Columbus Arrest Records

Arrest records in Columbus, Ohio, contain information on all arrest-related events. Interested parties typically obtain details from the Columbus Division of Police (CPD) or public documents, such as criminal records. However, other public documents, such as Franklin County Arrest Records, may contain arrest information, leading to court proceedings. Individuals arrested in Columbus are held at the Franklin County Corrections Center I and II.

Are Arrest Records Public in Columbus?

Under the Ohio Public Records Act (OPRA), arrest records in Columbus are generally public records. Anyone may request to view, copy, or reproduce arrest information maintained by record custodians unless otherwise stated by law. Nonetheless, the Act limits public access to certain records. Such exemptions include identifying information about sexual crime and abuse victims or witnesses, details of special investigative methods, juvenile records, confidential informant files, records of pending criminal investigation, images or depictions of victims of a sexually oriented offense, and restricted portions of body-worn or dashboard camera recordings.

Other restricted arrest-related information includes driver's licenses, state identification, social security numbers, state or federal tax identification numbers, credit/debit card numbers, and bank account numbers.

Interested parties seeking Columbus arrest records may contact the Columbus Division of Police Headquarters at the following address:

Columbus Division of Police Headquarters
120 Marconi Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43215
Public Records Office: (614) 645-4925

Columbus Arrest Statistics

A 5-year crime statistics report by the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) revealed that the Columbus Police Department reported 43,369 arrests between 2019 and 2023. The gender distribution of arrested offenders indicated that males constituted 77.40% (33,568) of all arrests within the period, while females accounted for 22.60% (9,801).

Further analysis of the type of offenses law enforcement officers arrested suspects for between 2019 and 2023 showed that all other offenses aside from traffic were commonplace, with 41.98% (18,277), followed by simple assault at 21.39% (9,311) and weapons carrying and possessing at 7.32% (3,185). Others include unspecified assault, larceny theft, and burglary, with 4.78% (2,081), 3.08% (1,341), and 2.79% (1,216), respectively.

Individuals arrested in Columbus are usually detained at the following locations:

Franklin County Corrections Center I (FCCCI)
370 S. Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 525-3368
Fax: (614) 525-4327

Franklin County Corrections Center II (FCCCII)
2460 Jackson Pike Columbus, OH 43223
Phone: (614) 525-7100
Fax: (614) 525-7620

Find Columbus Arrest Records

Individuals seeking Columbus arrest records should consider exploring the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's online inmate search service. The portal enables users to locate offenders currently serving time in a state prison. Such inmates may be under department monitoring or have been judicially released. Searchers may refine their searches using parameters like name, county, and hearing date.

At the national level, the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Inmate Locator tool enables visitors to locate federal inmates detained since 1982. They may search by name or BOP register number on the portal. Requesters may also access the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for historical federal jail records (before 1982). The platform provides visitors with an index of inmates who have been formerly incarcerated in various federal prisons.

Columbus Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

Arrest records are typically created by law enforcement personnel following the arrest and detention of a suspect or individual suspected of a crime. These documents typically include the arresting officer, witnesses, the incident's circumstances, the booking photo, and the arrestee's physical description.

Arrest records are often used by law enforcement for investigative purposes and by employers for exploratory background checks.

On the other hand, criminal records are comprehensive government documents that outline a person's criminal history. These records include information on arrest warrants, arrests, third-party complaints, convictions, instances that were not prosecuted, and reports on arrests and convictions.

Criminal records are frequently used as part of background checks by licensing authorities, employers, and landlords. Criminal prosecutions are used by criminal law enforcement to find suspects and impose punishment.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

Forever. Columbus arrest records will remain visible on a person's record unless expunged. Even if substantial time has passed since the arrest, the individual may still be subject to arrest unless they approach the courts to have the records expunged.

Columbus Arrest Warrants

Arrest warrants are legal instruments issued by judges or magistrates. They enable peace officers to apprehend individuals who have been accused of committing a crime.

An arrest warrant is issued in Columbus after a law enforcement officer submits an affidavit to a court. The affidavit must include adequate factual information to establish probable cause. If the judge is convinced, the warrant is issued.

Columbus arrest warrants typically include the identity of the individual whom law enforcement officers are to detain, the suspected offense, the signature of the issuing authority, and law enforcement directives related to the arrest.

Do Columbus Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, they will not expire. An arrest warrant remains valid until the individual named in it passes away or the judge dismisses it. The following circumstances may result in the revocation of arrest warrants in Columbus:

• A judge may revoke a warrant if it was granted in error or if the suspect appears in court voluntarily.
• The court may invalidate an arrest order if the prosecutor's office or law enforcement agencies alter the direction or objectives of a prosecution.

Please note that Ohio's statute of limitations, six years for most felonies and two years for misdemeanors, does not render an existing warrant invalid. Once a warrant is issued, it continues to provide authority to law enforcement, regardless of the statute of limitations.

Expunge Columbus Arrest Records

In Columbus, just like other parts of Ohio, individuals convicted of felony offenses such as sexual assault, aggravated murder, and kidnapping do not qualify for sealing or expungement of arrest records. Eligible individuals must undergo a waiting period, which varies depending on the severity of the offense.

Process for Expungement, Removal, or Sealing

Once the applicant's qualifications have been confirmed, they may begin the process. This must be preceded by the completion of any prison sentence, probation, or parole stipulations and the payment of any penalties or costs associated with the conviction.

Subsequently, the applicant must file a formal request with the court that heard their case. This request must include the required documents and personal information, such as name, date of birth, and details about the offense. After that, the court will review the application to ensure all conditions are met.

If granted, the court will issue an order to seal or expunge the records. This implies that the records will no longer be available to the public, and the affected individuals can legally claim they have no criminal record for the expunged offense.