerk of Court:
- Address: Jay County Courthouse, 120 N. Court St., Portland, IN 47371
- Criminal records division is located within the Clerk's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Phone: (260) 726-4951
- Case files are available for public inspection at the clerk's office or through MyCase online
- Copy fees: Standard per-page fees apply under Indiana law
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Jay County Sheriff's Office at Jay County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, Portland, IN 47371. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (260) 726-8188
- Basic custody status information may be available by phone; detailed record information requires an in-person visit or written request
- Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Staff may direct callers to the Indiana County Jail Public Portal or advise an in-person visit for comprehensive records
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest and booking records through formal discovery processes in pending criminal proceedings. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts may compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels. Records obtained through legal proceedings are subject to applicable court orders and protective orders.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Portland Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Jay County
Arrest records in Jay County are public records under Indiana law. Pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, Ind. Code § 5-14-3, members of the public have the right to inspect and copy records created and maintained by public agencies, including law enforcement agencies. Arrest records fall within the category of disclosable public records because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, safety, and accountability.
The public interest in access to arrest records encompasses government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalism and research, background screening, and use in legal proceedings. As the Indiana Public Access Counselor has noted, "The Access to Public Records Act reflects a fundamental policy that the public is entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government."
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information, including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Indiana law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Indiana Constitution, Article 1, Section 9, protects freedom of speech and press, which courts have recognized as supporting public access to government records. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions within Ind. Code § 5-14-3-4, which enumerates categories of records that agencies may or must withhold. Due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest records, which reflect an accusation, and conviction records, which reflect an adjudicated finding of guilt.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for employment decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 when obtaining records through consumer reporting agencies. The FCRA requires that employers provide notice and obtain consent before procuring a background check and follow adverse action procedures if the report influences an employment decision. Indiana does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal fair chance hiring requirements. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt and its use in employment and housing decisions is subject to legal scrutiny.
What's in Jay County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name
- Aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth
- Age at time of arrest
- Sex/gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks, including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public disclosures
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest, including street address or general area
- Arresting agency, such as the Jay County Sheriff's Office, Portland Police Department, or Indiana State Police
- Arresting officer name and badge number, where included
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Indiana statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification, including felony level or misdemeanor class
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation, where applicable
- Gang-related designation, where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record disclosures
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status, reflecting whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
- Bail bondsman information, where applicable
- Release date and time, if the individual has been released
- Release conditions, where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following arrest
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location
- Judge assignment, where available through MyCase
Prior Arrest History:
Prior arrests within Jay County may appear in booking records and are sometimes reflected in court case histories accessible through MyCase. Historical charges and prior booking numbers may be included in records maintained by the Sheriff's Office, though their inclusion in routine public disclosures varies.
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Substance abuse information
- Social Security number, which is redacted from public disclosures
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Compile information from multiple sources, including arrest records, court records, and conviction data
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Jay County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Jay County is governed by Indiana's public records fee structure. Under Ind. Code § 5-14-3-8, public agencies may charge fees for the copying of public records but may not charge for the inspection of records. The following fee structure applies to records requests submitted to Jay County agencies:
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection of records | No charge |
| Paper copies | $0.10 per page (standard rate under state law) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee; contact the Clerk's Office for current rate |
| Electronic copies | Fees vary; agencies may charge for the cost of reproduction |
| Search fees | Not permitted under Indiana law for routine public records requests |
Accepted payment methods at the Jay County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Courts include cash and check; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods prior to submitting a request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in circumstances where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing with supporting documentation.
Online access through the Indiana County Jail Public Portal, MyCase, and the Indiana Incarcerated Database Search is available at no charge to the public.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Jay County
Indiana law provides two primary mechanisms for the legal removal or restriction of arrest records: expungement, which results in the sealing or restriction of records from public access, and in certain circumstances, the physical destruction of records. Expungement under Indiana law does not always result in the permanent destruction of records but restricts their disclosure and, in many cases, permits the individual to legally state that the arrest did not occur for most purposes.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
Indiana's expungement statute, Ind. Code § 35-38-9, governs the expungement of arrest records and criminal convictions. Expungement under this statute results in the restriction of records from public access and, for arrests that did not result in conviction, may result in the notation that the record has been expunged. Sealing, as a distinct remedy, is available in limited circumstances and restricts access more broadly, including from certain background check inquiries.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in a conviction, including dismissed charges, acquittals, and cases where the prosecutor declined to file charges, are eligible for expungement under Ind. Code § 35-38-9-1 without a waiting period in most circumstances.
- Misdemeanor convictions are eligible for expungement after a waiting period of five years from the date of conviction, provided no criminal charges are pending and all fines, fees, and restitution have been paid.
- Felony convictions carry longer waiting periods and additional eligibility requirements depending on the level of the offense; certain serious violent felonies and sex offenses are not eligible for expungement.
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record or court case from the Jay County Clerk of Courts or through MyCase to confirm the case details.
- Determine eligibility based on the nature of the arrest, the case disposition, and the applicable waiting period under Ind. Code § 35-38-9.
- Prepare and file a Petition for Expungement in the Jay County Circuit or Superior Court. Petition forms may be available through the Clerk of Courts.
- Pay the applicable filing fee; the current filing fee for expungement petitions in Indiana is set by the Indiana Supreme Court and is subject to change.
- Serve the petition on the Jay County Prosecutor's Office, which has the opportunity to object.
- Attend any scheduled hearing on the petition.
- If the court grants the petition, the order is transmitted to the Indiana State Police, the arresting agency, and the Clerk of Courts for implementation.
Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:
Jay County Circuit Court / Superior Court
Jay County Courthouse
120 N. Court St.
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-4951
Indiana Judicial Branch: Public Records
Jay County Prosecutor's Office
Jay County Courthouse
120 N. Court St.
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-4951
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Indiana attorney, particularly for felony convictions or complex case histories. The Indiana State Bar Association operates a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
What Happens After Arrest in Jay County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Jay County, the arrested individual is transported to the Jay County Jail, located within the Jay County Courthouse complex in Portland. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if the investigation requires completion of on-site procedures.
Jay County Jail
Jay County Courthouse, 3rd Floor
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-8188
Sheriff's Office – Jay County
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Jay County Jail, the booking process is initiated. The duration of booking is typically one to four hours, depending on facility volume. The booking process includes the following steps:
- Personal information is recorded, including full legal name, date of birth, address, and physical description
- Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
- A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
- Fingerprints are collected and submitted for criminal history and outstanding warrant checks
- Personal property is inventoried and stored
- Jail clothing is issued
- A medical screening is conducted
- A brief mental health screening is administered
- Housing classification is determined based on charges and facility population
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Indiana law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judicial officer for an initial hearing within a reasonable time following arrest, and in no event later than 48 hours after a warrantless arrest. The initial hearing serves the following purposes:
- Formal notification of the charges
- Appointment of a public defender for individuals who qualify based on financial need
- Determination of bond or bail
- Advisement of constitutional rights
Initial hearings in Jay County are conducted in the Jay County Circuit or Superior Court and may be conducted via video conference in certain circumstances.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond:
- The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
- The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable court costs and fees
- The bond amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or pursuant to a bond schedule
Surety Bond:
- The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman
- A non-refundable premium of ten percent of the bond amount is paid to the bondsman
- The bondsman posts the full bond amount with the court
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):
- The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all court dates
- No monetary payment is required
- Eligibility is based on ties to the community, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and an assessment of flight risk
No Bond:
- The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, a demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, a violation of probation or parole, an immigration hold, or an out-of-state warrant
Conditions of Release:
Release on bond may be subject to conditions including regular check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision through the court's pretrial services program.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If Bond Is Posted:
- Processing for release is completed within one to eight hours following payment
- Personal property is returned
- A written notice of the court date is provided
- Written conditions of release are issued
- Failure to appear at any court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant
If Bond Is Not Posted:
- The individual remains in custody at the Jay County Jail
- A housing assignment is made
- Inmate orientation is conducted
- Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who are financially unable to retain private counsel are entitled to appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is determined based on income and assets. The Jay County Public Defender's Office provides representation in criminal proceedings in Jay County courts.
Jay County Public Defender's Office
Jay County Courthouse
120 N. Court St.
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-4951
Private Attorney:
Defendants retain the right to hire private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Indiana State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Jay County Jail, and all attorney-client consultations are confidential.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
Following arrest, the Jay County Prosecutor's Office reviews the arrest and available evidence to determine whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an Information charging the defendant, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking. This review is completed within days to weeks of the arrest, depending on the complexity of the case.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant appears before the court for a formal reading of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or, in certain circumstances, no contest. The arraignment is scheduled within a reasonable time following the filing of charges. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and the court sets subsequent hearing dates.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, during which the prosecution and defense exchange evidence including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio and video recordings. Pretrial motions, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges, are filed and heard during this phase. Pretrial conferences are conducted to assess case readiness and facilitate plea negotiations.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal deficiencies; dismissed cases may be eligible for expungement
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a recommended sentence or reduced charges
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial; the prosecution and defense present evidence and argument; the verdict is guilty or not guilty
Sentencing (If Convicted):
Following a conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines and court costs, restitution to victims, community service, drug or alcohol treatment, or a combination of these. Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence of incarceration. The defendant is advised of the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks, depending on case complexity
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying widely based on charge severity and court docket
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within three to six months in many cases
- Felonies: May require six months to over one year for resolution
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Indiana Constitution, Article 1, Section 12
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to an attorney
- Right to a speedy trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
Important Contacts:
Sheriff's Office (Jail)
Jay County Courthouse, 3rd Floor
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-8188
Sheriff's Office – Jay County
Clerk of Court
Jay County Courthouse
120 N. Court St.
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-4951
MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search
Jay County Prosecutor's Office
Jay County Courthouse
120 N. Court St.
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-4951
Jay County Public Defender's Office
Jay County Courthouse
120 N. Court St.
Portland, IN 47371
Phone: (260) 726-4951
What to Do If You Are Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Jay County?
Records Retention Overview:
The retention of arrest records in Jay County is governed by Indiana law and the records retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records. Under Indiana's public records retention framework, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retention is permanent across all maintaining agencies
- Records are maintained indefinitely by the Jay County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Courts, the Indiana State Police criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retention is permanent at the state repository and court level
- Local law enforcement records are maintained for a minimum period consistent with the Indiana Commission on Public Records retention schedule; contact the Sheriff's Office for the current applicable schedule
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum period established by the state retention schedule
- Court records are maintained and may remain accessible unless expunged
- Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject obtains an expungement order
Acquittals (Not Guilty):
- Court records are maintained and are often permanent absent an expungement order
- Local law enforcement records are retained per the applicable retention schedule
- Expungement is available to remove these records from public access
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum period per the state retention schedule
- These records are among the most readily eligible for expungement under Ind. Code § 35-38-9-1
No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):
- Law enforcement records are retained per the applicable schedule
- These arrests are eligible for expungement, and individuals may petition the court for removal from public access
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained per the Indiana Commission on Public Records schedule applicable to law enforcement agencies
- Physical evidence retention varies based on case outcome and applicable law
Digital Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records and records management system entries are retained per agency policy and state schedule
- Court electronic records maintained through the Indiana courts system are retained on a permanent basis in many categories
- Mugshot databases maintained by third-party commercial entities are not subject to state retention schedules and may retain records indefinitely
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest record information indefinitely and are not required to update records when an expungement order is issued by an Indiana court. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain reasonable procedures to ensure the accuracy of reported information, but enforcement of this requirement against third-party websites that do not operate as consumer reporting agencies is limited.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records and arrest reports are retained per the Indiana Commission on Public Records law enforcement retention schedule
- Investigative files are retained based on case type and disposition
- Phone: (260) 726-8188
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files are retained permanently
- Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum period established by the Indiana Supreme Court's records retention rules
- Electronic court records are maintained on a permanent basis through the Indiana courts system
State Repository:
- The Indiana State Police Central Repository maintains criminal history records, including arrest data, for all jurisdictions in Indiana
- Retention policy is governed by Indiana law and state police administrative rules
- The Indiana Incarcerated Database Search reflects individuals in state custody
FBI Database:
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records on a permanent basis
- These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance and in firearms purchase background checks
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
- Expungement: Local records are sealed or restricted; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party commercial databases is not guaranteed and may require separate action by the individual
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
Recent arrests are accessible online through the Indiana County Jail Public Portal and MyCase. Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Jay County Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Courts, and records that predate digitization may exist only in paper form in the agency's archives. Very old records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule, and individuals seeking such records should contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (260) 726-8188 to determine availability.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records, though convictions may be reported indefinitely. Indiana does not currently impose a statewide restriction on the reporting period for convictions. Arrests that did not result in conviction are not reported as convictions, though the arrest record itself may appear in certain background check products. Expungement of an Indiana arrest record restricts its disclosure in most background check contexts, though law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for law enforcement purposes.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Jay County Sheriff's Records Division at (260) 726-8188 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at Jay County Courthouse, 3rd Floor, Portland, IN 47371. Fees may apply for copies of records provided in response to a written request.